Apple MC233LL Service Guide - Page 145

MacBook Air Firmware Updates, Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools, Mac OS X requirements

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MacBook Air Firmware Updates Firmware is software that is written into memory circuits that can retain software code indefinitely, even when power is not available to the hardware. Firmware on Intel-based Mac computers is designed to be updated if necessary through a software update. EFI and SMC firmware is stored on the MacBook Air logic board. EFI firmware updates address the Boot ROM, and SMC updates address the System Management Controller firmware. The SMC manages fans and other environmental parameters that are independent of the Boot ROM. Firmware symptoms can be easily mistaken for hardware issues (e.g. overheating issues, fan noise issues, etc.). Always check both EFI and SMC firmware versions, and update if necessary before replacing any hardware components in the MacBook Air. Please follow the steps outlined in Knowledge Base article 303364 About firmware updates for Intel-based Macs to perform an EFI and/or SMC firmware update. Information about firmware versions for Intel Macs can be found in kBase HT1237: "EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs" Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools Mac OS X requirements • MacBook Air (Mid 2009) requires Mac OS X 10.5.6 [build 9G2152] or later. • MacBook Air (Late 2008) requires Mac OS X 10.5.5 [build 9F2523] or later. • MacBook Air (original) requires Mac OS X 10.5.1 [build 9A2324] or later. Make sure all software updates are applied before starting troubleshooting. Login window and account Mac OS X requires at least one user account to be established-the Administrator's account. By default, the Accounts system preference pane has the "Log in automatically [Admin's name]" checked. This automatic login setting allows the system to boot into the Finder without having a login prompt. However, if this box is not checked, you need a password to get to the Finder, and you need to create a user account after you reinstall system software. Customer forgot password If the customer forgot the password for the computer: 1. Insert the MacBook Air Mac OS X Install Disc 1. 2. Restart the computer while holding down the C key on the keyboard. 3. When the installer appears, choose Reset Password under the Installer Utilities menu. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions. MacBook Air Troubleshooting - General Information 145

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MacBook Air Troubleshooting — General Information
145
MacBook Air Firmware Updates
Firmware is software that is written into memory circuits that can retain software code
indefinitely, even when power is not available to the hardware. Firmware on Intel-based Mac
computers is designed to be updated if necessary through a software update.
EFI and SMC firmware is stored on the MacBook Air logic board. EFI firmware updates address
the Boot ROM, and SMC updates address the System Management Controller firmware. The SMC
manages fans and other environmental parameters that are independent of the Boot ROM.
Firmware symptoms can be easily mistaken for hardware issues (e.g. overheating issues, fan noise
issues, etc.). Always check both EFI and SMC firmware versions, and update if necessary before
replacing any hardware components in the MacBook Air.
Please follow the steps outlined in Knowledge Base article 303364 About firmware updates for
Intel-based Macs to perform an EFI and/or SMC firmware update.
Information about firmware versions for Intel Macs can be found in
kBase HT1237: “EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs
”
Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools
Mac OS X requirements
MacBook Air (Mid 2009) requires Mac OS X 10.5.6 [build 9G2152] or later.
•
MacBook Air (Late 2008) requires Mac OS X 10.5.5 [build 9F2523] or later.
•
MacBook Air (original) requires Mac OS X 10.5.1 [
•
build 9A2324
] or later.
Make sure all software updates are applied before starting troubleshooting.
Login window and account
Mac OS X requires at least one user account to be established—the Administrator’s account.
By default, the Accounts system preference pane has the “Log in automatically [Admin’s name]”
checked. This automatic login setting allows the system to boot into the Finder without having a
login prompt. However, if this box is not checked, you need a password to get to the Finder, and
you need to create a user account after you reinstall system software.
Customer forgot password
If the customer forgot the password for the computer:
Insert the MacBook Air Mac OS X Install Disc 1.
1.
Restart the computer while holding down the C key on the keyboard.
2.
When the installer appears, choose Reset Password under the Installer Utilities menu.
3.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
4.