Recent OS X Update Breaks Ethernet In Macs

MacBook Pro

A recent OS X security update introduces a bug that stops the Ethernet port in most Macs to stop working. As Reddit user “zorinlynx” pointed out, a recent OS X security update called “031–51913 Incompatible Kernel Extension Configuration Data 3.28.1” blacklists the BCM5701 driver. Most Mac PC’s depends on the BCM5701 driver for proper working of Ethernet ports. With the update blacklisting the driver, users are reporting that their Ethernet port is not working.

Apple has since pulled the update from their update servers, but it looks like quite a few users are affected. Apple has not provided any timeline for a fix to the affected users. However, we guess we might see an update in the coming week that may have a fix for this issue.

If you cannot wait until an official fix and are willing to mess with your Mac, then some geek users have posted a solution on Reddit that requires affected users to restore the file “/System/Library/Extensions/AppleKextExcludeList.kext” from a Time Machine or from another Mac running the same software version.

For those who do not want to tinker your Macs, you have to wait until Apple release a fix.

Update

Apple has posted a support document for this issue detailing steps to resolve this issue.

In simple terms, connect your Mac to Wi-Fi and run the update program (type “sudo softwareupdate –background” from a terminal). It will update “Incompatible Kernel Extension Configuration Data” to 3.28.2, which will fix the issue.

If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, then you have to restart your Mac in OS X Recovery and delete “/System/Library/Extensions/AppleKextExcludeList.kext” file. You can visit this Apple Support page on how to do it.

Tags:

Raja Rajan Avatar

Help Us Grow

If you like this post, please share it with your friends.

You are free to copy and redistribute this article in any medium or format, as long as you keep the links in the article or provide a link back to this page.

Subscribe to Newsletter




Privacy Settings

Privacy & Cookie Overview

Our website uses cookies to provide you with the best user experience possible. These cookies are stored in your browser and perform essential functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website, as well as helping us to understand which sections of the website you find most useful and engaging.

To learn more, you can read our Privacy & Cookie Policy or reach out through our Contact form.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookies must always be enabled to ensure the proper functioning of this website and to allow us to provide you with excellent service. These cookies are also essential for saving your cookie preferences.

Google Adsense

We use Google AdSense to keep this site free by displaying relevant ads. AdSense requires essential cookies that cannot be disabled, but you can manage other cookies. We respect your privacy and provide options to control non-essential cookies.

For more details on how Google handles your data, visit Google's Data Usage Policy. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information on how we protect your data.

AddToAny

We use AddToAny for social sharing. It doesnโ€™t store cookies, ensuring a privacy-friendly experience. AddToAny complies with GDPR and CCPA by default.

For more, see their Privacy Policy.

OneSignal

We use OneSignal to send notifications to users who opt in. OneSignal complies with GDPR and is certified under the EU-US and Swiss-US Privacy Shield frameworks.

For more, see their Privacy Policy.

3rd Party Cookies

This website utilizes third-party cookies, which can enhance your experience and support our ongoing efforts to improve our services.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect anonymous data, such as visitor numbers and popular pages, to improve user experience and site performance. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us refine the site based on visitor activity.

For more information, see Googleโ€™s Privacy Policy.

Discover more from Prime Inspiration

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading