Apple releases fix for MacBook Pro hard drive issues

Apple on Wednesday released a software update it said would fix a problem with its MacBook Pro line of portable computers that have the 7200rpm 500GB hard drive.

(Credit: Apple)

Users with the affected computers reported hearing beeps from the computer just before the hard drive would make clicking sounds and then freeze. The issue wouldn't require a restart or force quit-- simply waiting for 10 seconds or so would normally be enough for the computer to return to normal.

The hard drives in question shipped with the June 2009 MacBook Pro, according to Apple.

The software download from Apple's Web site is a firmware updater. After downloading, you will be presented with some onscreen instructions to fully complete the update.

MacBook Pro Hard Drive Firmware Update 2.0 is available from Apple's support Web site or via the software update mechanism in Mac OS X.

[AppleSuxLeo]

They actually admitted they had a problem ? LOL

[AppleSuxLeo]

That`s not very Apple-like.

[baconstang]

It's all MS's fault ;)

[ApplerPS3]

If you follow Apple closely, you will know that when they are 'sure' any given problem is from their side, they (1) acknowledge the fault, and (2) fix it. Yes, their procedure takes longer times than some, but at the end they take care of it. No wonder their market share continues to grow each year. So your silly comment is groundless.

[CupertinoBill]

Nonsense, Apple is always fixing problems pronto. I had a problem with an iMac that was 6 months out of warrenty. I took it to an Apple Store, they could not fix it for some reason and lo an behold they gave me a brand new iMac. No questions asked. Try getting that from Microsoft. Oh my mistake.... they don't do computers. Try it with your Dell POS.

[goodspeed8701]

If the don't give you a new one, you may hate them because they can't fix it and buy dell or hp so they give you a new one and record it as a sale an,d them report that their market share is growing.

[Michichael]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OzbraJDDso

What so macs don't ...?

I'm gonna go get IT...

Irony anyone?

[ikramerica--2008]

sudo pmset -a sms 0

that's how you fix all instances of hard drive sudden motion sensor conflicting with computer's sudden motion sensor. Simply turns the computer's sensor off, allowing the drive to do it.

[MyRightEye]

The Windows users can say all they want - but there's a reason Apple has the best customer satisfaction leaps and bounds beyond anyone else. Buy Apple Care and have a problem outside of the warrantee, and Apple is renown for simply giving you a brand new machine.

[SIGHUP]

For as much as they charge for a computer, I would hope so.

[uclapril76]

Applecare is not free either.

[crash7800]

I feel like a real idiot posting this, but has anyone done this yet? I ran the update and now my computer is at a gray screen and has been for about 30 minutes. I didn't really take the time to read the instructions on the update so I don't know if I'm supposed to turn this thing off or what....

Any feedback would be great!

[ikramerica--2008]

If it's a firmware update, it really depends on how the firmware update works. Sometimes, it requires you to hold down a button at boot. Sometimes it can do the update without a reboot at all (like the keyboard update).

I will look at the Apple site.

[ecotopian--2008]

With firmware updates, you really need to read and follow the instructions exactly. You must have ignored a pretty pointed warning.

[ikramerica--2008]

I tried looking at the Apple page for the firmware update and it tells you to follow the instructions included in the application.

But usually, if you fail to follow the directions, nothing happens at all, the machine reboots, and you are prompted again to do what you forgot to do. That's been the case with all other firmware updates I've done on the Mac.

[crash7800]

OK!

So, as it turns out, I DID read the instructions. I mean, I glossed over them, but, not noticing any major commands or odd steps, I proceeded with the install.

As it turns out, it was just kinda... stuck. I had let it sit for 4+ hours and finally turned it off. I turned it back on and a hard drive icon with a loading bar appeared. Easy install and it turned itself off. I turned it back on after a minute (I remember that part from the installation) and everything is great.

No more mouse in my hard drive! yay!

Thanks for everyone for the help. Everyone except "Goodbye Helicopter".

[ikramerica--2008]

Good to hear. It just hadn't started to update at all. Lucky, as if it had gotten stuck in the middle, you could have been toast.

Here are the instructions anyway:

Important: Back up the data on your hard disk to an external disk or removable media before using this update.

Do not reset, shut down, or turn off the power to your computer while updating your hard disk. If there is an issue during the update, your hard disk may become unusable and the data on it could be lost.

Note: Some USB and FireWire devices may prevent firmware updates from installing correctly; disconnect non-essential devices and use only an Apple keyboard and mouse to apply the update.

Quit all open applications, then download and install the firmware update.
The downloader will place a disk image with an installer in your Downloads folder or in the location specified in the General tab under Safari > Preferences.
If you downloaded the disk image using Safari, Safari will notify you that an application is in the image. Click OK to continue.
If "Open safe files after downloading" is enabled in Safari preferences, the disk image file will mount by itself. If that preference is not enabled in Safari, double-click the disk image to mount it.
In the mounted disk image, double-click the HardDriveUpdate.pkg file to start the firmware update process.
A welcome screen appears. Click Continue.
A licensing agreement appears. Click Continue, then click Agree.
A standard install window appears. Click Install to install the Hard Drive Firmware Update in the /Application/Utilities folder.
Enter the administrative password for your computer, then click OK.
An "Installation completed successfully" window appears. Click Close.
The Hard Drive Firmware Update will start automatically.
Note: Your battery must be charged at least 50% to apply this update. You will receive an alert message with that message if your battery is not charged to the required level. You can locate the update in /Applications/Utilities to try to apply the update again when your battery is charged; if you restart your computer, you'll be offered the opportunity to apply the update.
Read the onscreen instructions and click Restart to install the new firmware onto your hard disk drive.
A gray screen with a hard drive icon and a status bar underneath it appears.
Important: Do not unplug, shut down, or restart your computer while the update is taking place.
The computer will shut down after the firmware is updated.
Press the power button to restart your computer.
Important: The hard disk in an Intel-based Mac must be formatted with the GUID partition scheme to apply a firmware update. Intel-based iMac computers are shipped this way from the factory. If you have reformatted your hard disk, you should check which scheme your hard disk is currently using before applying a firmware update. See Firmware updates for Intel-based Macs require a GUID partition scheme for more information. If you try to apply the update to a hard disk that utilizes any formatting scheme other than the GUID partition, the update will be unsuccessful.

[Goodbye Helicopter]

uh, yeah, you didn't read the instructions. That's foolish.

[ikramerica--2008]

Insulting the guy doesn't help him. He asked if someone else had run it so they could give him the instructions he may have messed up. Seems like a valid request to me.

[crash7800]

Thanks for the help! :)

[jezzur]

Yeah, nice one coptertard.

[Alecoalec]

Apple can say all they want. I'm having the same issue on my 150GB HD one... I got the "This computer does not need this update." But it does, any slightest move I make, the noise triggers, and blocks HD access. If it's a purpose to help you not loose files while "DROPPING" it, then what is the point of disabling it..?

[ApplerPS3]

Is your computer a unibody? Judging from your hard drive capacity, your Mac is a bit older right? That might be the problem rendering it ineligible for the firmware update as there are differences in hardware. if you do have that problem, head out to your nearest apple store, or simply ship it out (Are you still under warranty...did you buy Apple care). Apple has the best customer service for computer manufacturers hands down.

[sythara]

Superior hardware..... superior this and that. Yet it has problems regardless of the claims. And just as all other problems, they can all be fixed.

At least Apple is pumping out pathces and updates to fix stuff thats broken. When Microsoft does it though, people roar on how bad they are for having to fix the problem.

[woozlewrangler]

New user, new to Macs anyway. Is the data back up necessary, as the firmware update erases all data, effectively reformatting the hard drive, or is this a precautionary measure in the event that the update fails and turns the hard drive into a paperweight? Would a 'Time Machine' back up to an external hard drive do the trick?

[crash7800]

Purely a precautionary measure. A time machine backup would do the trick, but is optional. My update got stuck during the process, but I turned the machine off and then back on and everything was fine.

If you have anything that you'd die without I'd back it up (although you should be backing up regularly anyway ^_^).

GO FOR IT!