Issue/Question
- How do I get through the SPSS server login?
- How can I use SPSS 29 on a macOS device?
- Why does SPSS require a server to login?
Environment
- Oregon State University
- macOS Sonoma
- SPSS 29
Explanation
After installing SPSS 29 on macOS Sonoma (14) and completing the normal licensing process, SPSS does not launch successfully, displaying a "Server Login: Local Computer" window instead as if additional server settings must be applied. See screenshot below.
Resolution
Method:
IBM has released a workaround for this issue until they can update the installation files for SPSS itself. It consists of downloading a modified file and replacing the existing file in the SPSS app folder. Instructions for applying this workaround can be found below.
Please note that these instructions only apply for computers running the macOS Sonoma with SPSS 29 installed experiencing the behavior mentioned above.
1. Download the libplatdeb.dylib file linked on this page.
2. Close all instances of SPSS.
3. Navigate to "/Applications/IBM SPSS Statistics/SPSS Statistics.app/Contents/lib/". You can do this by opening your Applications folder, opening the IBM SPSS Statistics folder, right-clicking on SPSS Statistics, clicking "Show Package Contents", opening the Contents folder, then opening the lib folder.
4. Copy the libplatdeb.dylib file you downloaded in step 1 to this folder, replacing the existing file, when prompted.
5. Run SPSS 29 again, and it should launch successfully.
Assistance
For assistance, contact the Service Desk.