macbook firmware update problem..

[nicK]

just loaded up software update on my macbook pro for the first time in ages and found that there was a new firmware update and new intel update available..

downloaded both of them and when finished was ask to restart.. clicked restart anyway only to find that it won't boot now..

a flashing question mark appears after powering on and won't go any further...

anybody any ideas?

(i'm also using bootcamp and can thankfully still boot into windows to post this)

eth0_

Sounds like you need to repair your startup disc using your OS X CD.

See here: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58042

I think i'll wait a while before applying that firmware update :-)

440Hz

Did you follow all the exact instructions about holding down whatever key you are supposed to hold down etc when doing the firmware update.. i cant remember offhand what the instructions are only that they are very specific and will cause problems if not adhered to. Also, isnt there something about disabling airport and bluetooth before doing the firmware update.. did you do that?

The latest firmware update is for fixing 'wake from sleep' issues as far as i remember.

Complete instructions and info here http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macbookproefifirmwareupdate12.html

I reckon if you followed everything they say then yeah you probably have to boot from disc and do some repairing.

Urban Weigl

You can always restore the previous firmware version using Apple's special CD that you can download the image for and burn.

Hmm: "downloaded both of them and when finished was ask to restart.. clicked restart anyway only to find that it won't boot now.."

Sounds like you didn't finish it? You must hold down the power key until you hear a long beeping sound to actually apply the firmware update fully. After that it should boot again grand, at least it did for me.

Fuzzballs

There is actually 2 firmware updates for the intel Macbooks and 1 for the intel iMac. After you do the 1.0 you will have a 1.1 to do as well.
The update should tell you to shut down the system, do this.
Once shut down, the key is to hold down the on/off button for about 5 - 10 seconds, you should then hear a loud beep, the power indicator will flash
repeatedly, then the firmware update bar will pop up on the screen and load from left to right. Keep your finger on the on/off button until you see this bar.
Once the bar pops up you are ok to let go of the button. And the update finishes, and th CPU will restart. Go back to software update and refresh again. A host of updates will appear along with the the new firmware update.
The new update is the same all over again.

[nicK]

yeah, it seems that i didn't complete the update properly and now i need to repair the disk and if that doesn't work, do an erase and install ..

i was just doing my usual software update though, i didn't expect that there would be any special requirments needed for the firmware update..
there should be some kind of warning to ensure that you've read the instructions before downloading the update.. being asked to restart wasn't good enough..

440Hz

Yeah like the link I posted said:

MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2

About this update

This EFI Firmware Update fixes several Boot Camp, start up, and wake-from-sleep issues on MacBook Pro computers.

After the firmware update is successfully applied to your computer, your Boot ROM Version will be:
MBP11.0055.B08 (MacBook Pro 15 inch)
MBP12.0061.B03 (MacBook Pro 17 inch)

You can confirm the version of the Boot ROM installed on your computer using System Profiler.

Your computer’s power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source.

Note: Print or write down these instructions before you begin the update.

To update the firmware on your Intel-based MacBook Pro:

1. Quit all other open applications.

2. Click Shut Down in the MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update window and wait for your computer to shut down.

3. Press and hold the power button on your MacBook Pro until the power indicator light flashes repeatedly, then release the power button to begin the update.

A status bar indicates the progress of the update.

Important: Do not interrupt the update.

Your computer restarts automatically when the update is completed and opens the MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update.

4. Click OK, if the firmware is now up-to-date.

If these instructions appear on your screen again, the firmware update was not successful. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4.