Updating iMac G3 400MZ firmware

Question

Updating iMac G3 400MZ firmware

Hello, i have recently received a slot loading imac G3, it's a 400MHZ model and only has a CD-ROM drive. It's currently running mac os 9.1 and i would like it to up to mac OSX tiger. i know i need to update the firmware to 1.4.9 but i cant find anywhere how to do it. I read on a website that i need to download it on another mac transfer it to the imac and then install it with Firmware update utility but i cant find any of those links. Please list the necessary steps i would need to take along with links to the firmware download. thanks 😊.

p.s what is the programme used to update the firmware on os 9 imacs?

iMac, Mac OS 9.1.x, iMac G3 400MHZ

Posted on Apr 14, 2013 8:58 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,702 points

Apr 14, 2013 9:10 AM in response to TheAppleChamp

Here is the download for iMac Firmware 4.1.9, required for slot-loading G3 iMacs before upgrading to Mac OS 10.2.or higher:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1283

The instructions are there, and you do not need a special program to apply it. Just needs OS 9.1.

NOTE: be sure to print out the instructions and follow them to the letter. Take your time--rushing can leave you with a non-functional computer.

Some Apple downloads for older Macs are disabled. I just checked this one and it works.

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Answer 2

Apr 14, 2013 9:38 AM in response to Allan Jones

hi allan, i downloaded the firmware and transfered it over to the G3 via USB from my 2011 intel imac, i followed the instructions that was on the link, but after hearing the tone, it jsut booted up in to os 9 normally,, no sign of updating firmware? any suggestions?

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Answer 3

Apr 14, 2013 9:42 AM in response to TheAppleChamp

also, i can not locate the iMac Firmware Updater icon? any ideas of where i could be?

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Answer 4

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,702 points

Apr 14, 2013 11:36 AM in response to TheAppleChamp

The updater does not reflect in the OS version--that stays the same. It's been a long time since I've done an iMac G3, but your should be able to see if the firmware is now at 4.1.9 by doing "Apple System Profiler" from your Apple menu.

The first Profiler page, if never previously lauched, will have everything compacted but, If you start clicking the little "disclosure arrows" to expand the sctions, one of those sections will show the current firmware level. That is the best way to see if the updater worked.

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Answer 5

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Apr 14, 2013 11:36 AM in response to TheAppleChamp

Figuring out what level of Open Firmware you have?

1) Mac OS 9.x or 8.x, you need to use the Apple System Profiler.

Apple -> Apple System Profiler

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Answer 6

Apr 14, 2013 11:42 AM in response to Allan Jones

allan, in that artical you sent me it said to click on the iMac Firmware updater icon, where is that?

http://gyazo.com/ed0b6929864cf8f151f70ad2e2a4fdb6

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Answer 7

Apr 14, 2013 12:28 PM in response to Allan Jones

if i double click the .smi file on the desktop of the imac G3 it says, "the aookication program "imac FWUpdate4.1.9.smi" could not be opened, because an error of type -39 occurred"

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Answer 8

Apr 14, 2013 1:42 PM in response to Allan Jones

This might be a stupid question but do you think my problem is caused by my dead clock battery? i read somthing about that before. it only just crossed my mind

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Answer 9

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,702 points

Apr 14, 2013 4:11 PM in response to TheAppleChamp

Dead internal batteries can be a problem with some Macs but not so bad on those with built-in USB like yours. A PRAM zap will overcome any issues the dead battery may cause as long as the computer stays on wall power. Restart the computer and hold the key combo command option p r until you hear a total of three (3) startup chimes, then let go the keys and allow booting to continue. Easy enough to do to see if it helps.

I remember that an .smi file is an OS9 compression format. If you double-click it, it should unstuff and be ready to use.

Can't remember for the life of me what an error-39 means. 😟

Hopefully, another old timer who's done this more recently can jump in. Did you use Apple System Profiler in my post about to check your current firmware level?

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Answer 10

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Apr 15, 2013 10:26 AM in response to TheAppleChamp

You could install the Classilla browser and download the file.

Mac OS 9

Classilla is a free, open source browser for Mac OS 9

classilla.org

I'm guessing the file got corrupted. Did the file get expanded on the download computer? Did you use a Mac formatted flash drive?

–39 End of file error.

http://macscripter.net/viewtopic.php?id=30109

apples list. Links at the bottom seem broken.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2088

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Answer 11

Apr 20, 2013 3:39 AM in response to Allan Jones

GREAT NEWS! I turned off safari opening "safe" files on my iMac 2011 (I think it was corrupting the files by trying to opening it automatically ) , and downloaded the .smi.bin

formatted the USB stick to ms-dos, and copied over the file

iMac G3 read it! double clicked the install and everything works, thanks a lot for your help guys i appreciate it 🙂