Note: This update requires you to be running 10.6.2. You can download and install the 10.6.2 update from here.
Note2: DO NOT update if you have a Celeron Processor, or any other processor that required you to use a special kernel when updating to 10.6.2. Simply follow step 4a to install the legacy kernel for 10.6.3.
Snow Leopard officially received its third major update, Snow Leopard 10.6.3/10.3 kernel, just over two months ago (sorry about the delayed post). Much like the update to 10.6.2, 10.6.3 is a fairly seamless upgrade. Replace a kext or two and you’re back on your hackintosh feet. Plus, you’ll now have USB 2.0 again!
To update to 10.6.3 from 10.6.2, simply do the following:
1. Delete SleepEnabler.kext from /Extra/Extensions
2. Download the 10.6.3 update. Weighing in at over 700mb, you’ll want to grab a cup of coffee while you wait for the download to complete.
3. Download the new SleepEnabler kext for 10.6.3. Don’t do anything with it yet.
4. Install the 10.6.3 update, but don’t restart yet.
4a. **This step is ONLY for users with a processor that required the legacy kernel on 10.6.2** – Run the 10.6.3/10.3 Legacy Kernel package.
5. Navigate to /System/Library/Extensions/ and remove IO80211Family.kext.
6. Restart and then login.
7. Copy the SleepEnabler.kext from step 3 to /Extra/Extensions/
8. Reboot. Note: Some users report a Kernel Panic during this step. If you experience a KP, boot with the -x flag and delete SleepEnabler.kext in /Extra/Extensions.
9. Navigate to /System/Library/Extensions/ and delete AppleHPET.kext. This will allow your USB to operate at 2.0 speeds.
10. Reboot and enjoy!
After updating 10.6.3 and following this guide, your USB will be operating normally, sleep will be working (on battery), wifi will be working, and audio will be functional (albeit with microphone inoperable and audio out inoperable upon waking from sleep).
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June 11th, 2010 at 3:01 PM
Yeah I hear ya. But that was the only way I could get it to work. I had tried everything else. I don’t even know how that file ended up in my extra folder. It wasn’t there earlier.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:06 PM
That file was placed in /Extra/Extensions way back when you installed Snow Leopard. You probably just don’t remember, though it’s been there since you first installed Snow Leopard. I wouldn’t expect you to remember; the only reason I did is because I just checked out the drivers the other day.
June 11th, 2010 at 2:55 PM
I got it. The IO80211Family.kext was in my Extra Extensions folder. I just used the kext helper tool and re-installed it. Sweet.. Bring on IOS 4…
June 11th, 2010 at 2:57 PM
The only problem with doing that is it just makes your install a little less vanilla. It pretty much defeats the whole purpose of the Extra folder. Nevertheless, if it works, by all means go ahead and kext helper it.
June 11th, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Everything went cool. But now I can’t get my wireless working again. I’ve tried everything. Any ideas?
June 11th, 2010 at 2:28 PM
Have you tried step 5 yet? Also, try booting with -f.
June 8th, 2010 at 10:33 PM
I went ahead right after I posted my reply finding a new legacy kernel and I found 10.3, installed it, and gave myself a pat on the back for updating my computer successfully. 10.6.3 legacy kernel works.
June 8th, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Awesome! I’ll update the guide to reflect the changes.
June 8th, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Hi thomas,
Can we use the legacy kernel with a Celeron processer on 10.6.3 or would it fail.
Joey
June 8th, 2010 at 10:31 PM
The legacy kernel from 10.6.2 will not boot a system running 10.6.3; it would KP at boot. If you’re willing, try out the update with the 10.6.3 legacy kernel. If it works, I’ll include it in the guide (as I personally have no way of testing it). Remember to install it after the update to 10.6.3 but before your first reboot.