Macbook Air - Unable to Update Firmware via Apple Security Update - Machine Currently Bricked

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Level 1

4 points

Macbook Air - Unable to Update Firmware via Apple Security Update - Machine Currently Bricked

2014 Macbook Air

I agreed to install a suggested Mac OS security update via the App Store and currently the machine is bricked - a perpetual cycle of suggested restarts after displaying a failure to update the OS/security update (whichever it is).

<> unable to update firmware <> restart and try again <>

I don't know what OS version it's trying to install as I can't examine it (or anything at all) right now; whatever update is being suggested by Apple as of today (2019-08-14).

Steps taken thus far:

1) several reboots, as suggested (and there is no other option)

2) reboot holding shift key upon start (theoretically enables safe mode; unclear if this was actually enabled or not)

This machine cannot be bricked - I need a resolution very soon.

Posted on Aug 14, 2019 7:29 PM

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Answer 1

Duke614 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 16, 2019 2:41 PM in response to HWTech

Thank you for the reply.

No, original HD. Encrypted.
The machine now boots for some reason, but still indicates the update is required even though it also indicates it is installed? (10.13.6 for both?) Very strange. I'm backing up data before dare clicking on that Security Update link again....

Definitely still looking for input...

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

60,662 points

Aug 16, 2019 9:44 PM in response to Duke614

Definitely get a good backup if you can before continuing further so you don't have to worry about the data during the troubleshooting process.

Try booting into Recovery Mode using Command + R and run Disk Utility First Aid on the drive to see if the file system needs any repairs. If no repairs are needed, then you can try reinstalling macOS over top of itself (without erasing). If successful this will preserve your current setup. But definitely complete your backup first.

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

60,662 points

Aug 16, 2019 12:45 PM in response to Duke614

Do you happen to have a third party SSD installed in the laptop? If so what is the exact make & model of the SSD?

What version of macOS are you running? Were you upgrading to a newer version of macOS?

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Answer 4

Duke614 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 14, 2019 7:35 PM in response to Duke614

Update: The launch in safe mode seems to have installed properly. Screen flickered/distorted by pixel line during the update - scary. Regardless, seems a bullet has been dodged.

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