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News Update February 8

Mark/Space adds support for BlackBerry 5 syncing with Macs

Monday, February 8, 2010

Mark/Space just released Missing Sync for BlackBerry 2.0.4, a free update to the Mac OS X syncing utility that adds support for phones running BlackBerry OS 5.0 or later. This includes recently released BlackBerry phone models including the Bold 9700 and Storm2 9550, as well as models that users have updated to BlackBerry OS 5.0, such as the Curve 8900. The Missing Sync for BlackBerry can wirelessly sync contacts, calendars, music, notes, and other data.

Users can install the update from the phone, using the Missing Sync application, using the Check for Update function in the About item. For BlackBerries not connected to the Internet, users can go to this Mark/Space support page and download the software from a Mac.

It's becoming more and more common to be able to play online poker using the native Mac OS X. And, we've found a great resource over at pokerlistings.com, where you can find all the latest Mac friendly versions.

Snow Leopard timestamp change on Office files

Monday, February 8, 2010

Troy Hunter is seeing a problem where the modification dates of Office files change when files are opened on a Windows server:

When connected to Windows Server 2003 shares via SMB, our fully updated 10.6 machines exhibit wonkiness. If you open anything that can be opened in Office 2008 (Powerpoint, Excel, Word) and immediately close it, the "Date Modified" changes, even if no changes were made. Simply opening the document changes its modification date, something that can drive someone whose job it is to do version tracking absolutely insane. This does not happen for TextEdit.

If you've seen this problem

Reader verifies printer.conf fix for Snow Leopard shared printer problems

Monday, February 8, 2010

Rich Vuduc verified a previously reported fix for Snow Leopard problems accessing Windows printers. This fix edits the printer.conf in /etc/cups/. Vuduc said:

Regarding Michael Bentley's tip, Another fix for Snow Leopard issues with Windows shared printers, just letting you know that the tip worked like a charm!

If you've tried this workaround

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Reader has luck with Realtek drivers for Boot Camp/Win 7 speaker issue

Monday, February 8, 2010

Rufus verified a previously reported fix for speaker problems in Boot Camp 3 and Windows 7:

With reference to your February 3 News update about Boot Camp and speakers on Windows 7, I had the same problem on my iMac and I installed the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver from their website. The version number is 6.0.1.5983. This has worked fine for the last 3 weeks.

If you've tried this fix

"Entourage Time Machine" backs up, restores email

Monday, February 8, 2010

Softhing is now offering Entourage Time Machine (US $30), new Mac OS X software for backing up, restoring, and exporting Entourage email messages. The software enables a user to search and browse backed up email, which is also searchable by Spotlight. Users can also read backed up email and open attached files. Entourage Time Machine can export selected email messages as a .mbox file.

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February 3

Citrix to support running Windows 7 from iPad

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Citrix will enable iPad users to run a virtualized Windows 7 desktop on Apple iPads when the tablet ships in March. Citrix said it will ship Citrix Receiver for iPad, which will work with Citrix XenDesktop. The system will work as a thin-client system, with XenDesktop running virtual desktops on a server and streaming the display to iPads running Citrix Receiver. The company said that the setup will enable iPad users to operate multiple Windows 7 applications simultaneously. Multitasking apps is something the first iPads won't do natively. Citrix currently has a Citrix Receiver for iPhone users, which is free for customers of XenDesktop and XenApp.

Reader confirms smb.conf edit fix for -36 SMB errors

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Dave Hetherington confirmed a tip last week to fix the problem of Snow Leopard -36 errors. The suggetion is to add "unix extensions = no" to the smb.conf file (or settings) on a Linux server or Mac OS X Server. Hetherington said "We have previously done this on our machines and it works!"

We've also recently posted a variation of this, which is to add "streams-no" to the nsmb.conf file on Snow Leopard clients.

Problem with Boot Camp 3 and speakers

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Rod Miller is experiencing the problem of external speakers not working with Boot Camp 3. Unfortunately, a previously reported suggestion didn't work:

My speakers don't work either. I just installed Windows 7 Pro using the latest Boot Camp. Everything is working perfectly except for my Altec stereo speakers. I can barely hear sound at a very low volume with them cranked all the way up. The speakers inside the iMac work fine. When I boot into Mac OS X my satellite speakers work great.

I tried going to Realtek and downloading and installing the 64/32 driver and the 32-bit driver with the same result. I downloaded the latest Boot Camp from Apple last week and then I followed the instructions given at MacWindows on how to download the new Realtek drivers.

If you've seen this problem

Another Snow Leopard Software Update issue with AD

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

James Pennells in the United Kingdom has a problem with Software Update in Snow Leopard on bound to Active Directory similar to the previously reported problem, but it started with Mac OS X 10.6.2:

I just wanted to say that I also have this issue. I am running a 2.2Ghz MacBook Pro, which came with Leopard. I decided to do a fresh install of Snow Leopard, all went well. Connected to AD, still fine. Software Update worked up to 10.6.2, but now Software Update just disappears from my screen when I click Install updates.

If you've seen this

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January 28

TIP: Workaround for Snow Leopard SMB incorrect password error

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Kris Robison sent us his solution to an "incorrect password" error in Snow Leopard when trying to connect to his Linux SMB server:

Trying to connect to Linux via Finder was giving us the "Incorrect username/password" error. Our final solution involved going into the server's /etc/samba/smb.conf file and setting "encrypt passwords = yes" for the server. Restarted samba on the server, and Finder immediately started working again.

If you've tried this suggestion

Reader verifies "/etc/hosts" fix for Snow Leopard SMB log in problem

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Alessio Dorigo confirmed the suggestion of editing an SMB server's /etc/hosts file to fix Snow Leopard problems logging into the server:

Editing /etc/hosts by adding the IP and name of the server solved the problem -- Thanks!

If you've tried this approach

TIP: Linux SMB fix for -36 error works for OS X Server; and fix for 2 GB file copy limit

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Rob Francis verified a fix for Snow Leopard client -36 errors with Linux SMB servers. He found that it works with Mac OS X Server. He also had a Snow Leopard Server fix for copying large files over 2 GB:

As it turns out, "unix extensions = no" is all I needed to add to the smb.conf global settings on Snow Leopard Server 10.6.2, Xserve.

Also, unchecking oplock and strict file locking for the SMB share seems to be the key to unlocking large file copying in the other direction and is also recommended in the Snow Leopard Server manual if you more than just SMB enabled on the share. I've seen a lot of posts on different forums about the 2 GB limit and this seems to be the fix.

If you've tried this on Mac OS X Server

Reader verifies our CPU/RAM tip for improving VMware performance

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Ryan Whitney reported success with our recommendations for speeding up VMware Fusion 3:

First off, thanks for the webpage. I've been continually frustrated with the poor performance I've had with Windows XP on VMware 2 and then with the upgrade to 3. I did the following three things (but tried them all at once, so not sure if it was all three in combo or just one specifically) and it helped tremendously.

  1. Switch from using one CPU to two
  2. Reinstalled the VMware tools
  3. Reduced the RAM from 768 to 512 mb.

I may play with the RAM again, to see if I can get a bit more umph out of the windows install but for now my computer feels usable again when using windows on VMware! Awesome!


January 25

TIP: Fix for Windows/ Boot Camp hangs on crcdisk.sys: reset SMC

Monday, January 25, 2010

Thomas Kreimes shared a fix for a problem where Windows stops booting in Boot Camp. He reset the Mac's System Management Controller (SMC):

I am a skilled IT guy and I had a nightmare trying to solve this problem via information I received via the Internet forums. I finally found the answer.

My wife complained that her Windows Vista Ultimate stopped working. That did not give me much to go on. It's an iMac 24" 3.06 GHz machine that is set to load Windows by default with Boot Camp 2 (Mac OS X 10.5). The boot up failed at crcdisk.sys and hung the system with the FAN going full speed... Read entire story here

TIP: Workaround for Snow Leopard/VMware network problem

Monday, January 25, 2010

Peter Escalante sent a fix for his Snow Leopard problem with VMware not connecting to a network:

I found the solution! I downloaded and installed a driver from the Intel support page. The driver is the PROWIN732.exe, which can be downloaded from this link. After installing it, be sure to reboot the virtual device, and it should work fine.

If you've tried this fix

Meanwhile, a number of other readers reported also having the problem...Read entire story here

Reader reports adding RAM speeds VMware Fusion 3

Monday, January 25, 2010

Roger Reini said that adding RAM to his MacBook resolved his performance issues with VMware Fusion 3:

Responding to Aaron Green's tip of January 14: I also used to experience very slow virtual machine performance with Windows VM's (either Vista or Win 7) and Snow Leopard whenever I would resume the VM. Restarting the VM solved those problems. But after I upgraded my MacBook to 6 GB (the maximum amount it can support), I rarely experience the slow performance with a suspended/resumed VM.

If you've seen this

On January 7, we noted that a RAM allocation that is too high can slow a virtual machine, and that assigning two CPUs to a VM can increase performance.

TIP: Another take on smb.config fix for -36 file sharing error

Monday, January 25, 2010

We've previously reported a fix for the Snow Leopard SMB file sharing problem that returns a -36 error when copying files. The fix is to add the line "unix extensions = no" to the /etc/smb.config on the NAS device or Linux server. Several message boards are also reporting that there is a similar edit that can be accomplished on the Mac client. Here's one way to do it...Read entire story here

Response to SheepShaver AppleTalk printing problem on Snow Leopard

Monday, January 25, 2010

Ronald Regensburg responded to our report about printing problems with SheepShaver, software that enables Mac OS 9 to run an Intel Mac. The previous reader was trying to run Mac OS 9 emulation to enable AppleTalk printing from Snow Leopard, which no longer supports AppleTalk printing. Regensburg responded...Read entire story here


January 21

Apple fixes iMac/Win 7 black screen bug; Win 7 Boot Camp now officially supported

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Apple released a set of Boot Camp updates aimed at officially supporting Windows 7 and at fixing an incompatibility between new iMacs and Windows 7, specifically the bug that causes the screen to go black when installing Windows 7. The updates include several versions of a general Boot Camp 3.1 update (which addresses several issues), a graphics firmware update for iMacs and Mac Pros, and Windows 7 drivers for iMacs. Apple also provided directions for applying the upgrades to fix the Windows 7 black screen problem. Specifically, these are the updates...
...Read entire story here

Parallels Build 9310 improves Win performance, helps iMacs, Mac Pro

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Parallels has released Parallels Desktop 5 Build 9310, a maintenance update of the virtualization software for Mac OS X. The company said the update improves performance of Windows in virtual machines, and addresses issues on Nehalem-based iMacs and Mac Pros. (See Parallels Desktop Tips and Reports for more on Parallels.) If you've installed this update (See Parallels Tips and Reports for more Parallels Desktop issues.)

CrossOver 8.0.3 fixes IE, sound, Snow Leopard issues

Thursday, January 21, 2010

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 8.0.3 for Mac, maintenance update the software that enables certain Windows applications to run natively on Mac OS X, without using Windows. The company said the update fixes some issues with Internet Explorer 6 and 7, fixes some minor Snow Leopard issues, and improves sound on the Mac. CrossOver Mac is US $40, and does not require you to own a copy of Windows. If you've installed this update (Read more about on this topic at our CrossOver Reports page.)

VPN Tracker 6.1 adds support for the new SonicWALL TZ-Series, eases configuration

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Equinux has released VPN Tracker 6.1 (US $99), a new update to the general-purpose IPsec-based VPN client for Mac OS X, which supports dozens of VPN gateways from a variety of manufacturers. The new version adds support for the SonicWALL TZ 100 and TZ 200 UTM appliances aimed at small to mid-sized businesses. The update simplifies configuration for several gateway devices.

VPN Tracker now includes Mode Config support for additional VPN gateways and has greater interoperability with a range of othenr devices, thereby making it simpler to configure and administrate Macs in a virtual private network.

Explanation for uppercase domain fixes in Active Directory

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Chris Nowak responded to our report TIP: For Snow Leopard AD login issues, use upper case domain regarding solving Active Domain login issues by using uppercase domain. Nowak has an explanation:

For the folks for whom uppercasing the domain works, I bet they're using Kerberos for authentication. When you setup realms manually for kerberos you keep the realm name all uppercase. You can see the relationship documented in this Microsoft Knowledgebase article.

(For more on this subject, see Snow Leopard and Active Directory Tips and Reports.)


January 14

TIP: For Snow Leopard AD login issues, use upper case domain

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Dave Sherer found that using and upper-case domain cleared up Active Directory login problems he was having:

I have been battling this problem and I found a solution for me that is not a work around and it is something so minor that some people may not have even tried/noticed/or known about it. After checking the Active Directory security log I saw that when I tried to login from the 10.6.2 I was getting event ID 675. I have found a suggestion...
...Read entire story here

More verification of SL fix, smb.conf edit for Linux SMB server

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Peter Roehl in Hamburg, Germany verified a fix for Snow Leopard problems accessing Linux SMB file servers:

We have the same problems (on 2 Linux Samba Servers) but the Tip from Andrew works for us. Thanks for that. But we have 2 other Linux-Samba-Servers where we can just connect as usual. Even with the same smb.conf file. Strange.

If you've seen this

Saving CS4 and Office 08 to an SMB share in Snow Leopard not working locally

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Brian Leight found that that a workaround for SMB problems with Adobe CS4 and Office didn't work for local servers, but did work for remote servers:

I tried the fix listed by making the owner "Network Services" and it does not work on my local servers, however we have offices in LA and I am able to save to those servers (we're in New York). It seems there is a latency issue at work where it needs time to send the .temp file and then delete and replace with the real file. I hope that 10.6.3 fixes this issue for good cause my users that I have moved to SL are in an uproar.

If you've seen this

Differing experiences on Parallels Build 9308, slow launch in Snow Leopard

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Sigmund Wohl found the Parallels Desktop 5 Build 9308 fixed the problem of long launch times, contrary to a few other reports:

It now takes less than 4 seconds to launch. Don't know what the others' problem is.

However, Lawrence Devonport updated his previous report:

The update has definitely not solved the slow response and startup problem. After visiting the Parallels Forum Site I can safely say that I'm not an isolated case.

TIP: Reader says restart solves VMware slow performance

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Aaron Green responded to reports of slow-running VMware Fusion, but simply restarts the virtual machine:

I have also seen VMWARE get really slow, but only after coming out of suspend mode. When that happens, I just restart the Virtual Machine and speed is restored.

If you've seen this

VMware Fusion 3, Win 7 problem connecting to network in VM

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Peter Escalante can't get Windows 7 to connect to a network in VMware Fusion 3 in Mac OS X 10.6:

I have a MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard running VMware Fusion 3.0.1, and last night I installed Windows 7. Everything works fine, except that I cannot connect to the Internet thru Windows. When I switch back to OS X, the Internet works fine. I'm using a wired LAN connection. When I perform a network diagnostics in Windows 7, I keep getting the message that "Windows cannot detect a properly installed network adapter." When I inquire further, it says I need to install a network adapter driver. When I go into my virtual machine's settings, I've tried both the NAT connection and the bridge connection, and both have green lights and say they are connected, but when I try to access the Internet using IE8, I keep getting that darn message.

If you've seen this problem

Entourage Email Archive X 5.0 updates for Snow Leopard, more options

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Softhing has released Entourage Email Archive X 5.0 (US $30, $10 upgrade), a new version of the Mac OS X utility that archives email and attachments received or sent using Microsoft Entourage 2008 and Web Services Edition (WSE). Version 5.0 is now compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard in 32- and 64-bit, and also requires 10.6. The company said that performance is improved by 20 percent. Softhing still offers version 4.2 for Leopard users.

Also new is the ability to merge email database archives that come from different users. The database archives are now compatible with FileMaker Pro versions 7, 8, and 9.

Entourage Email Archive X enables users to archive message in different formats, including the native Entourage file format (.eml) and tab-delimited text. Version 5.0 adds addition fields in tab-text exports. Archives are searchable by Spotlight.

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