Is there anyway to update my firmware from OS 10.2.8, to get to 10.3?

June 16, 2004 5:26 PM

I have an iMac from the Summer of 2000, currently running OS 10.2.8. I do not have Classic installed (and for complicated reasons, it would be extremely bothersome to install it now). In order to upgrade to 10.3, I'm told I must "update my firmware". This page offers firmgrade updates, but are OS 9-only. Are there any alternatives for an OS X user?
posted by Marquis to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

You *might* be able to download the firmware, boot from your Software Install or Software Restore CD, and then run the Firmware Update tool.

If I remember correctly, the Firmware Update tool writes a special file to the hard drive, and reboots the machine into it.

Good luck.
posted by tomierna at 6:00 PM on June 16, 2004

I second that idea.
posted by machaus at 6:06 PM on June 16, 2004

Response by poster: Ah. Good call. I'll try it out. Thank-you!!
posted by Marquis at 6:16 PM on June 16, 2004

Response by poster: Sadly, dice = no.

The firmware refuses to be installed off of an OS 9 boot CD (must be on a local disc or partition). Which is a problem because my OS 10.2 install CD is in another city. Argh.

If anyone has other ideas, I would be very grateful. In the meantime, I'll try to download a G3 10.2 installer img from somewhere.
posted by Marquis at 6:45 PM on June 16, 2004

Borrow an external USB drive, install 9 on *that* and boot from it.
posted by plinth at 7:18 PM on June 16, 2004

Response by poster: ooh. that's a good idea. and i have a drive come in the mail. thanks!
posted by Marquis at 7:33 PM on June 16, 2004

Ugh, I'm having the same trouble with 10.3 server.

I was hoping the answer would be less ... Windows-like.
posted by jragon at 12:28 PM on June 17, 2004