macOS 10.12 Sierra Unsupported Macs Thread

[RumorzGuy]

I would have less of a problem buying a new machine if the new machine was what I needed. The new Mac Pro is not a good replacement for the old ones, IMO. The old ones offered tons of *internal* expansion possibilities, the new ones do not. If I had to pull all the stuff I have inside my old Mac Pro out and put it on my desk and attach via cables to to USB or thunderbolt or whatever -- it would be a horrendous mess. The current pro is more like a pumped-up mini -- what you bought is what you got. Bring back a *pro* Mac Pro and I might be more likely to pony up the dollars.

Oh, I agree. I have been a Mac user for 26 years now, so I have watched the evolution of desktop Macs. I have seen what has been ripped out, squeezed together, smashed, flattened, etc., which guarantees that these modern machines will wear out more quickly.

Let's be honest. All manufacturers -- computers or otherwise -- purposely make their products with a definite life span in mind. They are purposely made to wear out, so that we are forced to purchase a new one. This is not conspiracy theory, it is fact. Just look at how tough Apple computers used to be made two decades ago. Look at how cars were built fifty years ago. Things were made to last a lot longer back then. Sadly, greed has cheapened everything.
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Glad this got your goat It is exciting. That's why I deem it worthy of attention.

No goats here, or cows, or horses . . . but man, you should hear the frog chorus late at night just outside my window. I find it quite entertaining. Oddly enough, I don't hear it right now. I wonder if the mating season has ended so abruptly.

I want to reiterate though - At the moment, this is can be viewed as a complementary tool to @dosdude1's patcher(s). Of relevance after a full patched install.

Oh, I wasn't aware of this point. Are you saying that a person must have a patched version of Sierra already installed on theirr system before they can use foxlet's AUS? In other words, someone cannot use this for an initial install of Sierra on their machine, say from El Capitan?

You asked about automatic updates: short answer YES.

Excellent!

But the good news is that --clear-catalog generally works.

Yes, I have been familiar with this terminal command for a while now. Very useful indeed.

While set to a new catalog, just --list is necessary to manually trigger local updates.

Okay, just to clarify what you are saying for everyone here, "--list" only needs to be used more than once, if you happen to change from one catalog to another, correct?

Now, are you just referring to foxlet's catalogs? Or when we switch back to one of Apple's catalogs as well? I have never used it with any of Apple's catalogs.

Can we trust these downloads?: inmho YES.

Oh, I agree. I mentioned it as just a point for everyone to consider when making their decision. Personally, I would not be using either of their tools, or donating, if I did not trust them.

This command is a way to find out where you're pointing to

defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate.plist

Very useful. I wasn't familiar with that command. Thanks!

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.

 

[pkouame]

@RumorzGuy

Oh, I wasn't aware of this point. Are you saying that a person must have a patched version of Sierra already installed on theirr system before they can use foxlet's AUS? In other words, someone cannot use this for an initial install of Sierra on their machine, say from El Capitan?

Yes. It just solves the Apple future incremental (maybe combo also) patches issue. Although I believe @foxlet (has once and) may be hard at work providing an alternate full solution. I don't think this supports full releases. But we're done with that right? The El Cap links are different. There are sites that provide similar Apple catalog links for their previous OSes.

Okay, just to clarify what you are saying for everyone here, "--list" only needs to be used more than once, if you happen to change from one catalog to another, correct?

Now, are you just referring to foxlet's catalogs? Or when we switch back to one of Apple's catalogs as well? I have never used it with any of Apple's catalogs.

--list can be used any time to get the most current refresh for your current catalog. It is safe and non-destructive, you can repeatedly issue this command at will. It's akin to refreshing updates and purchases in the MAS Apple GUI app. If and when you do decide to update your system via the standard Mac App Store GUI for example, subsequent lists will output either nothing (You're up-to-date - all is well - Bob's your Uncle) or whatever's left in your goodie bag. A catalog only needs to be set or reset once in a while.

Hope this is clear.
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I'm probably just going to abandon my software update patch tool project, since this is a much better, more reliable, and more streamlined solution. I'll probably throw together a GUI tool that will allow users to easily apply @foxlet's catalog URL on their systems.

First of all, don't abandon anything! You da MAN on this thread!

IMHO, you have two utilities one to patch the full installer and another to patch updates. The former will always be sorely needed by some. The second needs to live just in case @foxlet's route glitches out or whatever else happens down the line. Belts and suspenders. Now I can't speak to the time and effort you have spent on this project must be a strain...that's why some of us provide some level of second tier support...just basking in your light

As always, I offer to help code/maintain/document too.

I speak for everyone here. Keep up the good work.

 

[fischersd]

That one I have tried thank you

The package installs but the utility won't start under Sierra

Under el cap it works just fine

Ok, that wireless utility setup will actually work, but you need to load the RT2870USBWirelessDriver.kext file from El Capitan first. The one I have is dated Dec 7, 2015 and has a version of 5.0.1.25 when I look at the info.plist.

Use kext utility to load it (http://mac.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/Kext-Utility.shtml), then reboot (after booting up, the light on the USB adapter should be on). Then install the wireless utility, let it find your network on the Site Survey tab, then highlight your network, click connect and enter your network credentials - after a successful connection, it should have it on the profiles tab.

 

[jimithing1]

Got my 2008 Mac Pro up and running and everything is working fine, minus Migration Assistant changing the name of the short name on my home directory and adding a 1 to it. Still need to figure that out. Wifi and Bluetooth work fine thanks to upgrading last year to a more compatible card. Thanks to everyone here including foxlet and dosdude1. My still speedy and reliable Mac Pro lives on for another year or so!

 

[KernkraftX360]

Got my 2008 Mac Pro up and running and everything is working fine, minus Migration Assistant changing the name of the short name on my home directory and adding a 1 to it. Still need to figure that out. Wifi and Bluetooth work fine thanks to upgrading last year to a more compatible card. Thanks to everyone here including foxlet and dosdude1. My still speedy and reliable Mac Pro lives on for another year or so!

What graphics card do you use on your Mac pro 2008? The nvidia web driver that's made for sierra giving me graphics glitches.

 

[jimithing1]

What graphics card do you use on your Mac pro 2008? The nvidia web driver that's made for sierra giving me graphics glitches.

ATI HD 5770, no issues so far with it.

 

[pkouame]

What graphics card do you use on your Mac pro 2008? The nvidia web driver that's made for sierra giving me graphics glitches.

Recently upgrade my macPro 3,1 2008 with GTX680 2GB. Works fine with the latest Nvidia Web driver 367.10.10.05b01
Currently hooked up to old 24 cinema lcd display though, so haven't tried new 4K led displays or the hdmi port.

 

[Didier92300]

Thanks !

 

[jimithing1]

Anyone have any issues with Maps crashing? It won't open for me after updating.

 

[foxlet]

Anyone have any issues with Maps crashing? It won't open for me after updating.

Maps works fine on this end (16A320 and 16A323)

It would probably help to get a copy of the Error Report generated by OS X when the app crashes (Report -> Show More Details -> Select All and Copy)

 

[Pinarek]

foxlet Thank you for this tip with Terminalcommand for Catalogupdate.

Immediately came the update for Beta 1 and I was able to install, as one would expect under normal were supporting Macs. Hopefully it continues to function even when Beta2 or 3 etc. come. And the good thing is, you need to patch dosdude1 not run.

Nevertheless, I would be interested how an update of the file: macOSUpd10.12.1.pkg that is indeed available in some Forums download, how to install this file?

 

[jimithing1]

Maps works fine on this end (16A320 and 16A323)

It would probably help to get a copy of the Error Report generated by OS X when the app crashes (Report -> Show More Details -> Select All and Copy)

Strange, just did a restart and it is working fine now.

 

[pkouame]

I'm probably just going to abandon my software update patch tool project, since this is a much better, more reliable, and more streamlined solution. I'll probably throw together a GUI tool that will allow users to easily apply @foxlet's catalog URL on their systems.

I would also add to my previous response ...
Designing a back end service like AUS to serve periodic and mostly manual requests is entirely different than one that can support being called by a utility, even just a wrapper like you are thinking of. So I would definitely not venture there without discussing it with the developer first. Just a thought. Your are pulling from the alternate mas with github code anyway. I would continue along those lines...

 

[Smacky]

Hi guys, I have Sierra installed on a Macbook Pro 5,3 using dosdude's patch tools, however I don't think the ambient light sensor is working because the screen and keyboard brightness don't change under different light conditions.

When I applied the patches I manually ticked the ambient light sensor option, but reading through the thread it seems perhaps this option was designed for a different model. If so, could installing this patch have messed up the operation of my ambient light sensor? And if so, how can I remove this patch?

Cheers!

 

[pkouame]

Hi guys, I have Sierra installed on a Macbook Pro 5,3 using dosdude's patch tools, however I don't think the ambient light sensor is working because the screen and keyboard brightness don't change under different light conditions.

When I applied the patches I manually ticked the ambient light sensor option, but reading through the thread it seems perhaps this option was designed for a different model. If so, could installing this patch have messed up the operation of my ambient light sensor? And if so, how can I remove this patch?

Cheers!

Ouch! @Smacky ...Everything was going great on my mbp 5,3 until you had to bring this up .

Never really checked and YES my sensor is down also. Both screen and keyboard seem affected. I think the actual sensor is located on iSight's left (when facing the display of course). I didn't "tick" the ambient light sensor option though. The keyboard controls for both display and keyboard brightness work...thank god. You're thinking of removing your Sierra patch? Can't say I ever really checked if it was working on El Cap also. Mine is usually permanently docked next to my development (cMP) system anyway. Hmmm.. let me check what the Apple forums say about this.

 

[fischersd]

Ouch! @Smacky ...Everything was going great on my mbp 5,3 until you had to bring this up .

Never really checked and YES my sensor is down also. Both screen and keyboard seem affected. I think the actual sensor is located on iSight's left (when facing the display of course). I didn't "tick" the ambient light sensor option though. The keyboard controls for both display and keyboard brightness work...thank god. You're thinking of removing your Sierra patch? Can't say I ever really checked if it was working on El Cap also. Mine is usually permanently docked next to my development (cMP) system anyway. Hmmm.. let me check what the Apple forums say about this.

The patcher has an issue. It's not patching the AmbientLightSensorHID.plugin currently. (that's why it's not enabled, despite you selecting that).

Edit: If you look on the USB drive that has the patcher, under /Applications/Utilities/macOS Post Install/Contents/Resources you'll find the AmbientLightSensorHID.plugin

You can use kext utility to apply it to your system.

 

[pkouame]

The patcher has an issue. It's not patching the AmbientLightSensorHID.plugin currently. (that's why it's not enabled, despite you selecting that).

+ @Smacky

Ok. Got some code compiling on my pro. Will be a very long build. Bored and up for another challenge...

@fischersd
- has anyone tried manually patching the plugin? Has that been identified as the definitive cause?
- Anyone on mbp 5,3 with a working ambient sensor ? Would be great to check their kext situation.

I'm scouring apple forums and there are (obviously) tons of ambient sensor issues going back years. Our systems are pretty old though, so kind of a bear figuring out what's relevant.

I think my system shipped with 10.5.7 "Leopard". Don't have the old "disks" anymore. But I can download some "working" kexts from Leopard developer/downloads if necessary.

 

[fischersd]

- has anyone tried manually patching the plugin? Has that been identified as the definitive cause?
- Anyone on mbp 5,3 with a working ambient sensor? Would be great to check their kext situation.

I'm scouring apple forums and there are (obviously) tons of ambient sensor issues going back years. Our systems are pretty old though, so kind of a bear figuring out what's relevant.

I think my system shipped with 10.5.7 "Leopard". Don't have the old "disks" anymore. But I can download some "working" kexts from Leopard developer/downloads if necessary.

It'll be the same plugin for both your systems as well as my 2008 MBP 17" 4,1 (which I just did today with dosdude1's tool v4.0.8).
I was pestering him on another thread - he found the problem in the post-install tool and has patched the tool.

 

[pkouame]

It'll be the same plugin for both your systems as well as my 2008 MBP 17" 4,1 (which I just did today with dosdude1's tool v4.0.8).
I was pestering him on another thread - he found the problem in the post-install tool and has patched the tool.

So you fixed it how? By re-running post install with the option checked? If so, was it the only thing you checked?

Thanks man.

 

[fischersd]

So you fixed it how? By re-running post install with the option checked? If so, was it the only thing you checked?

Thanks man.

Well, you could...if you wanted to re-build the USB patcher (which is more work).

I just used kext utility http://mac.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/Kext-Utility.shtml to re-apply the plug-in.

(copy it from the USB patcher to your desktop, then use kext utility to apply it)

 

[aquaticflow]

Anyone know the Mac App Store id to download the El Capitan installer? I want to use the command line mas application, and to make a recovery partition, I need the installer to do it.

I have the El Cap GM installer in my purchases, and that would probably work, but I'd rather have the plain installer.

 

[quillo]

So you have successfully and fully installed the macOS Sierra installer on three different flash drives, and each time that you have tried to boot from those same three flash drives, you have gotten the prohibited symbol?

Exactly how do you select to boot from the flash drive?

What is the size of your flash drives?

Are you certain that you are not trying to boot from a corrupted internal hard drive, that is, from a corrupted startup drive on your actual machine?

Just a few basic questions to get an idea of what might be going on there.

I haven't even installed it, I cannot get into the installer, everytime I try to boot from the usb to install Sierra I can't I get the circle with the slash.

I boot like this, as soon as I hear the apple chime I hold option and then select my flash drive.

one flashdrive, 8gb, one 16gb and one 64gb

 

[pkouame]

Well, you could...if you wanted to re-build the USB patcher (which is more work).

I just used kext utility http://mac.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/Kext-Utility.shtml to re-apply the plug-in.

(copy it from the USB patcher to your desktop, then use kext utility to apply it)

Cool. That works.

By the way, I think that's a Russian utility. Once made the mistake of actually going to his/her homepage in .ru and got spammed and hacked. Nothing against russians...just make sure you're fully virus protected when going abroad. But I believe mac.softpedia.com does a decent job of filtering things like that.

So ambient light on mbp 5,3 solution...this was too easy Thanks again.

 

[foxlet]

Anyone know the Mac App Store id to download the El Capitan installer? I want to use the command line mas application, and to make a recovery partition, I need the installer to do it.

I have the El Cap GM installer in my purchases, and that would probably work, but I'd rather have the plain installer.

The ID for "Install OS X El Capitan" is 1018109117

 

[aquaticflow]

The ID for "Install OS X El Capitan" is 1018109117

Thank you!