MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5 (#3): fixes resolution issue; kernel panics

The MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5, for many users, fixes an issue that causes disappearance of previously available screen resolutions.

MacFixIt reader Don Neesley writes:

"When I started cold or restarted with my Dell 24" monitor connected, the external monitor would show only the resolutions available on the MBP screen, max res 1440 x 900. The only method to get the max 1920 x ??? res of the Dell monitor was to startup with the monitor unconnected and, after reaching the log-in page, connect the monitor. This problem vanished after the MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5."

Unfortunately, this problem afflicts MacBook Pro models not capable of receiving the 1.5 firmware update, meaning those systems continue to exhibit the problem.

As written by MacFixIt reader Urs:

"A friend of mine said that the update fixed a problem with the external monitor for him. So I was really looking forward to this update, but unfortunately it doesn't install on my system."

Kernel panics We've received sporadic reports of kernel panics after applying the firmware update. MacFixIt reader Brett writes:

"Yesterday I successfully ran the MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5 on my MBP 2.4 (late 2007). Later that evening I was greeted with my first kernel panic in years. I was working as I do regularly, with no new variables but the update. Kernel panic. The last time I saw one was last week on my brother's brand new 8-core Mac Pro. Last time before that was a couple of years ago."

Problems installing Some users are experiencing problems installing the update on systems that are listed as being able to receive the new firmware. MacFixIt reader Rod writes:

"I get the same error message when trying to update the EFI firmware to on my MacBook Pro 2.33Ghz and my internal hard disk does use the GUID formatting scheme. I tried booting into safe mode and disconnecting all peripherals, but this did not help either. I even logged out of my filevault admin account and into a non-filevaulted acct. Apple's page says my MacBook Pro needs the update, but no go. Bummer!"

MacBook/MacBook Pro clarification Several readers are apparently confusing MacBooks with MacBook Pros. To reiterate, this firmware update is only applicable to the following Boot ROM Versions for MacBook Pros.:

• MBP21.00A5.B01
• MBP21.00A5.B02
• MBP21.00A5.B07
• MBP31.0070.B00
• MBP31.0070.B02

You can check this number in System Profiler (located in /Applications/Utilities) under the "Hardware" tab. Don't confuse "MB" with "MBP."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5: system confusion, what it fixes
• Apple posts slew of firmware updates: MacBook (Air, Pro), iMac, keyboard

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