Software Update won’t update: You do not have appropriate access privileges
Recently, I migrated my user from a Mac Pro running 10.5.2 to an iMac, also running 10.5.2. Other than Apple pro applications (Aperture, Final Cut Pro, etc.) which did not migrate over well, everything else went smooth. The trouble didn’t start until trying to run Software Update. I continuously received an error message stating that “You do not have appropriate access privileges.” Luckily, there’s an easy fix.
I first verified and repaired permissions, verified there were no problems with the disk, and tried to run Software Update again from a different user (also an administrator account).
If your Software Update says 'You do not have appropriate access privileges', simply delete everything within your /Library/Updates/ folder, and try running Software Update again.
After much Googling and digging around, I finally came across another Mac user on the Apple Discussion Boards that found a fix. Simply delete all of the files within the Macintosh HD/Library/Updates/ folder and run Software Update again. For me, this worked like a charm. 
Just remember, this is the Library in your system, NOT your user Library.
THANKS!!!!!
Comment by BT on October 5, 2008
thanks!
Comment by Justin on December 28, 2008
Great! it worked well for me!
Comment by Bert on January 6, 2009
Thanks, this worked for me as well. Nice work!
Comment by Jason on February 5, 2009
worked like a charm! Thanks!
Comment by ST on February 11, 2009
You’ve solved my riddle!
Comment by Racosilver on April 14, 2009
Thanks so much!
Comment by Ber on June 1, 2009
THANKS!!.. i was getting ready to just reinstall the OS again lol
Comment by AD05 on June 2, 2009
Worked like a charm!
Comment by amtan on June 14, 2009
Thanks so much this worked great. Strange that it does that. well thanks again it started to get really annoying.
Comment by Alex on July 22, 2009
Thanks so much – been looking for this answer for months!
Comment by pattyb on July 25, 2009
Gracias… Esto ha resuelto mi problema,,, Mil gracias!!!
Comment by Dan on August 10, 2009
Sweet. It seems to be working!
Comment by termo on August 14, 2009
Gracias… Esto fué la solución a mi problema, llevaba meses sin encontrar solución… Excelente aporte!!
Comment by Julio Audi on September 13, 2009
Worked Perfectly!
Comment by William on September 21, 2009
So glad this OS X software update resolution is working so well for everyone.
Comment by Jim Jamesson on September 21, 2009
Thanks SO much! Finally can update my OS after almost 2 years!
Comment by Natasha on September 30, 2009
OMG! I thought this might be a scam! It’s too simple and it works!
Thank you thank you thank you!
Comment by Jephellis on October 19, 2009
yeah
it works
Comment by wolf on October 22, 2009
Thank, thank, thank you! I’ve been aimlessly searching for a solution to this for months.
Comment by CK on November 26, 2009
even the “geniuses” at the apple store couldn’t fix this. you rockl! thanks for the help!
Comment by maren on November 29, 2009
yep, that did the trick for me as well.
Thanks
Comment by Ron on December 7, 2009
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Comment by Carly on December 26, 2009
Thanks man. You’re GREAT.
Comment by ervanux on February 16, 2010
Beautiful, i love it when i google something and the first link gives me the fix. Thank you!!
Comment by khaskuras on February 23, 2010
Worked great for me but now I can’t open photo booth HELP!
Comment by Paula on July 10, 2010
Thanks buddy, that worked a treat!
Comment by Niall Mullally on November 8, 2010