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"You must update your computers firmware before you install Mac OS X" error message; resolving

"You must update your computers firmware before you install Mac OS X" error message; resolving

CNET staff
2 min read

If you receive an error message indicating that your Mac's firmware is out-of-date, and hence cannot accept installation of Mac OS X from a CD/DVD -- specifically:

  • "You must update your computers firmware before you install Mac OS X"

there exist two options for bringing the firmware up-to-date.

Use a Mac OS X 10.2 install disc then install firmware Some Macs have firmware that is too old to accept installation of Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther) or Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger). As such, one option is to obtain and install a Mac OS X 10.2.x (Jaguar) disc. After installing Mac OS X 10.2.x, you can download an apply a firmware page from this page.

Boot into or install Mac OS 9 Alternatively, you can boot into Mac OS 9 if it is installed on the target system, or install Mac OS 9 from included or purchased media, then apply the same firmware update (again, available from this page).

Make sure to read the ReadMe file that accompanies your designated firmware update. Some firmware releases recommend that users disconnect all external devices other than keyboards/mice before application.

One MacFixIt reader offers a case example of this issue:

"My friend gave me his old iMac G3 thats blue that was originally running OS 9 until me and him decided to wipe the system and put linux on it. So here I am 2 months later, I put a new hard drive into the computer and I wanted to install Mac OS X Tiger. So I went out and bought the CD version and went home, put the CD into the computer to install and what do I get [You must update your computers firmware before you install Mac OS X.' Now there is no firmware on the new hard drive, it never even had mac on it! It is a fresh new drive. So I restarted the computer in hopes that it would work, but it kept saying you need to update your firmware. I even tried booting from the disk but still 'you need to update your firmware'"

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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