My new mac mini downloaded a firmware update. I saw this in apps but gave an error when launching. Now what?

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Level 1

105 points

My new mac mini downloaded a firmware update. I saw this in apps but gave an error when launching. Now what?

Yesterday I received a new mac mini (actually, a refurbished one that was originally released in July, sold from Apple). It downloaded a bunch of stuff when I did the software update, including an EFI Firmware update for the mac mini.

As far as I can tell everything ran just fine. However, I noticed in my applications folder (possibly under "utilities" though I may be wrong), an item with the circle/slash through it. It was the firmware update. I tried to open it and I received a message that the application could not be opened because of a problem when downloading it.

I deleted the file, hoping the software update would catch it again, no luck.

This is a new system and I'm hesitant to start deleting receipts, library files, etc., on my own.

I did unplug it and re-boot. No change.

I checked for firmware updates and looked at my system info and it looks like I have the current version.

I tried to manually download the latest firmware update for my system and it told me that this software wasn't for my system, although I'm sure I downloaded the right file for my system.

Why would that app have the circle/slash through it but looked like it may have run based on my system info?

Should I do anything else at this point or just leave it alone?

Thanks.

Posted on Oct 23, 2011 6:10 AM

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Answer 1

Tony T1

Level 6

10,247 points

Oct 23, 2011 6:58 AM in response to Ramblinmanva

Its possible that it was installed.

Open ->System Preferences->Software Update and click the [Installed Software] tab to see if its on the list.

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Answer 2

keg55

Level 6

11,755 points

Oct 23, 2011 8:03 AM in response to Ramblinmanva

I have a Mac Mini (mid-2011) with that same app circled out. I just left it as is in Utilities since I have no idea what it is and it's not hurting anything. Unfortunately, it won't show up in Installed Software.

You said you deleted the app file from Utilities. Is the Mac mini EFI Firmware Update.app still in your Trash? If so, why not just put it back and not worry about it? 🙂

As far as I know the firmware is installed. Check your System info by clicking  -> About This Mac -> More Info....-> System Report. Check the Hardware Overview and the Boot ROM Version:. It should be the same as my Mac Mini below if the EFI 1.3 firmware was installed.

Here's the link where the download resides. Note that it's for mid-2011 Mac Mini.

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Answer 3

Tony T1

Level 6

10,247 points

Oct 23, 2011 8:04 AM in response to keg55

It's ok to delete that App

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Answer 4

keg55

Level 6

11,755 points

Oct 23, 2011 8:07 AM in response to Tony T1

Nice to know, Tony T1. Thanks!

I think I'll just leave it alone. 🙂

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Answer 5

Ramblinmanva Author

Level 1

105 points

Oct 23, 2011 9:12 AM in response to Tony T1

Tony: Thanks for the tip. I did not realize the installed software was located in that section. It does appear it was installed (though I still don't understand why I had that program with the circle/slash). But it does say installed so I will just leave it alone.

keg55: I actually emptied the trash so the file is gone. My model says 5.1 instead of 5.2 but the boot rom version matches. I had already tried to manually install it from that link (thanks for the tip) but that would not run.

Based on it showing up in the installed section, I guess that means I'm good, notwithstanding the circle/slash on the app.

Thanks for the info and responses.

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