Software Installation Quick Assist

What do you need help with?

• Tell me how to manually install new software and updates
• I want my Mac to automatically find Apple software updates
• I'm having trouble installing, updating, or upgrading my software

Manually Installing New Software and Updates

Installing New Software from a Disc
Simply insert the CD or DVD in your computer's optical disc drive. In most cases the software installer will open automatically. If not, double-click the disc icon on your desktop and in the resulting window, look for a file with the word “installer” in the title or a package (.pkg) file . Double-click the file to open the installer and follow the onscreen instructions to install the software. Please note that you will need to enter an administrator name and password to install software.

Installing or Updating Software from a Downloaded File
Most software installers and updaters that you download from the Internet come in the form of a disk image (.dmg) file. When you download such a file from a website, such as Apple Downloads), the disk image will usually open the software or update installer automatically after the download finishes. If you don't see an installer window, simply double-click the downloaded disk image file to mount the disk image on your desktop. All files will download to your desktop by default unless you've specified a download location in your web browser preferences. Double-click the disk volume that appears and then double-click the installer or updater file to start the installation process, if you see an application instead of an installer, skip to the next step. Follow the onscreen instructions to install or update the software. You will need to enter an administrator name and password to install or update software.

Installing Software from a Downloaded File That Lacks an Installer
After downloading software, if an installer window doesn't open automatically or you don't see a file with the word “installer” (or the like) in its name when you manually mount the disk image, simply install the software by dragging and dropping the file or folder from the disk image to the Applications (or other) folder on your Mac. These types of files already have all the necessary files pre-installed and don't require a proper installer to install it—or an administrator name and password.

More Information About Installing or Updating Software
Most installers will ask you where you'd like to install your software in the onscreen display, updaters may ask you to select the application to be updated if it doesn't find it automatically. The Applications folder is generally the best place to install software. To avoid issues, do not rename applications. If you need additional assistance, look for a text or PDF file of instructions that may come with the installer or visit the developer's site. If your downloaded file arrives in a compressed format such as a .bin, .sit, .sit.hqx, or .sea.hqx file, double-click the file to expand it first—you'll need Allume Systems StuffIt Expander (a free utility) or similar application. For help with installing Dashboard widgets, read this article.

Using Software Update

1) Check for Updates
Mac OS X comes with a built-in feature called Software Update that will check for, download, and install software and updates from Apple for you—all you have to do is tell it to do so. From the Apple menu, choose Software Update (your Mac must be connected to the Internet). Software Update will assess your installed Apple software, check for updates on our servers, and then display the recommended updates in a window.

2) Select What You Want and Install
To get more information about an update or software title, select the item in the Software Update list. If you want Software Update to download and install everything that's check marked on the list, click the Install button. If you only want it to download and install certain items, select the checkbox next to each software title you want, or deselect what you don't want, and then click the Install button. Please note that some software displayed may be optional installs, and are not automatically check marked. For example, Software Update may show an update for AirPort base stations if it detects that you have an AirPort card installed. You can decide whether the download is appropriate for your configuration.

3) Set a Schedule to Check Automatically (Optional)
If you want Software Update to automatically check for updates at a scheduled time, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu and then click Software Update. In the resulting pane, click the Update Software tab, select the “Check for updates” checkbox, and choose an interval from the pop-up menu (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly). If you want Software Update to download and install important updates without asking, select the “Download important updates in the background” checkbox.

Top 10 Troubleshooting Tips

1) Make Sure You Have Enough Disk Space
If you're installing new software, the installation may require a significant amount of space on your hard drive. Check the software's installation requirements to find out how much space is needed and confirm that your Mac has enough available space on its hard drive before installing. To find out how much space you've got left, double-click your hard drive icon to open a Finder window; your available disk space should appear at the bottom of the window.

2) Verify That You Have Administrative Access
You need to be an administrator of the computer to install or update software. If you're the one who first set up the computer, you are the administrator. If someone set up your computer for you and your own username and password aren't allowing you to install software, consult that person for assistance. If you've forgotten your administrator password, see this article to learn how to reset it.

3) Make Sure That You're Entering the Serial Number Correctly
Some software installers require that you enter a serial number or software key (or code) during the installation. You can usually find the number or key printed on the installer disc, disc case, in the manual, or on a certificate provided with the software. If you downloaded the software, the key may be sent in a separate email. You should make note of the number or key before installing the software and be sure to enter the code correctly. Try swapping the number 1 for the letter I (or vice-versa), the number 0 (zero) for the letter O (or vice-versa), the number 8 for the letter B (or vice-versa), or the number 5 for the letter S (or vice-versa).

4) Check the System Requirements
Make sure that your Mac meets the minimum system requirements to install and use the software. Check the software packaging or the developer's website for specific requirements. For example, iLife '06 requires a DVD drive to install the software, but you don't need one to use the applications.

5) Check the Disc on Another Mac
If an installer on a DVD or CD won't open on your Mac or the disc doesn't appear on your desktop, try the disc with another Mac. If it opens elsewhere, use System Profiler to verify that the computer has a DVD drive. Some older drives can only read CDs. Otherwise, your disc drive may need repair (test your disc drive's performance with other CDs and DVDs first before seeking service). If it doesn't work on another computer, there could be something wrong with the disc—contact the software developer for assistance or replacement.

6) Make Sure That Your Internet Connection is Working
If your Internet connection or network is down, Software Update won't be able to access the Internet to do its job. Try again later when your connection is back up and running. If you're connected to a network, make sure that your computer is allowed to access Internet locations—consult with your network administrator to find an alternate location to access Software Update or to get information about the proxy server your network uses to access the Internet.

7) Download the Application Again
If you're trying to install from a download, visit the software developer's site and download the installer file again. There could be something wrong with your original download and a fresh copy may resolve the issue.

8) Make Sure That You've Got the Right Updater or Upgrader
If you're updating or upgrading software, make sure that the version you downloaded or bought is truly the one you need. Some updates require that you install another update before you can install the latest one. Some upgrades will only upgrade certain versions of an application, which may not be the one you have. Check the developer's website or any included “Read Me” file for installation requirements and other useful information.

9) Try Removing Application Receipts
If you're reinstalling an application or updating an existing one, try removing the application's receipts. Look for any receipts that bear the name of the application in the the Receipts folder inside of the main Library folder (/Library/Receipts) and move them elsewhere. Then try installing or updating your software again.

10) Try Installing the Software Again
Some of the components in the installer may not have been installed completely in your first installation attempt. If the application or your system upgrade appears on your Mac but isn't working as expected, try installing the software again.