Revert to a previous version after a bad update

The recent Office for Mac update 12.1.3 has bitten a lot of Exchange users. MacBU is working hard on a fix, but in the mean time, what do you do? Try the workarounds, or revert to the previous version. Neither Microsoft or Apple include an an uninstall feature for updates. These are the instructions included in every Microsoft updater:

To remove this update

This update does not include an uninstall feature. To restore your application to its original state, delete it from your hard disk, reinstall it from your original installation disk, and then install the updates that you want.

This is not a quick or easy process. There are ways to revert easily, if you plan.

Simple solution

Archive (zip) your Office folder.

To compress files and folders:

• Select the item or items you want to compress.
• Choose File > Compress.

Easy to delete the bad updated Microsoft Office folder and revert to the archived copy.

Use a Backup Copy

If you use Time Machine, CCC, SuperDuper! or any other third party backup application, you can use your backup to replace the updated version that is not working….unless you have already backed up the newly installed update.
One of the features I like in SuperDuper! is what the author calls a “Sandbox.” Not only is it helpful for problems with Microsoft Office for Mac updates that are problematic, but more importantly for bad system updates.
A “Sandbox” is used to revert to pre-update state of your OS. Here’s a description of how this option works:

A Sandbox is a bootable copy of your system, stored on another hard drive or partition, that shares your personal documents and data with the original. With SuperDuper!, you actually use the Sandbox as your startup volume. You can safely install any system updates, drivers or programs in the Sandbox, without worrying about what might happen to your system. If anything goes wrong, you can simply start up from the original system. SuperDuper! has preserved it in its original, pre-disaster state but all your new and changed personal documents are totally up to date. Within minutes, you’re up and running again without having to go through a difficult and time-consuming restore process.

SuperDuper! Is $27.95. I’m not affiliated with the product. Just a satisfied user. SuperDuper! is one of the most recommended products by Mac users for backups. AFAIK, it is the only one that has this “Sandbox” feature.