Microsoft updaters include a step to safeguard users that have not followed directions to quit all applications before updating. However this safeguard is now blocked by a recent Apple security update.
Apple released the Security Update 2008-005 on July 31 for Leopard users, which blocks an AppleScript from displaying a dialog to quit all running Microsoft applications in the current Microsoft Office 2008 updaters. After appearing to stall with the spinning rainbow the Office updater continues, however, in some instances you could have problems when a currently running application is replaced. If you quit all Microsoft applications prior to running the update you will not be hit by this problem.
If you are already updated to 12.1.1 this will not concern you unless...
- You reinstall Office 2008 on Leopard that has been updated with the Security Update 2008-005 update.
- You do not follow directions to quit all running Microsoft applications before running the updaters 12.1.0 (SP1) and 12.1.1.
Any future Office updates will deal with this new problem, however, you must have the 12.1 and 12.1.1 updates already installed to continue the update process.
Security Update Blocks Code
Apple added code in the security update that blocks any AppleScript that puts up a dialog through the Installer. Microsoft's update installers contain an AppleScript "quit_apps" that checks to see if the user is running any Office application that needs to be shut down. The script will fail, but the install will continue that could result in problems when the currently running application is replaced.
When the AppleScript "quit_apps" detects that a Microsoft application is running and tries to quit, you will get this error (the error is not coming from Microsoft but from the quit_apps AppleScript application):
If you click on Edit, it takes you to the Script Editor. You do not want to edit this script!
If you click on "OK" the install will continue, but could result in a failed update. One user reported these symptoms:
The first time it happened I simply answered to continue and the installation went on and ended successfully in appearance. After that I had a problem with Word: it opens but as soon as you enter into any menu option (File Open, Preferences) it hangs. The whole MacBook Pro hangs! And it's almost impossible to make a forced quit. I can't open any other program and finally I turn off the computer.
Quit All Running Applications
When installing any Microsoft updater you are advised to quit all running applications not just Microsoft applications.
For Microsoft updaters 12.1.0 (SP1) and 12.1.1: The quit_apps script will quit the Microsoft Database daemon/Office Notifications on its own without putting up a dialog, but Entourage, Word, Excel and PowerPoint will not be quit automatically.If you read the release notes prior to installing the Office 2008 updates then you may understand you need to quit any running Office applications.
For example, if you download the SP1 updater, during the install process under the Read Me section, it links to Description of Office 2008 for Mac Service Pack 1 (12.1.0)
Further on this page, it links to Download the Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Service Pack 1 (12.1.0) package now.
Where you finally see:
Using AutoUpdate
Since the AutoUpdate application is often launched from an open Office application by selecting Help --> Check for Updates, this sets the stage for the problem to happen.
Until Microsoft provides a new updater I suggest you open AutoUpdate from Help --> Check for Updates in the Menu bar from any Office application then select to "Keep in Dock".
Log out/in with Shift key down. This disables all applications in Startup Items including the faceless Office daemons that might interfere with the update.
Launch Microsoft AutoUpdate from the Dock and continue with the update. After the update you can remove Microsoft AutoUpdate from the Dock.
Be sure to restart your computer to clear temporary caches that may interfere with using your software and to re-enable the hidden Office daemons!
For step by step instructions on installing Office 2008 from the DVD visit the Entourage Help Page.
Comments (6)
As a MAC newbie trying to update last night, this was a very timely post.
If "okay" is selected for the initial quit_apps error, and the install completes, how does one manually reinstall if errors are note in MS Office apps?
I do not find the "Keep in Dock" option for the Auto Update but double clicking with two fingers seemed to anchor it there.
To reinstall follow these steps:
1. Log out/in to quit all applications
2. Drag the Microsoft Office 2008 folder to the trash and delete.
3. Reinstall from the original installation disk.
Follow the directions here to complete the install and update.
For complete instructions with screenshots of each step see Install Office 2008
Was AutoUpdate in the Dock when you tried to select to Keep in Dock? Just an FYI on keeping items in the Dock. If you drag to dock, it sticks. If an application open like the AutoUpdate during a process, it does not stick. Click and hold on any Dock icon to get options like "keep in dock," "Quit," "open at login" etc...
Office 2008 updater 12.1.2 was also just released. It's not even available via AutoUpdate yet. Only as a download from Mactopia. I haven't even had a chance yet to install. I'll report on any problems and the new features shortly.
Hi Diane,
I've followed your recent comments on the Office 2008 updater problem but couldn't get my Office programmes to work. I tried installing Office 2008 on Aug 12 for the first time and was asked to download and install 3 updates (up to and including 12.1.2.). Also I ended up in the endless loop of clicking on the Excel icon in the Dock, then seeing the Office Setup Assistent and the Auto Update popup. Which of your guidelines will work for update 12.1.2. as well?
Thx
Sabine
The endless loop fix can be found here.
Loops Error
This page gives complete instructions on installing. Even though you are installed, it lists a lot of basics about dos and donts of installing that might save you in the future.
Install Office 2008
Thanks for the feedback on the endless loop issue. However, I don't have these 2 files anywhere on my computer. What else can I do to fix the issue?
Thanks for this post, searched quite awhile for that info. Thanks!