Apple updated OS X to version 10.7.3 today, which fixed a number of minor issues—but caused many big ones with some users. If you're finding that apps are crashing as soon as you launch them, here's how to fix it.


This bug isn't affecting everyone, but it has affected a large number of users. Essentially, if you updated via Software Update—as most of us do—you might have found that every app you launch crashes, prompting a very weird dialog box with buttons reading "CUI CUI CUI". Apple has yet to make a comment on the issue, but if you've been afflicted, Macworld offers this somewhat difficult solution:

The combo updater-the version that could also update older versions of Lion-seems to resolve the issue for afflicted users. The problem, however, is that getting the installer to run can be a bit of an issue, if your Web browser crashes each time you try to download it. Writes Scrace, "I have since fixed the issue by starting my computer up in FireWire Target mode and connecting it to another MacBook Pro." To launch target disk mode, hold down the T key when your problematic Mac boots up. Download the Combo Updater from a different, working Mac, and then install it to the troubled Mac over FireWire.


If you don't have another Mac handy, 9 to 5 Mac has an alternative solution, though it involves some Terminal work and other advanced techniques.. If you haven't updated to 10.7.3 yet, you'll probably want to use the combo updater just to be on the safe side, instead of updating through Software Update. Hit the link to read more.

Some 10.7.3 Users Encounter Nasty Bug; Fix Available | Macworld