Several users have reported an issue in which Mac OS X 10.6.3 installation fails during the “writing files” stage. The system then delivers a cryptic error message instructing the user to contact the software manufacturer.
User Chris has discovered a fix for at least some instances of this issue. It involves modifying the maximum number of files that Mac OS X can have open at any given time. Apparently the Mac OS X 10.6.3 installer fails when attempting to write to or access too many files simultaneously. Chris’ instructions are as follows:
- Open Terminal (under Applications, Utilities)
- Type “sudo su” (without quotes)
- Type your password (you must have admin account)
- Type “sysctl kern.maxfiles” (this will show you the max open files allowed currently)
- Type “sysctl -w kern.maxfiles=####” replacing #### with a number much larger than your current maxfiles setting. For example, if your maxfiles is currently 12000 change it to 24000 or maybe 30000.