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General discussion

Firmware Update 4.2.8 Fails on PowerMac G4

Oct 30, 2007 11:29AM PDT

Hello,

Concerning a Powermac G4 running 9.2.2 & attempting to upgrade to 10.3 (which requires the firmware update):

Removed all attachments except mouse, monitor and keyboard.

Ran firmware update 4.2.8 (for 2 x 450 mHz PPC AGP Graphics Powermac G4).

Restarted with "programmer's button" held in.

Tone sounded; Mac starts to boot into the update.

The folder flashes a question mark for a second, then looks like it has engaged (the screen goes blank for a second as if it were beginning to boot as usual).

The flashing question mark then appears again and remains on-screen indefinitely, requiring a manual restart with "option" key to boot into 9.2.2, at which point a message appears saying that the firmware update has not been installed.

In other words, whatever the firmware's trying to do, it isn't doing because (so it appears) it can't find the system folder.

I MUST install OS 10.3 IMMEDIATELY.

PLEASE HELP ASAP

Discussion is locked

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Hi.
Oct 30, 2007 11:52AM PDT

The only thing I can suggest is to boot into System 9 and make sure you use the Startup Disk Control Panel to actually select the System 9 folder as the startup disk, rather than having none and letting the machine decide for itself.

When I flashed/updated my iBook, I had to do it I think three times before I succeeded. Please do be careful however. I have heard horror stories and if the machine crashes during the firmware update apparently you can end up with a large fancy looking paperweight.

Read the instructions through thoroughly, make sure System 9 is your startup disk and try again. Even write down the instructions if you need to.

Only other thing I can suggest is re-installing System 9.

May I ask, why the urgency? Rushing might be what's causing you to slip up.

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Re: Hi
Nov 1, 2007 7:18AM PDT

It's the only system folder on the disk; logically that's the only thing the CP is going to be set to (and indeed, already was). It boots normally EXCEPT when trying to do the FW update, in which case it behaves as if it can't find a system folder.

As for the rush, um, all the firmware update requires is clicking on the installer, letting the computer shut down, and restarting with the programmer's button held in. Not very much to fumble.

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A few things I'd try.
Nov 1, 2007 7:43AM PDT

->Download the update again. Perhaps the last update was a bad download. You never know.

->Make absolute certain you have the correct update. Mactracker can probably confirm that for you, or a quick Google search. I'd advise against installing the update from the Mac OS X CD in favour of getting it fresh off the web. Then you can be certain you got the right one.

->Unplug the system for 30 minutes and if there is a BIOS battery (not sure about these models, I know there isn't in some iBooks) and let it sit. This should essentially drain the PRAM and is kind of like a soft reset of the EFI/Firmware.

->Re-install System 9, or try initiating the update when booted from the system 9 disk.

->Call a professional.

^^^Preferably in that order. Hopefully it won't come to the last two steps but you never know. Good luck.

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SOLUTION
Nov 3, 2007 7:43AM PDT

It was the PRAM.

"command + apple + P + R" during startup for about a minute (--> four starup chimes) allowed the update.