Ethernet Update: Installation issues; Apple clarifies who can use it

Several readers report that the new Ethernet Update 1.0 would not install on their older Macs (such as a 7100 and a 7500). We also have reports of installation failures with newer Macs, including a Blue & White G3, and iMac, and a bronze keyboard PowerBook, both running Mac OS 9.0.4 Update: Of course, as the Update consists only of a new Mac OS ROM file, it will not install on any Macs that do not use the Mac OS ROM file. However, some of the reported failures are occurring even with Macs that do use this file. As a last resort, you can use TomeViewer to extract the Mac OS ROM file from the Ethernet Update Tome and manually drag the file to your System Folder. Update: A posting on Apple's Tech Exchange says: "The Ethernet Update 1.0 only applies to iMac (Slot Loading)." (Thanks, Dave Schroeder.) However, we just ran the Installer on our Power Mac G4 and it installed the Mac OS ROM file successfully. So we suspect the Tech Exchange item is not accurate. Jeffrey Johnson has similar success installing it on a G4 and reports that it did fix his Ethernet disconnect problem! Update: Apple has just revised the Web page for the Ethernet Update to state what hardware can use the Update: iMac (Slot Loading) since early November 1999; Power Mac G4 computers since late November 1999; PowerBook (Firewire); and the iBook. (Thanks, Stephen Evans and Dave Schroeder.) Dion Cautrell reports success installing the Update on a Revision A iMac (which is an older Mac than what Apple says should work). Update: On the plus side, Stephen Schwartz found that, despite Apple saying that "US -English 9.0.4" is needed to use this Update, it installed on his slot-loading iMac running International English Mac OS 9.0.4. He adds: "It seemed to have fixed the Ethernet problems we were having." Marc Girondot reports that the Ethernet Update 1.0 installed in his French Mac OS 9.0.4 system and fixed the disconnect problem he was having.