Resetting firmware via factory reset?

Question

Level 1

0 points

Resetting firmware via factory reset?

Hi,

I have a late 2008 Macbook (the unibody with removable battery one). I want to roll back my firmware to an older version, because apparently I have this weird, discretely released version of the current firmware that doesn't allow third party batteries. However, apparently rolling back the firmware is not easy. I was told by an apple employee that if I do a factory reset I've got about 70-30 chance of this resetting the relevant things.

So basically, I want to back up my files, but I don't want to use an application that carries over everything (like time machine) since I want all the system stuff to be reset. Basically, I want to drag n' drop. But of course, I want to drag and drop so as many things stay working as possible. Any tips here? For example, can I just drag and drop the applications folder, or will I want to include the "Library" folder if I want thing to actually work? Or am I better off just reinstalling applications?

Thanks in advance!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 12, 2013 8:14 AM

Reply

Answer 1

ds store

Level 7

30,725 points

Apr 12, 2013 7:32 PM in response to jwdink

Search online for

downgrade Mac firmware

and see if it's possible to extract the firmware from the 10.6 disks (using Pacifist from CharlesSoft) then using a method to install the older firmware or not.

Make sure you make a bootable clone drive first in case it messes up.

Most commonly used backup methods

It takes two reboots to have the firmware change get into NVRAM where it's loaded, so keep that in mind.

Good luck. 🙂

Reply

Answer 2

jwdink Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 13, 2013 9:10 AM in response to ds store

Thanks for the advice! There is actually a downloadable copy of the earlier version I'm looking for:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1312

I downloaded this, and used pacifist to look at the contents... but I'm not sure what to do now. Any advice is appreciated!

Reply

Answer 3

jwdink Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 14, 2013 9:13 AM in response to jwdink

Sorry, just wanted to bump this.

I reformatted my computer, but the firmware stubbornly remains. So now I'm wondering if I can trick this installer (described above, with screenshot) into NOT doing a version check and therefore installing v1.32. I'm also wondering what the risk of this would be.

Reply

Answer 4

ds store

Level 7

30,725 points

Apr 14, 2013 9:22 AM in response to jwdink

Firmware only goes forward, if one bricks your machine Apple just replaces your logicboard or if they can't your out of luck.

However I've read stories/threads online it's possible to downgrade the firmware, but I don't know where I saw it.

This is the method to reinstall the firmware in case it gets lost out of NVRAM or botched update, but it won't downgrade it according to Apple.

Restoring firmware on Intel Mac's

So now you at least know how to reinstall the firmware, but I've read the downgrade can occur in place somehow.

Sorry I don't have any more information, you'll have to search the more geekier Mac hacking sites.

Ask on MacRumors.com, there are a lot of hackers there or can point you in the right direction if it exists.

Reply

Answer 5

jwdink Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 14, 2013 9:23 AM in response to ds store

Thanks!!

Reply