asked on

Incomplete downloads and downloads that never begin for files, videos, and other data sources

When I try to download something using OS X, the download doesn't begin or it times out after loading only half-way. When a software like iTerm tries to download its own update, it usually times out, and when I try to download things through the browser, it times out or never begins.

When I try to watch a video on a site like Youtube or Dailymotion, the video does not completely load. If I reload the web page, it loads a bit farther each time, so after two or three refreshes (F5 on Firefox), I can watch the entire video.

On the same machine at the same sitting using the same network connection, if I start up my Parallels VM of Windows XP, I can download these files and watch the videos with no problem at all, so I am sure the cause is somewhere in Mac OS X. This began when I installed Leopard in this computer.

I have already tried fixing permissions.

jhyiesla

This is a little extreme but it might work. I'd try doing an Archive and Install from the OS X install disk that came with the Mac. Make sure that you check the boxes to maintain user and network information.

What this will do is to replace all of the Mac system files with the ones that came with the Mac originally. It will also keep any network settings you have as well as your user settings and folders. Your Apps will also stay in place.

As the link below will point out, you probably want to repair your disk first to make sure that there are no issues with that before starting the Archive and Install.

It will take the OS back to what it was when you first got the Mac. Once you have finished this process,log back in and start taking on the application patches and security updates one at a time and reboot between each one even if you don't have to. There should be a combo update for the OS to take you to 10.5.5; leave this for last. Once you have all of the other patches in place, see if your problem goes away. Assuming it does, you can then apply the combo update for OS X.

I am including a link from Apple about the process:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710

shinmaikeru

ASKER

Thank you. I will try this now. However, there is another aspect to this that I just found. Another Mac user at my workplace is having the same problem, with the same 10.5, and she said that it does not happen when she accesses from home.

So I took my Mac home and, whaddyaknow, there is no problem at home.

However, the 10.4 and 10.3 Macs here at work and the Windows machines and one Linux machine (we have a Psych prof that uses Ubuntu) have no problems with downloads of any kind, and as I noted before, the Windows VM (Parallels) on this very Mac also has no problems.

So could it be something to do with 10.5 and my network topology or settings?

This is really strange, I know.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

jhyiesla

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

shinmaikeru

ASKER

This did not solve the problem, and I cannot see anything that might do so. I also did an archive install, and the problem persists. It seems to be something to do with my workplace network and the Leopard OS, but I can't figure out what that is. I will return to this issue later. Thank you for your suggestions.