MBP error

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MBP error

The embedded controller (EC) did not respond within the specified timeout period. This may indicate that there is an error in the EC hardware or firmware or that the BIOS is accessing the EC incorrectly. You should check with your computer manufacturer for an upgraded BIOS. (Windows 7 Pro x64)

Its a MBP mid 2009.

Can anyone explain to me what this error means, the computer works perfectly but I see this error in the Event Viewer. Would the Genius bar be the best port of call?

Darren

MacBook Pro, Windows 7, OSX 10.9.5

Posted on Nov 21, 2014 3:11 PM

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Answer 1

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Nov 21, 2014 3:36 PM in response to JerkinbedDaz

The BIOS on a Mac uses CSM-BIOS, there is no true BIOS. This is a device not responding in a timely fashion. Is this a single message, or there hundreds of these. It could also indicate an incorrect device driver is installed. Usually USB, GPU and FW controllers can show this behavior.

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Answer 2

JerkinbedDaz Author

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Nov 21, 2014 4:28 PM in response to Loner T

Thanks for your quick response.

I get this error once, everytime the MBP starts in Windows 7, its an almost brand new install and all drivers came from Bootcamp 4.0.4033. I don't really know how to install updates via bootcamp, would I install said bootcamp then leave windows update to manage the rest?

Darren

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Answer 3

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Nov 21, 2014 5:00 PM in response to JerkinbedDaz

There is a problem if you allow Windows update to load drivers. The vanilla Windows drivers cause problem for Apple-modified hardware. Many on the ASC have had issues with drivers being updated for GPUs. I do not use Windows update for anything other than Security updates and patches to .NET framework.

You can look at 5.0.5033 drivers for BC, but make sure your system is listed in System Requirements, before you apply them, and the OS version you have is compatible with the OSes supported.

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Answer 4

JerkinbedDaz Author

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Nov 21, 2014 5:25 PM in response to Loner T

Sorry, what are Vanilla Windows Drivers?

I've been getting this error since day 1 though so I don't think this is a windows update caused error. I was reading about how to install Win 8 on this MBP but Apple don't support it for said computer. I believe the GPU problem is for win 8? There isn't much info from Apple about this, they just say Windows 7 is fully supported. Do you think my MBP could be faulty? it seems to work fine.

Darren

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Answer 5

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Nov 21, 2014 5:54 PM in response to JerkinbedDaz

JerkinbedDaz wrote:

Sorry, what are Vanilla Windows Drivers?

Using a nVidia GPU as an example, say a nVidia GT750M, Apple writes its own modification to firmware/drivers to add features that may not exist in what nVidia put in. They have done this for other devices as well, for example SSDs, FW controllers, AMD GPUs, etc.

Once this is done, the driver that Apple writes for BC is now different from what Windows Update might have, because Apple's drivers are not in the Windows WHQL.

What comes from Windows are what I call 'vanilla' drivers, while the Apple BC versions are very specific to Apple variants of hardware.

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Answer 6

JerkinbedDaz Author

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Nov 21, 2014 6:51 PM in response to Loner T

Today I have upgraded the GPU drivers with Nvidia Ethernet & SMU drivers, should I roll these back?

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Answer 7

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Nov 21, 2014 7:02 PM in response to JerkinbedDaz

If you are not running into any issues, I suggest leaving them as they are. Just keep an eye on anomalous GPU behavior.

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