Catalina December 2021 Updates

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I’ll give a recap of the steps I took today and then the consequences that came about.

I went to Software Update and was offered the Device Support Update and Safari 15.2.  Things were looking up and I installed Device Support Update first and then rebooted. I was feeling good then installed Safari 15.2 and rebooted. When I logged back in my wifi wasn’t active.

Also, my AV didn’t automatically start and when I tried to manually start it I just got a bouncing icon and no error messages.

It gets worse. I tried to open FF but got nothing again. No error message nothing.

I am hoping it’s my wifi issue which is causing those other issues and once resolved, my other issues will also resolve.

It doesn’t seen I am getting my 192.168.x.x address for my wifi. I am getting a 169 ip address. Is there away to release and renew my ip address like Windows? Mind you I am pretty close to my pay grade.

@PKCano any advice?

 

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DrBonzo

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Maybe this will help:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211905

I don’t have a VPN but I do use Avira Free for Mac. Every time I install a security update on my iMAC, Avira stops working and I have to uninstall it, then reinstall it. On my macBook Air that’s happened once or twice. Both are running up to date Catalina (through the -007 update.

I’ve never lost wifi, though.

I haven’t installed the -008 or safari 15.2 updates yet on either machine. I don’t usually see the Device Support Update until after I install a security update.

Have you tried rebooting again?

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bassmanzam

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DrBonzo, I do not have a VPN. I’ve had no issues with my AV since installing Catalina in August or since 2020 when I got my MacBook air!

I think it has something to do with the Safari 15.2 update. I had wifi access before installing it! I don’t know how Safari is linked to wifi!

Yes I’ve rebooted a number of times. I always shutdown overnight.

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DrBonzo

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Your AV has to have Full Disk Access to work properly.
Look in System Preferences\Security & Privacy\Privacy and be sure it has the access it needs.
Once you do that, reboot, and see if your AV starts automatically.

Next, take a look at your Internet connection.
System Preferences\Network
Be sure your WiFi is turned on. Your WiFi should show your Network Name (this can also be set in the Desktop upper menubar if the WiFi icon shows there) and the connection set to automatically join.

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DrBonzo, bassmanzam

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Hi PKCano,

I’ve checked Full Disk access and all looks good!

I checked my wifi and turned off and on and not getting a 192.168.x.x  I am seeing my network name okay.

I am wondering if I can uninstall the Safari update since it was the last update downloaded and installed?

 

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I have 3 Catalina machines (2 laptops and an iMac) all with the latest OS update and Safari 15.2. All are connected by WiFi and I have had no problems with WiFi on any of them.
I think your problem is elsewhere.
In System Preferences, be sure there is a green dot under WiFi.
Go through the Advanced settings under WiFi: WiFi, TCP/IP, DNS, WINS and be sure they are right.

Can you connect to the Internet on any other device on your network?
Turn off your computer, Router, and Modem. Then turn on the Modem and let it boot up, then turn on your Router and let it boot up, then turn on the computer.

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DrBonzo

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I think were getting closer!

I turned my laptop off and rebooted my router/modem. When i turned my laptop on the icon was full bars. I went to Network and i am now seeing a green dot under wifi and it says connected! I am now seeing an 192.168.x.x ip address!

Unfortuantely, i am not able to connect to the internet with FF or anything else.

I am able to connect to the internet with my tablets and phone.

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DrBonzo

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If you click on the App Store, does the App Store open?

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Sorry bad news again.
I left my laptop and closed the lid. When i just came back i no longer have wifi.

Edit: i rebooted and now getting a 192.168.x.x address

Edit 2: i clicked on the App Store and just get a blank window!

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Have you tried uninstalling your AV and tried connecting? Then reinstall. You said this caused problems in the past. You can download the .dmg on your iPad and AirDrop it to the laptop (uses bluetooth instead of WiFi). I’d try this first.

In System Preferences\Network, did you check the Advanced settings to be sure they were correct?
In finder, can you see your other devices on the network? You may have to go into Finder Preferences and be sure the network devices are allowed (check boxes).
Can you log into your Router from your laptop using either FF or Safari?

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bassmanzam

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That might have been me that mentioned an AV problem (Avira Free). But the issue with it never caused any wifi problems. It just doesn’t work after a security update. The fix is easy; just trash it, empty the trash, download and install.

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bassmanzam

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baasmanzam: I would imagine you are doing this already, but just in case:

If the router has an Ethernet of USB socket, one can use a male USB to male USB or male Ethernet to male Ethernet cable to connect a computer to the router (or to a printer, etc.) and not use WiFi at all until one has solved the WiFi problem. If you are not doing this already and do not have such a cable, you can get one next week, before the New Year holiday.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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bassmanzam

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OscarCP,

Unfortunately I do not have an Ethernet port. I do have 2 USB ports but don’t know how to use them with Ethernet.

Just to let you know I will be pausing my debugging of my wifi/internet as the holiday is at hand.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

 

 

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Here are USB-to-Ethernet adapters.
USB-to-Ethernet adapters at Amazon

But you can find them locally at a computer store or probably at something like WalMart/Target/Office Depot/Staples/OfficeMax/etc.

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Yep, I’ve seen them at a nearby Office Depot and also at WalMart.

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baasmazam: You can use USB to USB if your router, printer, etc. has a USB port.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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I know i shouldn’t be here but….

I assume i can use any USB-Ethernet adaptar or does it have to come from Apple?

And a little holiday cheer:

I booted up my MacBook Air in safe mode and voila internet access over wifi!! Since 3rd party apps don’t run in safe mode i can assume its my AV since I only have a handful of 3rd party apps including FF, Adobe Reader, Zoom, Malwarebytes free.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

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DrBonzo

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“I know I shouldn’t be here, but…”

That’s the trouble with all this technology junk. It insidiously invades your life because you’re never sure it’s gonna work.

I’ve never used one of those adapters. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing special about them – meaning they don’t have to come from Apple. But I’d want to see something like “compatible with Apple” or macOS, or something similar on the package.

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baasmanzam: I wrote a while ago something that might be relevant to finding a solution to your problem here:

https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/2000014-ongoing-list-of-apple-operating-system-updates/     comment  #2408055  .

I am copying below the more informative part of it:

 

Now looking just now for recent related information online I found something you might like to check before doing anything, to see if this is a good idea or not, but it might be a good idea:

https://appuals.com/how-to-restore-mac-to-previous-date/

” Finally, one of the most useful applications of this great tool [Time Machine] is its ability to restore your entire hard drive from the backup if you find yourself in a situation where something on your PC went corrupt. If certain system files are broken or if a malicious application has done some damage to your hard drive, you can use this option to restore your hard drive.

Turn your Mac OS X running device on and hold the Command + R keys in order to open the macOS Recovery Partition which deals with these boot problems. This screen is called macOS Utilities and it should open if you use the key combination on any device.
Select the Restore from Time Machine Backup options and click Continue.

Make sure you check out the information on the Restore Your System page. Click the Continue button after you have finished.
Choose the backup you want to use in order to restore your system and click continue. Make sure you choose the last working configuration by checking the date of the backup.

Be patient while the process finishes as it definitely may take a while. After the process is over, your Mac will restart and you should be done dealing with problems. ”

I know that with Time Machine one can back up one’s files and folders, but  was not aware that with Time Machine one can restore the full disk, including the system part, to a previous epoch, much as using an ISO disk image. For this reason I would advise you to make sure this is correct.

Is this a good idea? I think that having this clarified could be useful to many of us who have Macs.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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bassmanzam, DrBonzo

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Thanks for sharing OscarCP. I have a few options to try from PK and stuff I found online.  Your solution maybe good for a last resort.

I not sure if I will get back to it due to Christmas and family obligations.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

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OscarCP

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UPDATE:

After a weekend of holiday cheer, I came home and fired up my MacBook Air.  When it booted up, I was pleased to find my AV icon active in the menu bar. I opened FF and what do you know, I had Internet access over wifi! I think booting a few days ago into safe mode must have fixed whatever was broken.

Thanks to all for your advice. I hope things go smoother with the next security updates!

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DrBonzo

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Security Update 2022-001 Catalina released

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bassmanzam, DrBonzo

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Warning to macOS Catalina users :

Warning

If your Mac currently has macOS Catalina installed, installing macOS Monterey 12.3 beta or macOS Big Sur 11.6.4 beta on a volume with FileVault enabled might cause a boot loop when attempting to log back into the previous volume. (88163545)

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macOS Catalina Security Update 2022-002

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bassmanzam

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the link is to a 2021 update.

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Alex5723

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Sorry.
Apple’s Apple security updates hasn’t been updated yet with yesterday’s Catalina and Big Sur new updates.

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Alex: Now that has changed and it says there that the security updates for Big Sur and Catalina are available as of today.

I just checked in my Mac, and the update of Big Sur from 11.6.3 (my current version of macOS) to 11.6.4 is waiting to be installed.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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Alex5723

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