Special Report: Mac Pro EFI Firmware 1.1

According to Apple, this EFI Firmware Update fixes several Boot Camp and start up issues on Mac Pro 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:

1. 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)]
2. Launch the Mac Pro EFI Firmware 1.1 updater application, located in Applications/Utilities after download and installation.
3. Click Shut Down in the Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.1 window and wait for your computer to fully shut down -- even waiting a few minutes to make sure.
4. With the computer completely off, press and hold the power button on your Mac Pro 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:

1. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator
2. Launch NetInfo Manager, located in /Applications/Utilities folder
3. 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 [1.6 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.

Devices not recognized If you are having issues with devices not being recognized after applying the firmware update, try simply disconnecting the device (from the system and power) then re-connecting it.

Resetting PRAM/NVRAM can solve a variety of issues 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 computer, your Boot ROM Version will be:

• MP11.005C.B04

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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