Mac Office 2011 Latest Update won't install on OSX 10.8.5

Anonymous
2013-10-11T22:35:00+00:00

I just ran the update program for Word for 2011, version 14.3.8 and when it gets to the part to select which drive

to install it to, there is a yellow exclamation mark on my main iMac Hard Drive where Office 2011 for Mac IS installed.

I get an error message stating that "This software requires OS X 10.5.8 or later."

My iMac IS running OS X 10.8.5.

I also tried downloading the installer and running it that way, same error.  Can't install latest update with security fixes.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Other

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

45 answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-20T14:34:12+00:00

    It is indeed most probably a "mac_kernel" problem in combination with  "strange behaviour" of some users.

    Cf. my post on October 20.

    Eric De Vos

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-20T14:32:40+00:00

    As SanLewy replied on October 18, it is most probably a "mac_kernel" problem in combination with  "strange behaviour" of some users.

    Cf. my post on October 20.

    Eric De Vos

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.


    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-20T12:59:22+00:00

    The answer is in some cases very simple.

    Since the last OS X 10.8.5 update the file "mach_kernel" is visible at root level on your hard disk

    Believe it or not, some users trash it ?!

    Solution in that event:

    Simply copy that file (I suppose from a machine running the same updated version of OS X)

    Restart.

    Your Microsoft update will work (and other ones as well).

    Why do I write this?

    My sun and I use identical late 2012 Fusion iMacs. Both of us had run the last OS X 10.8.5 update a few days ago.

    He trashed "mach_kernel" distrusting that suddenly appeared file.

    The Microsoft Update problem was solved when he copied my file. Simply with a usb-stick. & Restart.

    Sincerely.

    PS:

    I now tried the Microsoft update on a mid 2012 MacBook Pro 15" (Retina, SSD) and on a mid 2010 Mac Book Pro 17" both displaying the "mach_kernel" file after an OS X 10.8.5 update.

    No problem at all.

    This supports my guess that people tamper with the file "mach_kerel".

    Eric DV

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2013-10-20T05:54:45+00:00

    This is a 'mach_kernel' problem.  One version of the recent OS X 10.8.5 update left this file as visible on the MacHD volume (it should have been hidden).  Refer to the discussions on the Apple Support Communities site to resolve the problem.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments