Finally decided to try the 10.5.5 update on my Hackintosh. Always risky business, doing this sort of stuff; since the desktop is ironically, my primary computer (my real Apple Macbook Pro is just an backup at this point)

The tutorial done by NetKas for upgrading to 10.5.2/3 seems to still apply – and even extends to the Kalyway (which I use) and iAtkos builds of OSx86

I’m reposting the relevant steps here for my own personal reference.

1. Download the 10.5.5 combo update from Apple (it won’t work through Software Update).

1. Backup your /System/Library/Extensions folder

2. Open Terminal, and open Finder to the folder mentioned above (just so you have immediate access to it)¹

3. In terminal type the following:

sudo su -

Enter your password, then type:

while sleep 1 ; do rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement.kext ; done

This script essentially constantly loops and checks for the existence of a certain AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement.kext file, which it will delete as soon as it finds it. You can also do this manually by checking the open Finder window.

1. Run the update.

2. When it’s done, press ctrl-C on the terminal window to stop the loop. DO NOT REBOOT YET!

3. Open this file in your text-editor of choice: /System/InstallAtStartup/scripts/1

4. Look for the line/string where it says /System/Library/Extensions/Dont Steal Mac OS X.kext and replace it with /System/Library/Extensions/dsmos.kext²

5. Save the file.

6. If needed, put back whatever integral kernel extension files you’ve backed up (e.g. .kext files in place of what the update over-written) – this is usually applicable to laptop users. I think desktop users are mostly ready to rock as soon as you reboot from step 9, but don’t take my word for it.

Actually, the PC hung on the first reboot, I fixed it by switching to the new “stock” mach_kernel (Dawin 9.5.0) that came with the update… worked like a charm. I’m using the GFX-string method so the displays worked right out of the gate – complete with CoreImage hardware acceleration and Quartz Extreme. Built-in audio works (though it doesn’t register in the profile manager), same goes with most of the other peripherals… all working fine.

I did lose some functionality, more on the power management side (e.g. automatic reboot and shutdown), but I can live with them for the time being. I also lost PS2 support, which meant I just had to use the keyboard/mouse in USB mode – this actually is not an issue, but I just like PS2 legacy support since it’s very reliable when your BIOS malfunctions.

Overall, the system is solid, so I’ll see how it goes when I start work again tomorrow.