OS Update

Generally the updates supplied by Apple through the Software Update application are safe to install. Since the methods described here use a retail version of the OS with minimal modifications, updates are usually compatible... with one major exception. 10.5 Leopard OS point upgrades (the ones that bump up the last number of your OS version) have a few issues. Do not use Software Update to install OS 10.5.x updates! Only use the Combo Updates downloaded from the Apple website.

10.6 Snow Leopard is just fine installing from Software Update. In fact, in most instances it works better than using the Combo Update package.

MAKE A BACKUP! I can't stress this enough, this is not a flawless process! Make a backup of your drive using Disk Utility or Carbon Copy Cloner, at the very least have a Time Machine backup of your files. Better safe than sorry...

Please follow the instructions for your OS only.

Snow Leopard: Update from 10.6.x to 10.6.3

  1. Make sure you have installed the latest bootloader using NetbookInstaller (0.8.4 RC1 as of this document) and close any programs, making sure to save your work (if necessary.)
  2. Open Software Update (Apple logo > Software Update…) and download the latest updates. You will need to enter your password before installation can begin.
    If Software Update doesn't work you can also manually install by downloading the 10.6.3 Combo Update.
  3. Your computer should automatically restart when installation is complete. That's it!

Leopard: Update to 10.5.8

  1. Close any other programs and save all work (if necessary).
  2. If you haven't already, run NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 Final (mirror), making sure to check the options for the bootloader and extensions.
  3. Open the 10.5.8 Combo Update. Do not use Software Update.
  4. Press Continue and Agree as needed, then press Install, enter your password, and press "Continue Installion".
  5. When installation is finished, press the Restart button.
  6. When the Dell logo appears, press and hold the Shift key until the bootloader appears.
  7. Highlight (if necessary) your Mac partition and type "-x" so that is looks like "boot: -x" in the bottom-left corner.
  8. If successful, it should boot into Mac OS X Safe Mode. Enter your password to login.
  9. Run NetbookInstaller 0.8.3 Final (mirror) again, select the following settings:
    • Volume: <your internal drive>
    • Install Chameleon 2 NBI bootloader
    • Install <your model name> Extensions
    • Regenerate a system specific dsdt.aml file
    • <Any other options you would like, the above are necessary.>
  10. Press Install, enter your password and press OK. When installation is complete, press OK and restart your computer as normal.

If you experience issues: Combo Update disk image won't mount. mach_kernel error message.

mechdrew OS Update Version 1.03