Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 (#4): Failing PRAM zap, try resetting PMU; Which models need the update?; more

Failing PRAM zap, try resetting PMU Yesterday we reported that several users have been able to restore Bluetooth connectivity lost after applying the 1.2 firmware updater by zapping PRAM.

It now appears that other users have success with resetting the PMU (power management unit) if PRAM zapping doesn't help.

PMU reset instructions for various portable models are found in Knowledge base article #14449. For most models it requires removing the unit's power supply and battery then holding the power button for at least 5 seconds, then replacing the battery and powering up the system.

Many desktop Macs' PMUs can be reset by disconnecting power for several minutes. Instructions for the Mac Mini and Power Mac G5 are also available.

Lost connectivity? Connect a USB mouse and try workarounds If you have lost Bluetooth connectivity after this update, and hence can no longer use your Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to attempt workarounds, you will need to obtain a USB mouse/keyboard then try resetting the PRAM and PMU as described above.

Which models need the update? There is extreme confusion over exactly which Macs need this update. Although Apple lists the following models on its information page:

• iMac G4 (Gooseneck)
• 12" PowerBook
• 15" PowerBook
• iMac G5
• Mac Mini

some users with these models are told by the updater that the revision is not necessary, while some users with other models are told that the update is necessary.

Rob White reports that his 2005 1.42 GHz Mac mini does not need the update:

"When I run it, it says it is 'not needed' and won't install on my 2005 1.42GHz Mac mini."

MacFixIt reader Michael Miller reports that his Power Mac G5 (not on the list of supported Macs) not only accepted the update, but triggered Software Update to list the update as necessary.

Michael writes:

"I wouldn't call this a problem, but Apples latest bluetooth firmware update popped up in the Software Update of my Powermac G5.... which is odd, since it's not in the list of machines for which this update is supposedly for. It downloaded without a hitch, restarted, installed the update, and is now, from what I can tell, running just fine. I synced with my Palm Pilot via bluetooth no problem. Go figure."

Tom Lavin reports that his iMac G5 revision 1 (non-iSight) with a replaced motherboard did not need the update:

"I downloaded it for my iMac G5 Rev 1. (but with a new motherboard due to failed capacitors) and the installer said it wasn't needed."

Another reader reports the update is not needed on his iMac G4 800 (Gooseneck) with the D-link USB Bluetooth adapter R3.

MacFixIt reader Ross reports the update is not needed on his 15" Titanium PB 800 with a D-Link USB adapter.

Chirs Lauries Late 2005 iMac G5 2Ghz (with iSight) did not need the update:

"I saw that Apple had released the Bluetooth firmware this afternoon and went about seeing if it was listed in Software Update. It was not and therefore got the standalone updater via versiontracker.

"After expanding, mounting and opening the relevant items I was told, 'Alert. This update is not needed on this computer.'"

If your system shows firmware version 3.1792 (3.1792) [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], you probably do not need this update.

Please let us know if the update was stated as needed for your Mac, and indicate the model.

Inability to apply the update on applicable machines Meanwhile, some users report problems applying the update on machines that do accept the update, with the firmware installation process stalling part-way through.

One reader writes:

"Everything I try ends the same way. The Console.log reports; 'Move in dfu mode failed at the 5 attempt. Aborting'

"It downloads fine. The the machine restarts and the 'Bluetooth Firmware Updater' launches and waits for me to press 'Update.' When I do, it starts to run, says 'Preparing to update device...', then the finder quits, then suddenly the Finder is back and there are no messages, but the 'Update' button can be pressed again, and the status says 'idle'.

"When I reboot, I can still use my current Bluetooth, but still can't get the updater to run. My machine is a G4 - Aluminum Powerbook 1.25Ghz, with 1 GB of RAM, with built in Bluetooth from Apple."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 (#3): Zapping PRAM can restore lost Bluetooth connectivity; more
• Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 (#2): Bluetooth no longer working; crashes; not necessary for some listed Macs; more
• Apple releases Bluetooth Firmware Update for Mac OS X 10.4.3

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