Installing Firmware Update on 2011 MBP

I'm trying to install an EFI Firmware update on a 2011 MBP; however, after restarting it beeps, restarts to a grey booting screen with a status bar, then restarts a third time normally. Is this normal?

Yes, it's scary, but normal. My iMac has had two firmware updates and did the same thing both times.

Don't those type of updates come with the updates from apple? I remember that some do and some we are responsible to download ourselves.

Machine specific firmware updates are automatic from Apple - provided you have a connection to the net.

Other device firmware updates may or may not be automatic.

I appologize for the hijack but dont want to waste space creating another thread.. But can you give an example of something that wouldn't be included in an apple update. I was always confused by this. And don't know if I'm missing out on crucial updates for my machine.

For example, a firmware update for a device you purchased from a third party = DVD burner, Router, etc.

Apple devices are detected (as long as they're attached) and will be updated if a firmware update for them exists.
Even my older Apple aluminum keyboard received an automatic firmware update some time back.

Ok thanks a lot for clearing that up. Because I remember a while back reading that my specific MBP(late 2008) had an issue with fans not kicking on and wanted to make sure those types of things came to my Mac automatically though updates.

I'm trying (and failing) to get the EFI update (2.3) installed on my machine (late 2011 MBP). It looks like it's working, it instructs me to reboot, I do, it comes back up and it's still in the list of available software updates. I don't get the status bar on boot-up that it sounds like I'm supposed to get, either. From what I can find, most times when people can't get the EFI updates to install, people say "keep the screen open" or "make sure it's plugged into a wall outlet" and that fixes their issue, but I've had it plugged in with the screen open every time I've tried and no luck. Any ideas?

I recommend contacting Apple support and see what they say. And if there is an Apple store nearby you may wish to make an appointment and take it on in for them to check it out.

chscag said:

I recommend contacting Apple support and see what they say. And if there is an Apple store nearby you may wish to make an appointment and take it on in for them to check it out.

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I reset the SMC and PRAM, tried installing with the installer in addition to the auto update, still no luck either way. Contacted Apple, they had me give them some info, I told them what I tried, tried one more time with the installer at their request. Their last suggestion was to reinstall Lion, which did work.