cMP only updates to 10.14.0, while MBP is at 10.14.5

[dix]

I've updated my 5,1 cMP to Mojave. So far so good for the most part, but why does the updater only install 10.14.0 while my 2014 MBP is on 10.14.5? Software Update on the MP reports "Your Mac is up to date". Is this normal? - it's been a long time since my work rig was running the latest OS.

[HCMarkus]

You should be able to get to 14.5. I just did on my 5,1 Mac Pro. Use only the final 14.5 installer.

Check your Boot ROM Version in Hardware Overview. It should be 144.0.0.0.0 when all is finished.

You may wish to review this carefully:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mp ... ns.2142418

If your CPU is a W3xxx (single CPU Mac Pros only) watch out for the "CPU Bricker" firmware releases.

[dix]

Thanks!

My Boot ROM Version is 144.0.0.0.0.

I updated Mojave via the installer provided in the App Store. Is the only way to get to 14.5 via the combo update from Apple's website? The MBP got there by simply doing the regular updates.

...also, is there any real reason to update to 14.5? Perusing the what's-news since 14.0 it looks like the updates are mainly about Apple app improvements and improving functionality in newer Apple machines.

[bayswater]

...also, is there any real reason to update to 14.5? Perusing the what's-news since 14.0 it looks like the updates are mainly about Apple app improvements and improving functionality in newer Apple machines.

IIRC, there were one or two security issues addressed somewhere between 14.0 and 14.5.

[mikehalloran]

Is the only way to get to 14.5 via the combo update from Apple's website?

It's probably the best way. Many had problems updating but claimed the Combo Updater did the trick.

Similar to some of the latest security updates. In the App Store, they just wouldn't work but downloading and running the latest security updater did the trick.

I noticed that, in all of these with difficulties, firmware updates were run. Apparently, the auto-update process is having problems with certain older hardware while the downloadable updater can handle it.

As to real fixes, besides security patches, I don't know of any that affected Macs without the T2 chip. 10.14.4 fixed the USB2 audio interface kernel panic on the Mini and iMac Pro.

[dix]

Gah! "This Mac can only install macOS on APFS-formatted drives".

I guess I missed a memo. I thought Sierra and beyond could only be installed on APFS drives, yet somehow I managed to install on old Extended Journaled partitions. I'm now in the process of cloning/reformatting/recloning to get an APFS boot drive that can go to 14.5 Is there anything else I should know about this process? Does this format impact DP or audio work in anyway?

[mikehalloran]

Ok, you can convert an Extended GUID SSD to APFS very easily — but it's not intuitive.

In Disk Utility for 10.13–10.14, highlight the drive. Now go to the Edit menu at the top of the screen. You should see Convert to APFS in black. Select that and wait a couple minutes. You're done. No data loss — but make sure you have a recent backup, of course.

To convert away from APFS requires erasing the drive.

If you use cloning in this process, make sure to reinstall the OS when you're done. The cloneware does not install the Repair partition properly (or at all) — I don't care what they say on their web sites.

You cannot Option Boot into Repair on an APFS formatted drive. Command r only and it must be the only bootable drive or partition on the system.

[dix]

Thanks Mike! BUT, on the drive I want to convert to APFS that option is greyed. The option is available for some drives, but not all, drives in my system. And not on the Mojave drive I need to convert. Any ideas?... Permissions doesn't seem to be the factor.

[mikehalloran]

Are you selecting the top level or the mounted volume?

[dix]

Are you selecting the top level or the mounted volume?

Tried both. It's not such a big deal to reformat and clone for me. The drive in question currently has a cloned OS on it anyway.

I didn't know the thing about cloned drives not having Repair Partitions. Carbon Copy Cloner advertises it does install one Oh, well...good to know! Thanks Mike!

[HCMarkus]

Hey Dix, maybe try a clean install of Mojave on your Boot Drive, then use Migration Assistant to move everything over from the old boot clone. Worked well for me.

[dix]

I might try this if anything starts to feel weird with these cloned systems, or when I have extra time. I'm guessing it would clean the proverbial digital pipes. But so far everything seems stable....knocking on wood