Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 (#2): Bluetooth no longer working; crashes; not necessary for some listed Macs; more

Users are reporting some significant issues with the Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2, posted yesterday and (according to Apple, though not so according to various reader reports) applicable to the iMac G4 (Gooseneck), 12" PowerBook, 15" PowerBook (though specific models aren't specified, Titanium, Aluminum?) the iMac G5 and the Mac Mini.

Also, as noted yesterday, there is some confusion over this release, as Apple already posted a Bluetooth Firmware Updater version 1.2 for Mac OS X 10.3.6 in late 2004

Correct firmware version Note that after updating your Bluetooth software with the 1.2 updater released on January 4th your Apple Bluetooth Software version should be 1.6.6f22, and the firmware version should be 2.1586 (2.1586).

Both of these version numbers are accessible in the System Profiler application (located in Applications/Utilities or by going to the "About this Mac" pane and clicking "More Info...") then navigating to the Bluetooth tab.

Bluetooth no longer working By far the most widespread and serious issue caused for some users by this update is a loss of Bluetooth connectivity.

MacFixIt reader Angelos writes:

"I downloaded the update through the software update panel on my G4 Aluminum PowerBook yesterday and as a result this has disabled the internal Bluetooth function. Bluetooth works when I connect a D-Link USB adaptor only."

Another reader adds:

"I downloaded the file from your site's options and installed it. It required that I undergo a length download and upgrade procedure. At the end, I lost my capability.

"I installed the combo upgrade to my PowerBook G4 15" Power PC G4 (1.1), 1.5 GHz, 1 GB Memory, Boot ROM Version 4.8.4f1 which had great Bluetooth connectivity. Afterwards, it reports 'Bluetooth Not Available' in faded type."

Crashes during update Several users report system instability during or after the update.

One reader writes:

"My iMac G5 1.8gz 20" crashed during the update. Followed all directions so that machine would not go to sleep during update. About 5 minutes in, status went to "idle" and I was unable to press the continue or quit buttons because the BT mouse and keyboard had been disabled during update. Called AppleCare, they didn't have a real answer other than try another mouse.

"As luck would have it, I was able to fetch my wife's USB mouse from her iMac G4, which I then used to quit the update and ten restart. Upon restart, the mouse and keyboard came back online and the computer works fine."

Note that to help avoid situations like this, you should make sure that no background processes are running during the firmware installation by closing all applications before proceeding with the update.

Sleep problems MacFixIt reader David Stempnakowski reports sleep/wake issues after the update:

"On my 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4 I have had some strange behavior since the update. First, Bluetooth devices now wake the machine, even though that option is turned off in the Bluetooth System Preference pane. Second, the machine now goes to sleep after 15 minutes of activity, even though it is set to never sleep when connected to power.

"I have deleted the appropriate .plist files and also repaired permissions without success. The interesting thing is that my bluetooth Kensington pilot mouse used to cause problems with the computer sleeping, which is why I had that option turned off in the preferences. Before the update, if I had allow Bluetooth device to wake turned on, once the machine went to sleep it would immediately wake. I had narrowed the problem device down to the Kensington mouse. So since I need the mouse I disabled the allow BT devices to wake option. Since the update, even though the option is still unchecked, BT devices will properly wake the computer and do not interfere with it sleeping."

Not necessary for some Macs Without rhyme or reason, it appears that specific Macs are not accepting this firmware update as necessary.

If you receive a message indicating that the update is not necessary, check your Bluetooth version numbers in System Profiler (as aforementioned) to see if they are already current.

MacFixIt reader Job writes:

"I have a iMac G5 17", 1,8 Ghz Combo (with internal Bluetooth and Airport) which is mentioned in the list of computers for which the Bluetooth Firmware Upgrade is meant, but when I launch Software Update it says there are no updates available and when I use the stand-alone updater it says it can't install on my machine because no upgrade is necessary."

Jeff Seaver adds:

"Downloaded to install on my PBG412" - message said the updater was not needed on this machine (running OS 10.4.3). No other bluetooth firmware updates have been installed on this machine, so I'm not clear what the update is for."

We've confirmed that this update is applicable for older PowerBook G4 12" models (867 MHz included) running Mac OS X 10.4.3.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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