Special Report: iMac (Intel-based) EFI Firmware 1.1
Special Report: iMac (Intel-based) EFI Firmware 1.1
According to Apple, this EFI Firmware Update fixes several Boot Camp, start up, and wake-from-sleep issues on iMac computers.
Problems applying The first key to making sure that this firmware update takes properly is to follow these instructions -- a modified version of what Apple recommends -- to the letter:
- Quit all open applications (other than the Finder) [we also recommend that users turn off AirPort, disable Bluetooth, and disconnect any external devices (USB/Firewire)]
- Launch the iMac EFI Firmware 1.1 updater application, located in Applications/Utilities after download and installation.
- Click Shut Down in the iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.1 window and wait for your computer to fully shut down -- even waiting a few minutes to make sure.
- With the computer completely off, press and hold the power button on your iMac until the power indicator light flashes repeatedly, then release the power button; the update should begin.
If you still cannot apply the update, try logging in as the root user and re-applying.
To enable the root account, use the following process:
- Make sure you are logged in as an administrator
- Launch NetInfo Manager, located in /Applications/Utilities folder
- In the "Security" menu, select "Enable root user," after which you should be prompted for your administrator password.
After enabling the root account, logout of your current account. At the login prompt, select "Other..." then enter "root" as the user name and the password you set for the account.
Once logged into the root account, re-attempt running the firmware update. Once completed, logout of the root user account and back into your normal account.
You may want to launch NetInfo Manager again and re-disable the root user account (again, via the "Security" menu) when finished due to security considerations.
One more thing to try: Some readers have reported that simply deleting the firmware updater and re-downloading it from the original source [6.1 MB] results in successful application.
Downgrading firmware If you experience a failed update and cannot resurrect your system, try this downloadable firmware restoration disc image. Note that you can only use this to restore the firmware after an interrupted or failed update -- not if the update was installed successfully.
Built-in iSight not recognized Some users have reported loss of their built-in iSights after applying the iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.1. In some cases, this issue can be resolved by resetting the SMC (system management controller) using this process:
- From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
- Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
- Wait at least 15 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time. Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
- Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.
Resetting PRAM can solve a variety of issues As mentioned in our coverage of recent EFI Firmware updates issued for other Macs, a number of potentially serious issues apparent after applying this EFI Firmware Update can be resolved by simply resetting PRAM/NVRAM via the following process:
Shut down your Mac, then start it back up while immediately holding the following keys: Command, Option, P and R. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the third time.
This workaround is a good first course of action before exploring more complex fixes. It should also be attempted if your system cannot properly startup after applying the update.
Determining whether or not the update was applied After the firmware update is successfully applied to your imac, your Boot ROM Version will be:- IM41.0055.B08 (early 2006)
- IM42.0071.B03 (17-inch mid 2006)
- IM52.0090.B03 (17-inch late 2006 CD)
- IM51.0090.B03 (20-inch late 2006)
- IM61.0093.B01 (24-inch)
You can find this string in the Apple System Profiler (located in Applications/Utilities) under the Hardware tab. You can use this check in case you don't receive a message indicating that the firmware was successfully applied.
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