So far this was the only way that I could repatch the reinstalls.

Do NOT Auto Patch anything.

Reinstall Spore-open Spore-Do Not let it Auto Patch.
Close Spore
Open Spore
Close Spore

Reinstall Spore Creepy and Cute-It will install patches 1 & 2 while installing-open Spore-Do Not let it Auto Patch.
Close Spore
Open Spore
Close Spore

Reinstall Spore Galactic Adventures-It will install patches 3 & 4 while installing-open Spore-Do Not let it Auto Patch.
Close Spore
Open GA-Do Not let it Auto Patch.
Close GA


Then go to Patch 5 notes

http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/list/41459.page

Manually install Patch 5.1 according to patch notes-open GA-Do Not let it Auto Patch-Close GA


Then go to Patch 5 notes

http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/list/41459.page

Manually install GA Patch 1.1 according to patch notes

Open GA


It was stated earlier to me that patch 5.1 contained all of the prior patches after I had completed all of this.

***Bump***

Guys.... this is working for me. I have played all the way through to the space stage with minimal crashing. I still have to delete the numbered GraphicsCachePackages and the system.reg files very regularly but I can play my game. I did have one crash in the Creature stage.... deleting these files helped. I did have graphics flashes in the Civilized Stage all the way through but lowering my graphics and deleting these files kept me going. In the Space Stage, I may crash AFTER I save and close out only. It just reminds me to delete these files. No biggie. EVERY time I have a problem I just close the game and delete these files. Spore is ALWAYS going to have problems.... you just have to learn how to keep it going or throw it in the trash.

Does this help fix the ATI/Snow Leopard crashing problem?

No.... that helps ensure good patching with Snow Leopard. But it does help in fixing most crashes since not having a good install on any one of the patches can cause crashing.

Once you have a good install, there is a general maintenance that you pretty much have to do daily or twice daily depending on how much you play your game.

System.reg and GraphicsCache.###.package files tend to be the number 1 files that cause constant headaches but do regenerate. (Do not delete the original GraphicsCache.package but delete all that holds numbers in them like 001, 002 and so forth) I delete these nearly every time I quit my game to help keep from crashing but the numbered GraphicsCache.package files tend to appear at their own pace and at times in a flash. Then when that doesn't seem to be helping any more.... Deleting the login.prop and preferences.prop files.

With out these processes, you're doomed.

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General Maintenance

These files are found along this path...

Mac:
Users\[Your User Name]\Library\Preferences\SPORE Preferences\p_drive\User\Application Data\Spore\

Delete the these files in the this folder, such as system.reg and GraphicsCache.###.package files (Located in the \Preferences folders). They will be automatically recreated by Spore the next time you launch Spore.

Delete the .prop files you see in this folder, such as Login.prop and preferences.prop (Located in the \Preferences folders). They will be automatically recreated by Spore the next time you launch Spore. Always after deleting these two files, you must open Core Spore first and sign in. Then close and open GA, sign in and play.

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If you think you should reinstall which in most cases that should come first...

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How do I back up saves before uninstalling?

http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/list/6416.page#119638

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You need a proper uninstall. Files are hidden and you need an application to remove all successfully.

You can find AppCleaner here http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/32740
Once you have AppCleaner installed, put the SPORE app icon into AppCleaner's trash can and follow the direction.

Be sure to delete your Spore file in "My Documents" and remove any files you may have copied and put on your desktop. Go to the big APPLE-Recent Items and clear your history and remove icon from dock. Empty trash can and restart before reinstalling the game.

If at any point a patch fails to install you will have to do the whole process over again.

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If your OS is Leopard 10.5.8 or less and you only have Core Spore..... Once you do a proper uninstall then reinstall the game and Spore should auto-patch on it's own without a hitch.... but if it does have a problem then go back to square 1 and start over.