Seagate outlines Mac fix for failed Barracuda drives
updated 03:50 pm EST, Wed January 28, 2009
Barracuda Mac fix details
Seagate has outlined specific instructions for Mac users to remedy firmware problems with certain Barracuda 7200.11, ES.2 SATA, or DiamondMax 22 hard drives. The issue can cause the drive to lock on certain systems, leaving the stored data inaccessible. Upgraded firmware can only be installed on Intel Macs, such as the Mac Pro and iMac. The 2.5-inch notebook drives are not affected, ruling out the need to install firmware on the MacBook, MacBook Pro or Mac Mini.
Users can access the drive serial number by navigating through the "About this Mac," "More info," "Type of drive" and "SATA or ATA" menus in Mac OS X, and then referencing a list provided on Seagate's website in the Knowledge Base section.
The firmware ISO can be burned to a CD which is left in the computer during reboot, making sure to hold the option key after the chime. After a spinning gear appears beneath the Apple logo, the option key can be released and the user can boot FreeDOS from the CD and follow further instructions.
DOS?
01/28, 04:46pm reply
Did somebody say DOS or have I Rip Van Winkled myself backwards to the eighties?
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
Too bad
01/28, 10:14pm reply
Too bad that these DOS disks will only boot up on Intel Macs. Seagate has left people who don't have Intel processors, with no way to do the upgrade. Their only choices are to find people that can boot with their drives in their Mac or they have to send the drives to Seagate. In reality, it is nothing but laziness because they COULD write something that would work for non-Intel Macs if they had their c*** together.
I can smell a HUGE class action lawsuit over this fiasco.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Time Capsule
01/28, 11:13pm reply
Has anyone thought about the ES.2 drives in the Time Capsules?
LotsaWires
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
External Drives
01/28, 11:21pm reply
Nor does this do anything for the thousands who have these drives as externals. Booting from this disk does not allow you to repair externals, it will only recognize internal drives.
iMac and laptop owners are left out along with the IBM processor owners.
monsoonstorm
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2004