MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2 (#4): Startup failures; Not required for Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros

Startup failures Users continue to report botched firmware update processes, resulting in systems that will not startup. In most cases, these issues can be resolved with the aid of the firmware restoration disc.

One reader writes:

"While attempting the latest firmware update, my 17" MBP failed to start back up.  After an hour or more with the mac techs at apple care, they could not breathe any life into it. The unit now sits at a repair center half way across the country awaiting a back-ordered logic board.  I'm now back on my powerbook and am loving it.  Be weary of the update."

Another reader adds:

"When I installed the firmware update in accordance with Apple's instructions, my MacBookPro restarted and during the boot-up the progress bar hung about halfway across, the computer shut down and refused to restart at all. It was basically a piece of sculpture! I had to go thru about 10 hours of gymnastics and finally was able to boot from a CD and clean up the mess."

Not required for Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros Note that (although Apple makes no mention of the fact) EFI Firmware Update 1.2 is not applicable to Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pros.

MacFixIt reader Mark Milgram writes:

"My MacBook Pro 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo arrived last week pre-configured from Apple with Boot ROM Version MBP22.00A5.B00 and SMC Version 1.12f5.

"This morning I downloaded the new MBP EFI Firmware Update 1.2, shut down my computer, held the power button until the light on the latch began to flash, and after a few seconds there was a high-pitch tone followed by the traditional start-up chime, and my MacBook Pro booted normally.

"I then checked by Boot ROM and SMC versions, but nothing has changed.  I repeated the process, and even reset the SMC and the PRAM several times, but I still could not trigger the firmware to update."

MacFixIt reader Norm adds:

"This update can't be applied. All I receive is a message saying that this computer does not need this software. The computer is only two weeks old. Could this be a legitimate reason for it not opening?"

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2 (#3): Resetting PRAM can solve a variety of issues; iSight not functioning -- fix; more
• MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2 (#2): System cannot startup after update
• MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2 released

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