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Added info about Intel mac compatibility, minor corrections #7

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66 changes: 40 additions & 26 deletions content/posts/macvdmtool.md
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Expand Up @@ -6,48 +6,59 @@ draft: false

# What is [macvdmtool](https://github.com/AsahiLinux/macvdmtool)?

It is a tool written by [marcan](https://github.com/marcan) under the [AsahiLinux project](https://asahilinux.org/). macvdmtool lets you put an Apple Silicon Mac in DFU mode with terminal commands instead of requiring awkward keyboard gymnastics.
It is a tool written by [marcan](https://github.com/marcan) under the [AsahiLinux project](https://asahilinux.org/). macvdmtool lets you put any Apple Silicon or Intel Macs with the T2 chip (2018 and forward) in DFU mode with terminal commands instead of requiring awkward keyboard gymnastics.

> **Note**: macvdmtool requires that you have _two_ Apple silicon machines on hand. One acts as the "host" machine which initiates the "target" machine to perform a restore.
> **Note**: macvdmtool requires that the **host machine** is **Apple Silicon** based, Intel macs do not seem to support this tool as a host.

# Setting up and using macvdmtool

1. Install Xcode and the Xcode commandline tools.
1. Install [Xcode](https://developer.apple.com/xcode/) and then run this in terminal to install Xcode command-line tools:
```shell
xcode-select –-install
```
Check that it installed properly:
```shell
xcode-select -p
```
1. Install [Apple Configurator 2](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-configurator-2/id1037126344?mt=12) from the Mac App Store.
1. Clone [macvdmtool](https://github.com/AsahiLinux/macvdmtool.git)

```shell
git clone https://github.com/AsahiLinux/macvdmtool.git
```
1. Change into the macvdmtool directory and compile the tool
```text
~ % cd macvdmtool && make
```shell
macvdmtool && make
cc -o macvdmtool main.o -framework CoreFoundation -framework IOKit -lc++
macvdmtool %
```
1. (Optional) Copy macvdmtool to somewhere that is in the default path.
```text
macvdmtool % sudo cp macvdmtool /usr/local/bin
Password:
macvdmtool %
1. Copy macvdmtool to path.
```shell
sudo cp macvdmtool /usr/local/bin
```
1. Launch Apple Configuration 2 and install the "Automation Tools".
Run below command to see if its installed and added to path
```shell
macvdmtool
```
1. Launch Apple Configurator 2 and install the "Automation Tools".

![Install Automation Tools](/images/macvdmtool/cfgutil/install_automation.png)

![Install Automation Tools dialogue](/images/macvdmtool/cfgutil/install_popup.png)

![Install Automation Tools password prompt](/images/macvdmtool/cfgutil/install_password.png)

1. Connect the host and target Macs together via an official Apple USB-C charging cable. The cable must be plugged into the DFU port on both ends.
1. Connect the host and target Macs together via an official Apple USB-C charging cable or a TB3/TB4 cable. The cable must be plugged into the DFU port on both ends and support data transfer.

- On the M1 Macbook Air, the DFU port is the usb-c port closest to the screen.
- On the M1 Pro, the DFU port is the usb-c port closest to the Magsafe connector.
- On Apple Silicon machines, the DFU port is closest to the screen on the left side
- On Intel machines, the DFU port is closest to the trackpad on the left side

1. Put the target mac in DFU mode.
1. Put the target Mac in DFU mode.

```text
~ % sudo macvdmtool dfu
```shell
sudo macvdmtool dfu
```
Above command should return below:
```text
Mac type: J313AP
Looking for HPM devices...
Found: IOService:/AppleARMPE/arm-io@10F00000/AppleT810xIO/i2c0@35010000/AppleS5L8940XI2CController/hpmBusManager@6B/AppleHPMBusController/hpm0/AppleHPMARM
Expand All @@ -57,8 +68,12 @@ It is a tool written by [marcan](https://github.com/marcan) under the [AsahiLinu
Entering DBMa mode... Status: DBMa
Rebooting target into DFU mode... OK
Exiting DBMa mode... OK
~ %
```

## Restoring/reviving with cfgutil
> Alternatively you can use Apple Configurator 2 or [Finder](https://www.macrumors.com/2023/08/15/macos-sonoma-dfu-mode/) to restore/revive your Mac.

> **Note**: This method with `cfgutil` only works if the target Mac is Apple Silicon.
1. Confirm the device is in DFU mode by launching Apple Configurator 2. It should look like this.
(If it does not appear, try unplugging and plugging back in the cable between the host and target)

Expand All @@ -67,8 +82,11 @@ It is a tool written by [marcan](https://github.com/marcan) under the [AsahiLinu
1. Grab the IPSW you want to restore from [Mr. Macintosh's database](https://mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/).

1. Use `cfgutil` to restore that IPSW.
```shell
cfgutil restore -I ~/Downloads/UniversalMac_12.1_21C5021h_Restore.ipsw
```
Should result in something like this:
```text
~ % cfgutil restore -I ~/Downloads/UniversalMac_12.1_21C5021h_Restore.ipsw
objc[53015]: Class AMSupportURLConnectionDelegate is implemented in both /usr/lib/libauthinstall.dylib (0x1da64c9e8) and /Library/Apple/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/A/MobileDevice (0x104d782c8). One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.
objc[53015]: Class AMSupportURLSession is implemented in both /usr/lib/libauthinstall.dylib (0x1da64ca38) and /Library/Apple/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/A/MobileDevice (0x104d78318). One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.
cfgutil: restore: target OS is 12.1
Expand All @@ -77,11 +95,11 @@ It is a tool written by [marcan](https://github.com/marcan) under the [AsahiLinu
Step 2 of 2: Installing System [2/2] [**********************************>] 99%
```

At this point you'll see an Apple logo and a loading bar on the target mac.
At this point you should see an Apple logo and a loading bar on the target Mac.

After a few minutes, the Mac will reboot and launch the standard Setup Assistant experience.

That's it! Enjoy.
That's it! Enjoy.

# Future [automation](https://xkcd.com/1319/) enhancements

Expand All @@ -95,7 +113,3 @@ File an issue or PR (pull request) against my blog at https://github.com/discent
# Further Readings on DFU

See Mr. Macintosh's excellent [blog post on DFU restores](https://mrmacintosh.com/restore-macos-firmware-on-an-apple-silicon-mac-boot-to-dfu-mode/) for more information.