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Question

How do you update firmware if running windows

by Feb 26, 2012 8:20AM PST

I am trying to reformat a mac using windows, because the existing installation we do not have the password for. I have tried to both boot a windows xp, and a windows 7 disk, along with a bootable password removal tool all with no luck. It seems that the macbook cannot boot windows discs without first receiving an EFI update.

So i downloaded the EFI update, only to realize it is not a bootable disc (it even says on the mac website that you must run it from within a mac OS).

I need to be able to install windows, but I cant update the firmware, and I don't have a copy of any mac OS's, help!

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2 Posts
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Answer
This one is very simple.
by Forum moderator Feb 26, 2012 8:55AM PST

Obtain the Mac OS X media and you will then be able to proceed.

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Answer
Agreed, it's simple
by Feb 26, 2012 9:34AM PST

Agreed, it's simple. Just install OS X onto an external HDD (it could even be an SD card if it has enough space), boot from that, install the EFI update, and then there you go.

Always a good idea to have a backup copy of Mac OS X somewhere. If not on the internal HDD, then installed on an external HDD that you can boot for things such as this, or for emergencies like your internal HDD fails. Maybe you're on vacation somewhere, it craps out, you won't be able to get a new drive for a couple days/weeks, so at least you can limp along with the external drive for a time.

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