Reason for Apple hard drive firmware updates

There is a page in IBM's support archives which may explain the motivation behind Apple's release of two firmware upgrades - one for Mac OS 9 and one for Mac OS X - that purportedly increase longevity for DeskStar hard drives.

The note states:

"As part of IBM's ongoing commitment to quality, IBM has made available the latest firmware update for the IBM DeskStar hard drives. This update is designed to enhance the stability of these drives by helping to avoid the excessive dwelling of any head in any particular area of the disk. In addition, this update also incorporates a previous firmware update which improved the SMART off-line data collection process."

IBM highly recommends using the IBM DeskStar Identification Utility (only available as a .exe file) or IBM Enhanced Diagnostics options to determine the vital information relating to the installed hard disk drive. "The third option of physically removing the hard disk drive should only be undertaken by technically experienced individuals."

As previously documented here on MacFixIt, readers are reporting extreme problems with the firmware updaters - in some cases losing entire volumes, and being left with non-functioning hard disks.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources