Apple Addresses 10.6.8 Problems
A few weeks ago, in “Mac OS X 10.6.8 Suffers Printing and Audio Problems” (1 July 2011), I noted that people upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard had been experiencing a number of problems, most notably related to printing and audio. (For details about what was supposed to change in 10.6.8, see “Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Preps for Lion,” 24 June 2011.)
Apple has now released a number of updates to address these problems, depending on what version of Mac OS X you’re running. For those who have already upgraded to 10.6.8, the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Supplemental Update (10.19 MB) says that it fixes problems with network printers pausing print jobs and failing to complete, plus system audio failing when using HDMI or optical audio out. In addition, the update says that it also solves problems transferring data from a Snow Leopard Mac to a new Mac running 10.7 Lion; the implication is that the Migration Assistant Update for Mac OS X Snow Leopard has been rolled in. Apple also released Mac OS X 10.6.8 Server Supplemental Update, which presumably fixes the same problems and also improves server-side performance when using Server Monitor.
If you were cautious and haven’t yet updated to 10.6.8, Apple has now released Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update v1.1, presumably (though they don’t actually say so) to address the same problems addressed by the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Supplemental Update. So, assuming that these problems have indeed been addressed and no others introduced, it’s probably safer to upgrade to 10.6.8 now. That said, if you have no pressing need to upgrade from a previous version of Snow Leopard, I still recommend waiting a week or two to make sure no new problems crop up. For instance, although it’s unclear how widespread these issues are, I’m still receiving anecdotal complaints about Wi-Fi dropouts and sending messages in Mail. And, of course, there’s no
significant need to update to 10.6.8 at all, if you’re happy with 10.6.7 and not planning on updating to Lion any time soon.
As usual, Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update v1.1 comes in four different versions; delta updates from 10.6.7 and combo updates that will work on any version of 10.6, for both the desktop and server versions of Snow Leopard.
-
Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update v1.1 (453.55 MB)
-
Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 (1.09 GB)
-
Mac OS X Server 10.6.8 Update v1.1 (518.28 MB)
-
Mac OS X Server 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 (1.18 GB)
I updated as described from 10.6.8 on a new mac mini (Supplemental Update) and now I cannot send from Mail. It worked fine before the update. I can send from Entourage ok. I receive in Mail, but the send button is greyed out as is Message - Send. I have tried a restart. Thanks, the outgoing had changed to none - resetting solved the problem
That's very weird - I wouldn't have expected any Mail-related issues; Mail itself hasn't changed in some time on my Mac. Perhaps try resetting your SMTP settings?
Yes have also had issues with Mail server since 10.6.8
Audio files that the phone system sends have been corrupted (sometimes) also sending internal emails has been intermittent. The server has been rock solid previously. just updated to 10.6.8.1
Many of the forums have carried accounts of problems with lost wireless connectivity. Surprised you didn't see them. I've had endless wireless disconnects after varying periods of being connected. Some of the solutions suggested have been SMC and PRAM resets; installing the Combo update; or in extreme cases, reversion to 10.6.7. I was just about to reinstall SL from my install disk and then plough through the updates to 10.6.7 when I saw this issue of Tidbits.
I'll now try the v1.1 Supplemental. Fingers crossed.
Let us know - I hadn't seen what seemed like reproducible or widespread reports of Wi-Fi problems, but you never know...
Adam,
There were several threads on the matter on the Apple communities site, as well as on MacWorld (I think) - anyway, enough to suggest that it has been a problem for some.
I've since installed the Supplemental download. I've had one disconnect since (i.e. in 12 hours or so) when I would have expected one every hour or so.
Interestingly, from the moment I first downloaded the original update (non-combo) I too had problems with Apple Mail. My Inbox, with about 900 messages in it suddenly stopped displaying message content for all the emails received before the installation of the Combo update. When I rebuilt the Inbox yesterday, all but 6 messages simply disappeared.
I'm now trying to restore my Library/Mail folder from an online back-up.
This is really tiresome and unbelievably time-wasting, as I'm sure you'll appreciate. It would be useful to know why the problems occurred in the first place, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Ach, sorry to hear you're having so many problems - reverting to 10.6.7 (or moving to 10.7) might be the better part of valor.
The update didn't produce any new problems for me, but neither did it fix my CUPS related printing issues. In any case I imagine I'll just live with the previous workaround (replacing a few of the CUPS unix applications with those from 10.6.7) until such time as I move on to Lion.
Incidentally in my testing Lion prints to my Xerox network printer with no issues whatsoever but of course does introduce other hardware and software compatibility issues which I'll have to deal with at some point in the next few months when I'm ready to upgrade.
Had kept it waiting, have now updated from Combo v.1.1 – and from an external volume; no issue (printing, audio) whatsoever. Only using Entourage, though.
Since 10.6.8 broke my printing and the workarounds didn't work, I tried upgrading to Lion. It didn't resolve my printing issues and broke MS Office 2011 as well. Has Apple addressed it with a Lion update yet?
No, there are no updates to Lion yet.
done all the updates and still printer pauses,,$3k paper weight here now what to do, macbook pro 10.6.8 with 1.1 and supplemental hp 8000 ethernet ip printing,,but cannot print
I think contacting HP support is your best bet. Sorry!