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All is Well in Leopard Land

March 2, 2008 by debbie T | Mac Corner • Mac Software

Well, a lot has happened since my last blog update.

To summarize the problems I was having:

After installing Leopard on my MacBook Pro no less than four times (using two different install disks,) I was having big problems. After trying to access the Applications folder, Finder crashes, then relaunches. I was also having issues with System Preferences, when accessing the Keyboard Shortcuts key.

After a few calls to Applecare, hardware problems were suspected, so it was necessary to bring it into a service tech; I made an Apple Genius appointment.

Since I didn’t know how long my MacBook Pro would be gone, or what parts would need to be replaced, I removed the extra 2gb ram stick purchased from OWC (macsales.com) and added back the original Apple ram. I also didn’t want any personal information to remain on the hard drive, so I set up the HD to be zero-erased (7 times) overnight.

I took the MacBook Pro to work the next morning and installed Leopard again; this time I didn’t customize the install, and left it at the default settings for full software installation. After installation, I did not set up for wireless access, and I set up a dummy account without using my real name.

Lo and behold, the Applications folder was now accessible!! What!? Everything seemed to be working normally! The plot thickens!

So, the differences between this install and the past installs were:

Later, after I returned home, I removed the Apple ram, and re-installed the ram from OWC. I then installed Leopard for the sixth time. Guess what? Yep, back to Finder crashes when accessing the Application folder.

I called OWC’s techincal support, and they suggested ram tests, so I removed all Apple ram, and installed the one OWC 2gb stick into the bottom slot and ran the Remember app, which ultimately showed the ram passed the test (I did 10 passes).

When I was on the phone with the OWC tech, he implied that Apple might have written Leopard to only like apple ram when installing, so maybe I should install Leopard using the original ram, and then add in the OWC 3rd party ram later.

After doing some research online, I don’t necessarily think that is true. There are a lot of users out there that believe that ram is ram is ram, and that Apple ram is no better or different than good quality 3rd party ram. Apple doesn’t manufacture its own ram, it uses the same companies that the 3rd parties use.

One thing I did learn is there could be issues if both ram sticks aren’t evenly matched. I was using a 1gb with a 2gb stick, and mixing manufacturers, so there could possibly be issues with that.

So now what?

For the time being, I removed the OWC ram, and inserted the original 2gb of Apple ram, then installed Leopard again (what is this the seventh time?) and of course, there were no more Finder crashes from the Applications folder.

I slowly started re-installing my software apps, and getting the MacBook Pro back to normal. So far, I am enjoying Leopard, but I haven’t experimented at all with the new features, like Spaces or Time Machine. I just need to reconcile the Ram issues first.

I decided to order another 2gb stick of ram from OWC – hopefully, using two matched 2gb sticks will help. And I will keep running the ram tests. And 4gb of ram will be nice to have!

So, that is where I’m at now. Fingers crossed that it will be smooth sailing from here on out!

There are 3 comments

  1. I remember one time, a few iMacs back, my DH’s iMac had “issues” and it turned out to be the RAM. We’d ordered that one from MacMall or one of the online Mac sources and it was bad RAM. MacMall (or whomever) replaced it and no worries.

    I got additional RAM for my current iMac (24″) from Crucial.com and am very happy. Hoping yours holds okay! (Crossing fingers for you!)

    Comment by RoseRed on March 16th, 2008

  2. Thanks “Rosered”
    I added the extra 2gb to the MBP, and so far so good, I tried doing more tests, but everything passed.

    Luckily OWC offers a lifetime warranty, so I am good to go for awhile.

    Oh and I didn’t post this yet, but somehow a Customer Relations Supervisor called me up after he read the problems here on my blog. I tried calling him back, but keep getting voice mail.

    All is good at this point, but I was pleased he took the time to call.

    Comment by debbieT on March 18th, 2008

  3. “the installer could not validate the contents of the “basesystem” package” error came up for me with 3rd party RAM 2gb installed. I took out the RAM and put back the original 1gb RAM and the Leopard installed just fine. The reason I had to reinstall the Leopard software was the MacBook crashed over and over till it died. Now I have just the 1gb RAM I’m thinking I’ll have to return the 3rd party RAM if they will take it back. If they don’t I’ll try running it again now that the Leopard is reinstalled. If you have Leopard on a MacBook I’d not risk the headache of 3party RAM. I don’t work for apple. I know it seems like a gimick just to get sales but if you don’t believe me just at least back up all your photos and important stuff before they are history.

    Comment by sparky on September 8th, 2008

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