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Installing Timbuktu Pro 8.8.5 on macOS High Sierra

macOS High Sierra throws another wrench into my preferred remote access software, Timbuktu Pro. A change in the file /System/Library/Frameworks/ScreenSaver.framework/Versions/A/ScreenSaver prevents the Timbuktu Host application from launching. Some solutions online suggest copying an older version of the framework, but this requires disabling System Integrity Protection, could be overwritten with a future system update, and may cause unforeseen problems.

I’ve managed to resurrect this software on High Sierra without changing the System Folder or disabling SIP. First, copy the ScreenSaver.framework from Mac OS 10.11 and placed it at /SysTB2/Library/Frameworks/ScreenSaver.framework/.

Next, open /Applications/Timbuktu Pro/Timbuktu Pro.app/Contents/SharedSupport/Timbuktu Host.app/Contents/MacOS/Timbuktu Host in a Hex Editor, and search for the string /System/Library/Frameworks/ScreenSaver.framework/Versions/A/ScreenSaver. Change System to SysTB2 and save your changes. Now the Timbuktu Host app will use the older framework in the /SysTB2 folder. You can then use chflags to hide the SysTB2 folder for appearance’s sake if desired:

$ chflags hidden /SysTB2