Intel firmware updates (MacBook/MacBook Pro 1.4, Late-2006 iMac 1.2, Mac Pro 1.2): Problems installing, startup issues, more

Will not install on eligible machines -- particularly MacBook Pros Several users have reported an issue where the new firmware updates refuse to install on eligible Macs. Knowledge Base article #303880 has a matrix of systems and their current firmware versions, which you can use to determine whether or not your system can receive one of the new updates.

For instance, the MacBook Pro 1.4 firmware revision is only for Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros, which carry a BootROM Version string that begins in MBP21, MBP22 or MBP31.0070.B03. Core Duo MacBook Pros have BootROM version strings that start with MBP11 or MBP12, and use EFI firmware revision 1.2.

Still, some users who have determined their machines to be eligible for the updates are unable to apply them -- particularly on MacBook Pros.

Some typical reports:

• "When trying to run the firmware update, I get an error message along the lines of "unexpected error occurred (0); unable to upgrade firmware". I restart as normal, then try again, and same error. My firmware remains MBP22.00A5.B01 after numerous attempts." -- Ralph
• "I have a MacBook Pro with Boot Firmware MBP31.0070.B02. The new EFI Firmware 1.4 update says my computer doesn't need it."
• "My MacBook Pro is a Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz, 17", with Mac OSX 10.4.10. Attempting to apply the Firmware Update 1.4 gives "An unexpected error occurred (0). Your firmware cannot be updated." This appears just after clicking the 'Restart' button. Downloading a fresh copy and doing a clean boot does not help." -- Bill Halberstadt
• "I've tried 3 times now (after reboot and repairing permissions), but the MacBook Pro EFI Firmware 1.4 just wouldn't install on my MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz (late 2006 model). Right after clicking Shut Down, it would prompt me with this message: 'An unexpected error occurred (0). Your firmware can not be updated.'"
• "As hundreds of other MBP users have reported all over the web tonight, I have not been able to upgrade my C2D (MBP31.0070.B02 Boot Rom Version) to the promised MBP31.0070.B03." -- Jay Klein

If you are experiencing this issue, please let us know.

Problems starting up We've received reports of an inability to properly startup after applying the most recent batch of firmware updates. MacFixIt reader Stefan Schulze writes:

"My MacBook refused to start the update. I tried it about a dozen times. But now it boots no longer. The update never showed the progress bar."

Note that Apple offers an Intel-based Mac firmware restoration CD that can help resolve serious issues like this, which are sometimes the result of a failed firmware update process. You can only use this to restore the firmware after an interrupted or unsuccessful update. If your computer is already in this state, you'll need to download the software and create the CD on another Macintosh computer, or you can take your computer to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to restore your firmware.

USB problems Meanwhile we've received reports of some USB device connectivity issues occuring after the update.

One MacFixIt reader writes:

"The MacBook EFI Update 1.1 seems to have affected USB functionality. USB device recognition is now extremely slow (taking up to two minutes to be recognized) and my Miglia TV Mini HD is not even detected."

Similar issue? Please let us know.

Resources