Mac OS X 10.4.2: Issues after Archive and Install of 10.4 followed by reapplication of 10.4.2

If you were using Mac OS X 10.4.2, then performed an Archive and Install of Mac OS X 10.4, then updated to Mac OS X 10.4.2 again via Software Update, some Apple applications may not be properly updated or work as expected.

For example, you might not see existing email messages in Mail after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.2.

Note: This issue only occurs in the scenario described above. It does not happen when reapplying 10.4.2 via the standalone Mac OS X 10.4.2 Combo update.

Solution

If you already updated to Mac OS X 10.4.2 via Software Update following an Archive and Install of 10.4, follow these steps:

1. Open the folder named Previous System if it's still on your Mac OS X volume.
2. Delete the Applications folder from the Previous System folder. Make sure you've collected any important files you want from it if you haven't already (normally, you should reinstall third-party applications later instead of saving them from this folder).
3. Download and install the Mac OS X 10.4.2 Combo update from Apple Downloads.
   

After updating, your Apple applications should be at the correct versions, and Mail should display your existing messages. Reinstall any third-party applications that were in the former Applications folder from their original source discs or images.

To avoid the issue after an Archive and Install installation of Mac OS X 10.4, but before 10.4.2, follow these steps:

1. Open the folder named Previous System.
2. Delete the Applications folder from the Previous System folder. Make sure you've collected any important files you want from it if you haven't already (normally, you should reinstall third-party applications later instead of saving them from this folder).
3. Download and install the Mac OS X 10.4.2 Combo update.
   

After updating, your Apple applications should be at the correct versions, and Mail should display your existing messages. Reinstall any third-party applications that were in the former Applications folder from their original source discs or images.

Additional information

Apple applications that could be affected include Address Book, Automator, Font Book, iChat, Safari, Mail, and Stickies. In Mac OS X 10.4.2, the versions of these applications should be:

• Address Book 4.0.2
• Automator 1.0.1
• Font Book 2.0.1
• iChat 3.0.1
• Mail 2.0.2
• Stickies 5.1
• Safari 2.0.1