Special Report: MacBook (13") EFI Firmware Update 1.0
Special Report: MacBook (13") EFI Firmware Update 1.0
According to Apple, this EFI Firmware Update fixes several Boot Camp, start up, and wake-from-sleep issues on MacBook computers.
Properly applying If you are having problems applying the MacBook (13") EFI Firmware Update 1.0, make sure to follow these instructions exactly:
- Make sure the power cord is connected, then 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 MacBook EFI Firmware 1.0 updater application, located in Applications/Utilities after download and installation.
- Click Shut Down in the MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.0 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 MacBook 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 [1.6 MB] results in successful application.
Meanwhile, if your update fails with this error:
- "An unexpected error occurred (0). Your firmware can not be updated."
after the required restart, the issue may be bad or otherwise problematic RAM.
You can sometimes determine if you have a "bad" RAM module by using the Apple Hardware Diagnostic CD, included with all currently shipping Macintosh models. To use the Apple Hardware Test CD, restart your computer while holding down the C key until the "Loading..." icon appears.
You can also try using the utility Memtest to check for bad modules, or try simply removing modules one by one until you identify the culprit.
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.
Not required for Core 2 Duo MacBooks Note that (although Apple makes no mention of the fact) EFI Firmware Update 1.2 is not applicable to Core 2 Duo-based MacBooks.
Devices not recognized, other hardware issues Some users have reported varied hardware issues after applying the MacBook (13") Firmware Update version 1.0, ranging from an inability to recognize certain devices to apparent increased operating temperature.
In some cases, re-applying the most recent Mac OS X combo updater [Intel or PowerPC -- look for the "combo update" link under "Download Links"] can resolve this issue.
In other instances of the problem, clearing caches with a utility like Cocktail or Tiger Cache Cleaner can resolve the issue.
Resetting PRAM 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.
iSight not functioning -- fix Like the iMac and MacBook Pro, some MacBooks are suffering from an inability to recognize the built-in iSight after applying this firmware update.
In some cases performing a SMC reset can resolve issues with built-in iSights not functioning properly -- particularly an issue where applications attempting to use the iSight erroneously state that the unit is already in use by another application. Note that this issue can sometimes also be resolved with a simple restart.
In order to perform a SMC reset, use the following process:
- If the computer is on, turn it off.
- Disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the computer's battery.
- Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release the button.
- Reconnect the battery and AC Adapter.
- Press the Power button to restart the computer.
Positive reports Meanwhile, we have a few reports from readers for whom various issues were resolved by this update.
MacFixIt reader Brad writes:
"Just wanted to report that the EFI Firmware Update cured my MacBook's blinking screen problem.
"My screen would blink for the first couple minutes after lifting the lid to wake from sleep. It used to have very rapid blinks of its brightness, now it's stable as it should be."
Determining whether or not the update was applied After the firmware update is successfully applied to your MacBook Pro, your Boot ROM Version will be:- MB11.0061.B03
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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