Firmware update 4.2.8: reader reports

Not for dual 800 or 733 MHz G4s? Greg Welch writes: "Similar to your previous report of the update not working on/for 867 MHz machines, I ran the G4 Firmware v4.2.8 updater on my new dual 800 MHz G4 machine (AGP graphics 2 PCI graphics cards, single IDE dual SCSI) and was also greeted by 'This version of the Power Mac G4 Firmware Updater is for use with specific Power Mac G4 models only and will not run on this computer.'" Several other readers added that they had exactly the same message on 733MHz QuickSilver machines with< various video cards installed.

We previously noted this issue with the update that was subsequently pulled (see previous coverage). However, in that case, the explanation was that the QuickSilvers already had a newer version of the firmware pre-installed. This is no longer the case. Version 4.2.8 is newer than the version reported to be preinstalled.

External drive disappears Lynn Trusal writes: "After updating my external 80 GB Maxtor firewire drive would no longer mount and the Maxtor utility does not recognize its presence. I can't be sure this was caused by the firmware update, but it is likely. I can still mount the drive on my G4 PowerBook." Walter Breakell confirms this, adding: "If you turn off all Maxtor extensions the drive should mount just fine."

3rd party CD-RW disappears Emanuele Nasini writes: "After updated my G4 400 MHz AGP with the latest firmware update and my Lite-on 16102B CD-R/W is no longer recognized by iTunes or the Apple System Profiler, however it's still working with Toast 5.02."

Disappearing RAM Don Burlinson suggests we remind users that this firmware update, like other recent firmware updates, can cause out-of-spec RAM to disappear. (See previous.)