Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 (#4): Other solutions for missing devices; iBook compatibility

We continue coverage of issues with the recent Bluetooth Firmware Updater. As previously noted, although most users have had no problems, a few have seen complete loss of Bluetooth functionality -- their Bluetooth devices will no longer connect to their computer and the OS X Bluetooth menu bar icon is grayed out, indicating that Bluetooth has been disabled.

In addition to the previously suggested PMU/SMU reset workaround (with which several readers have since reported success), some users have found that simply unplugging their Macs for a few minutes, then re-attaching them to power allowed proper Bluetooth functionality:

Al Spiegleman writes "I had this problem with a iMac G5 20". Actually called Apple on this one (bluetooth icon grayed out) and the final fix was to unplug the machine and let it sit with no power on it for about 3 minutes. Lo and behold - the bluetooth came back! No problems since. Apple's explanation was that 'unplugging lets the USB bus completely die, and it rediscovers devices when powered up again'"

iBooks We also previously reported that Apple refers to this as a firmware update for internal Bluetooth modules on the PowerBooks and Power Macs, but makes no mention of iBooks.

Several users have since reported that the update applies without issue on various iBook models.

One reader writes "The Bluetooth Updater 1.2 runs on my ibook g4 april 2004 with internal bluetooth. No problems."

In some cases, the update may take several minutes to apply. MacFixIt reader David writes "I have successfully used the latest Bluetooth firmware update on my iBook G4 (933) with an internal module installed by Apple on order. The update itself took a very long time, more than the 15 minutes stated in the dialog box. After the update, the Bluetooth mouse (Apple) worked without having to reestablish the pairing link."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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