Troubleshooting macOS Sierra: FileMaker, Logitech and Razer devices, 4k display issues [u]

Sierra is still proving to be one of the less problematic Mac software upgrade in a long time, but as expected, there are some minor issues here and there, including FileMaker incompatibility problems, tracking issues with some Logitech mice, and problems with missing options on some third party 4k displays.

FileMaker needs a patch

FileMaker developers and users should probably wait to upgrade to Sierra. In a tech briefing posted earlier this week, the developers of the database suite has noted that FileMaker Pro 15, FileMaker Pro Advanced 15, and FileMaker Server 15 have issues with the new OS.

Minor problems related to missing fonts manifest, but users are also reporting crashing with setup dialogs, and script name problems. In FileMaker Server 15, WebDirect, PHP, and XML functionality may not work at all.

There are no workarounds at this time. FileMaker has a patch in progress, and the support page spelling out the problem is advising users to wait for the patch.

Logitech, Razer input devices experiencing scrolling, custom keystroke issues

After Sierra installations, some Logitech input devices, specifically mice, are proving problematic. Users are reporting "choppy" pointer movement in most applications, with other users reporting different behavior in Apple's macOS applications.

Razer mice are responding similarly, aggravated by the vendor's driver package causing kernel panics for some users. The kernel panics are resolved after manual removal of the RazerHID.kext driver extension from the /Library/Extensions/ user directory.

AppleInsider has spoken with Logitech and Razer, with both companies acknowledging issues. Update: Logitech has updated its input driver with a Sierra-compatible version.

Update:Razer has informed AppleInsider that it will roll out a fix for problems in an update expected on October 1.

Third party utility USB Overdrive 3.3 ($30) restores normal mouse behavior with no kernel panics, but does not retain user-set custom button actions.

Other input device problem reports circulating include some of Logitech's USB wireless devices, including both keyboards and mice, suffering from sporadic connectivity through USB hubs and Thunderbolt docking stations. AppleInsider can confirm this issue with both a K360 keyboard and the K830 Living Room keyboard.

Several combinations of USB 3.0 hubs and Thunderbolt docks were tried, with a 2012 Retina MacBook Pro first running OS X El Capitan, and then upgraded to macOS 10.12 Sierra. No connectivity issues were experienced on El Capitan, nor did there appear to be a commonality to when the connectivity issues manifested.

In the case of the Logitech wireless devices, the solution is to plug the USB wireless receiver directly into the Mac. If a direct connection is not possible, disconnecting and re-inserting the wireless receiver corrects the problem, at least temporarily.

Resolutions missing for some third-party 4k displays

Some monitors, seemingly mostly Dell options, no longer have some scaling and resolutions options available any longer under Sierra. In some cases, HiDPI scaling options to increase desktop space and retain text legibility are gone, such as using a 1440p display in 1080p HiDPI mode.

Monitors afflicted by the problem are only presenting the native resolution of the display, instead of an assortment of scaled options.

There also appears to be little commonality in the problem reports. Some HDMI users have shifted to MiniDisplayPort, or vice versa. Others have turned to third-party options, like SwitchResX (€14 or $15.75) with some reports of success.

Testing of the matter was performed on a 2015 Retina MacBook Pro running Sierra with an external monitor connected through MiniDisplayPort or HDMI during the testing runs. Following confirmation of the problem, the computer was reverted to El Capitan with the previous HiDPI and resolution options returning, suggesting a new video driver is the culprit.

At this time, there does not appear to be a universal work-around. AppleInsider can confirm that on a Dell P2715Q the latest public beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.1 does not resolve the issue.

The problem does not extend to Apple's 4k or 5k displays in the iMac, nor are there any problems with Retina displays on the MacBook or MacBook Pro lines.

Update: A fix for the issue is expected for release in the next Synapse update scheduled for Oct. 1, Razer said in a statement to AppleInsider.