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SuperDrive firmware update killing SuperDrives
[Published Monday, July 9th]
We previously issued a stern warning regarding SuperDrive Firmware Update 2.1: If there's a glitch ? a mistake in the instructions, or an interruption in the update process ? you may find your hardware non-functional. As such, it was (and is) recommended that users take special care to avoid interruptions during the firmware installation proess. Our specific advice was as follows:
- Do not run this firmware update in conjunction with any other updates.
- Consider making a disk image copy of your system installer disk before doing anything else.
- Note your drive?s model and firmware version before and after the update (in System Profiler).
- Download the standalone updater. Restart the computer, quit all running applications, make sure the computer is powered from the mains, and install the updater.
- If the "No devices" alert appears after a restart, remove the updater application from your Login Items.
Well, we warned you. Dozens if not hundreds of users are now reporting that SuperDrive Firmware Update 2.1 killed their optical drives, with the devices no longer reading media, nor accepting or ejecting.
One MacFixIt reader writes:
"Installed firmware update and drive is now dead. working before update. Have no idea what to try next."
Another adds, succinctly:
"I have the exact same problem. Cannot even load a disc now."
We're still seeking a software-based fix for this issue, but not holding our breath. You can cross your fingers and try a PRAM/NVRAM reset (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) before considering other options.
If your MacBook or MacBook Pro is still covered under an Apple warranty, they'll likely replace the drive for you. If not, you may be facing an uphill battle trying to get the unit replaced free of charge. Some users are resorting to third-party replacement -- a service that is usually priced around US$250.
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Previous coverage:
- SuperDrive Firmware Update 2.1 (#2): Successes, failures, repeating dialog
- SuperDrive Firmware Update 2.1 for MacBooks, MacBook Pros
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4909211
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1013920
I don't know how closely Apple monitors their discussion boards (they actually dismissed the staff that moderates these boards, see http://www.macobserver.com/article/2006/07/28.10.shtml), so I wouldn't put too much expectations on getting an offical response in that area.
I'm sorry to hear you're in this position, but consider calling Apple support to discuss the matter, especially if your machine is under warranty. My guess is Apple is aware of the rising issues and intends to respond to the situation once they understand what's causing it.
I had exactly the same problem. I found a very helpful Apple dealer here in Bern/Switzerland (Letec at Kramgasse 46 in Bern) who ordered and replaced the Superdrive under warranty in less than 48 hours! This top service free of charge is unfortunately not typical for other local Apple dealers (Dataquest in Bern: shame on you!), who tried to make money from such a situation.
I too am not sure I understand what the "we warned you" is about -- this problem is very widespread, surely widerspread than just among those who ran the update unplugged, shut off their computer in the middle, installed it from Software Update, or failed to consider making a disk image copy of the system. I haven't risked the update myself based on the trouble people are having with it, but I have no confidence that even following the recipe and advice here will guarantee me a working drive at the end.
Posting what can be read as verbal abuse towards your readers is never a good way to maintain a high reader base. ?eykanal
Maybe you're the one who needs to chill, dude. I don't see any evidence of "verbal abuse" in MacFixIt's post. They are simply pointing out for the benefit of their readers that not following previously-posted instructions could be dangerous to the health of your SuperDrive. Dumb-***** should feel free to ignore all their suggestions.
This has only just happened in the last few days... it seems. I haven't had the chance to fully verify that both machines can read AND write CDs and DVDs. I really don't have time for this.... no time to sip tea either! (it's actually the getting up and making it part - I can sip AND work, if it would just "magically" appear). That's WHY I love macs! I don't have to fight the OS.... at least up until now? I hope they come up with something soon, and I hope that they do not let the iPhone overshadow the OS, or lose sight of how "core" it is to their continued growth.
I have no way of knowing what's been bothering the MacFixIt editors lately, but something unusual does seem to have them on edge. Since most of us are also subject to too much stress from time to time, I suggest we cut them a little slack here. Hopefully, whatever crisis is disturbing their work will pass soon and do no further harm.
---
Don't anthropomorphize computers.
They hate that.
- by psydney July 16, 2007 4:37 PM PDT
- *** This worked for me ***
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(10 Comments)MacBook 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Matshita DVD-R UJ-857D (SuperDrive)
I installed the SuperDrive 2.1 firmware with Software Update and my SuperDrive was no longer able to burn CDs (I didn't try DVDs but I assume it wouldn't - also didn't try playing a CD.)
I just offer this up in case it may help someone else. I don't want to cause a problem for anyone, so please make sure you know what you are doing before you try this by reading these articles first:
Resetting MacBook and MacBook Pro System Management Controller (SMC)
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n303319
Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n2238
Apple support told *me* to do this:
Resetting MacBook and MacBook Pro System Management Controller (SMC)
1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2. Disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the computer's battery.
3. Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release the button.
4. Reconnect the battery and AC Adapter.
5. Press the Power button to restart the computer.
Resetting PRAM and NVRAM
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys.
This seems to have worked for me - I can now burn and play a CD (I haven't tried a DVD yet.)
Good luck.