About Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Q & A The following is a list of the most commonly-asked questions about Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. 1.) What is Mac OS 7.6.1 Update? Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is a set of software enhancements that delivers improvements in stability for Macintosh and Mac OS-compatible computers running Mac OS 7.6. The Update is available in 3 different packages: a five floppy disk set for PowerBook 3400 computers only; a four floppy set for all computers supported by Mac OS 7.6; and a Mac OS 7.6.1 CD for recently introduced computers not supported by Mac OS 7.6. After installing the update, the Mac OS version on the computer will be Mac OS 7.6.1. 2.) Who should install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update? Apple recommends installing this update on any Macintosh or Mac OS-compatible computer running Mac OS 7.6. Some newer PowerBook computers, introduced after Mac OS 7.6, may need to use a PowerBook specific update. To see if your computer can use this update, see "How do I Know What Version of System Software I Have?" below. NOTE: If you have a PowerBook 3400, you cannot install this update. To upgrade your PowerBook 3400 computer, you must use Mac OS 7.6.1 Update for PowerBook 3400. Mac OS 7.6.1 Update for PowerBook 3400 will install the same fixes and updates as the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. 3.) How do I know what version of system software I have? To find out what system software version your computer is using, follow these steps: 1. Make sure you are in the Finder. (To switch to the Finder, click on the Application menu, marked with an icon in the upper-right corner of your screen, and choose Finder.) 2. Select the Apple (*) menu, located at the upper-left corner of your screen. * If the first item in the Apple menu is called About This Computer, select it. If you see the word "Enabler" under the line that reads "System Software 7.6," you cannot install this update. If you see "PowerBook 3400 1.0," then you need to download the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update for PowerBook 3400. If there is no text between the line that reads "System Software 7.6" and the copyright notification, you can proceed with the installation. * If the first item in the Apple menu is About This Macintosh, you have an earlier version of system software. You must upgrade to Mac OS 7.6 before you can install this update. 4.) Should I install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update if I do not have Mac OS 7.6? You must have Mac OS 7.6 in order to install this software. If you have a version earlier than Mac OS 7.6, you will need to purchase it from an Apple reseller, or by calling the Apple Order Center. In the U.S. call 1-800-293-6617. IMPORTANT:Do not install this update if you have a Power Macintosh 4400, 5500, 6500, 7300, 8600, or 9600 (or a Performa version) series computer. You can obtain Mac OS 7.6 and Mac OS Update 7.6.1 through the Mac OS Up-To-Date program. For more information, see the Mac OS Up-To-Date Web site at http://www.macos.apple.com/macos/releases/fulfillment.html, or call 800-335-9258. The European web site for Mac-OS-Up-To-Date information is: http://www.euro.apple.com/macos/apple-macos.html. If you have a PowerBook 3400, you need to download the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update for PowerBook 3400. 5.) Where can I get Mac OS 7.6.1 Update? Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is available electronically for download from Apple on "Apple SW Updates" via the Internet (http://www.info.apple.com), America Online (keyword: AppleComputer), and CompuServe (GO APLSUP). To get a list of authorized mirror sites on the Internet, visit: http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/mirrors.html In the U.S., customers also may order the update on floppies for $10 (+tax and shipping/handling) by calling 1-800-293-6617. Customers in Canada may call 1-800-361-6075 to order the update for $15 (Canadian) plus shipping and handling fees. For customers outside the U.S. or Canada, contact the local Apple support center for further information. PowerBook 3400 customers unable to download the update should call 1-800-500-7078, and have their Apple Support Card at hand for authorization. NOTE: If you are running a localized version of Mac OS 7.6, such as French, German, British, etc., do not install the U.S. version of 7.6.1 Update. Localized versions of the Update will be posted within 90 days of the release of the U.S. version. A European mirror site is located at: ftp://ftp.info.euro.apple.com/Apple.Support.Area/Apple.Software.Updates. International software updates are posted to both U.S. and International mirror locations. 6.) Can I get Mac OS 7.6.1 Update on CD? No. Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is available only by download from the World Wide Web and online services, and on floppy disk from the Apple Order Center. It is not available on CD. 7.) I heard there is a CD version available, why can't I get it? Although Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is not available on CD, a full version of Mac OS 7.6.1 is available on CD only for customers who have purchased one of the recently introduced computers from Apple that does not support Mac OS 7.6. This includes the Power Macintosh 4400, 5500, 6500, 7300, 8600, and 9600, and any Performa versions of these computers. Qualified customers who don't receive a 7.6.1 CD in their CPU accessory kit can receive Mac OS 7.6.1 for their computer through the Mac OS Up-To-Date program. For more information see the Mac OS Up-To-Date Web site at http://www.macos.apple.com/macos/releases/fulfillment.html, or in the U.S. and Canada call 800-335-9258. 8.) Why isn't Open Transport 1.1.2 included in this update? The goal of Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is to deliver a rapid response to any stability issues with the core system software. This update is not intended to deliver any new features, nor does it deliver updates to technologies already available through download sites on the Internet and most online services. Open Transport 1.1.2 was released to address issues with very specific network configurations of some large customers, and is not required for most Open Transport users. Customers who require a version of Open Transport later than 1.1.1 can choose to download and install it separately. IMPORTANT: Because OT 1.1.2 was released before the PowerBook 3400, some of the resources in OT 1.1.2 are older than what is required for the PowerBook 3400. Customers with a PowerBook 3400 computer who require OT 1.1.2 need to follow a specific installation order to ensure compatibility. After installing OT 1.1.2 on a PowerBook 3400, customers must immediately install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update for PowerBook 3400. This will update the appropriate localtalk resources. Problems with older resources are evident when switching between Infrared and LocalTalk. If you experience problems when switching networks, you should reinstall the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. 9.) Can I use Connectix Speed Doubler with Mac OS 7.6.1? There is a problem using Connectix Speed Doubler versions 1.3.1 and earlier and version 2.0 with Mac OS 7.6 and Mac OS 7.6.1. If you have one of these Speed Doubler versions installed, the Speed Access extension will be disabled after you install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. Connectix is providing a free update. For more information, see the Connectix Web site at http://www.connectix.com, or in the U.S. (and Canada) call 1-800-839-3632. 10.) I have several machine-specific extensions that I added, do I still need those? Besides the fixes provided by Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, several of the fixes and features previously released as extensions are now part of the OS. You may notice that these extensions have been removed from the Extensions folder. After installing the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, you will no longer need these extensions in your Extensions folder, and adding them after installing the update could cause problems. The Extensions no longer needed are: 54xx/64xx Update version 1.0 54xx/64xx Update version 1.1 7.5.5 SCSI Server Update Assistant Toolbox PCI Network Legacy Layer version 1.0 PCI Network Legacy Loader version 1.0 PowerBook 1400 ATA Flash PowerBook 1400 PMU Updater PowerBook VM Tuner for OS 7.6 PowerMac Format Patch PowerPC Interrupt Extension 11.) What improvements does Mac OS 7.6.1 Update deliver? Mac OS 7.6.1 Update improves the reliability of computers that use Mac OS 7.6 by delivering the following fixes and enhancements: * Nearly all Type 11 errors have been eliminated on computers with PowerPC processors. Type 11 errors force you to restart the computer without saving your work. Most of these errors are now properly classified as Type 1 or Type 2 errors, which cause the active application to quit, but do not force you to restart the computer. Type 11 errors do not typically occur on computers with 680x0 processors. IMPORTANT : If you get an error that forces a program to quit, you should save your work in other open applications and restart the computer. * Type 112 errors, which occurred when using some multimedia applications, have been eliminated. * An updated CFM-68K Runtime Enabler is included for computers with 68030 and 68040 processors. Customers with 68030- and 68040-based computers will benefit from an updated CFM-68K Runtime Enabler which allows these computers to use applications that take advantage of the Code Fragment Manager (CFM). The CFM-68K Runtime Enabler is a system extension that allows application programs to share code resources. Because of a stability problem with this extension, it was not included with Mac OS 7.6. In order to ensure system software quality, Mac OS 7.6 will refuse to load previous versions of the extension if present. All known stability problems with this extension have been fixed. Apple products that use the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include OpenDoc, Cyberdog, LaserWriter 8.4 and later, Apple Telecom software 3.0 and later, and the Apple Media Tool. Application programs from other companies that require the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include AOL 3.0 and Internet Explorer 3.0. (If you continue to experience problems with non-Apple applications that use the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler, contact the application developer.) * Compatibility with serial devices for Performa 5400 and 6400 computers and PowerBook 3400 computers has been improved. There were problems with these computers not recognizing serial devices that were connected at startup. This update fixes this problem. * Infrared problems on PowerBook 1400 and 3400 computers have been fixed. The computer will no longer freeze if the infrared window is blocked when the computer is starting up or transferring files. * Application programs that use QuickTime files work more reliably when working with large files and when using QuickTime files in low-memory situations. * Improved print speed is present for some computers using third party printers over LocalTalk networks, however, Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 computers with processor speeds less than 200 MHz without an L2 cache still exhibit slow printing. Apple is working on a solution to this problem, and will post a solution as soon possible online in the same locations as this update. * Video applications, including the Apple Video Player, now correctly recognize when MPEG software is installed. * Storage PC Cards no longer require a utility to appear on the desktop. PC Cards used for storage now automatically appear on the desktop when inserted. * A low battery message that appeared prematurely on PowerBooks has been removed. Two low-battery messages are now displayed, instead of three, before the computer shuts itself down. The first message appears approximately two to four minutes before shutdown. The second occurs approximately ten seconds before shutdown. * Contrast and brightness controls work as expected on PowerBook 1400 computers. The screen will get brighter or show more contrast when the plus (+) controls are pressed. Previously, the functionality of the plus (+) and minus (-) controls were reversed on PowerBook 1400 computers. * On the PowerBook 3400, the removable CD-ROM drive now works correctly if it is inserted in the expansion bay while the computer is on. * A new version of Apple System Profiler now supports IDE-based CD-ROM drives, such as the built-in CD-ROM drive for the PowerBook 1400. * A new version of AppleVision software improves reliability on computers that use AppleVision monitors. * Graphics acceleration software now works correctly with a universal System Folder. Additionally, the Graphics Accelerator extension and the Graphics Accelerator 2 extension have been merged into the ATI Graphics extension. * Improved performance for customers who use video-capture expansion cards and ATI accelerators. Video capture is faster on computers using both video-capture PCI expansion cards and ATI graphics accelerators. * New version of Apple Video Player is installed. On all computers, the AppleScript scripting language can be used to automate tasks in Apple Video Player. * Changes made to automatic startup and shutdown settings in the Energy Saver control panel are now correctly saved. * Files greater than 1 MB in size are now copied more reliably between IDE hard disks. 12.) Where can I get more detailed information about the changes to Mac OS 7.6.1? For advanced users who need additional technical information, see the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Technote at the Apple Developer World site at http://devworld.apple.com/dev/technotes.shtml. 13.) What tips are there to ensure that I have a more trouble-free installation of Mac OS 7.6.1 Update? It is very important to read the "About Mac OS 7.6.1 Update" document which comes with the update, and carefully follow the directions for installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. In general, it is best to not to rename or move files around within your System Folder. The Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Installer makes some assumptions that certain files will be in certain places, and if these files are moved or renamed, files that Mac OS 7.6.1 Update installs could be placed in the wrong place, or not installed at all. If you have modified you System Folder by renaming or moving files or folders, you may need to install a clean version of Mac OS 7.6 before installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. 14.) When will Mac OS 7.6.1 Update be available in other languages beside U.S. English? Apple expects localized versions of Mac OS 7.6.1 Update to be available in many countries within 90 days after the U.S. introduction. Please contact your local Apple support center for local availability, or check on Apple Software Updates to see if it has been posted. The latest version of this software is available on "Apple SW Updates" on the Internet (http://www.info.apple.com), America Online (keyword: AppleComputer), and CompuServe (GO APLWW). To get a list of authorized mirror sites on the Internet, visit: http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/mirrors.html 15.) Can I install the U.S. version of Mac OS 7.6.1 Update on a computer which has a non-U.S. version of the system software? No. Apple does not support the installation of this update on localized systems. If you are not using a U.S. version of Mac OS 7.6, please contact your service provider on when this update is available in your locale. 16.) Why is there no "custom install" and "custom remove" option for the installer? Mac OS 7.6.1 Update only updates the existing installed components on your computer. It does not add functionality. These updates are necessary to ensure your computer is operating optimally based on your installed configuration. A custom install option is only available when an installation provides new features that you may not wish to install, such as those found in Mac OS 7.6. Because Mac OS 7.6.1 Update adds no new features to your computer, the custom install and custom remove options are not provided. 17.) Are there any known problems with installing this update? Customers are encouraged to read the document which accompanies the update, titled "About Mac OS 7.6.1 Update." It has a "known problems" section which documents any issues you may need to consider before installing the update. There are some issues that were discovered too late to be included in the Readme. These are listed below. Please read this information before installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update on your computer. OPEN TRANSPORT 1.1.2 AND POWERBOOK 3400 Open Transport 1.1.2 and the PowerBook 3400 are not compatible unless you follow these instructions. Open Transport 1.1.2 was released to address issues with very specific network configurations of some customers, and is not required for most Open Transport users. If you require version 1.1.2 of Open Transport for your network configuration, first install Open Transport 1.1.2, and then immediately install the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update for PowerBook 3400. This will overwrite resources which otherwise could cause crashes when switching between Infrared and LocalTalk. POWERBOOK 1400 AND NEWER TECHNOLOGY ETHERNET CARD A PowerBook 1400 used with the Newer Technology Ethernet card requires Ethernet driver version 1.5 or later from Newer Technology. Drivers older than version 1.5 may cause crashes. Visit Newer Technology's web site for the latest version: http://newertech.com/software.html, or call their Tech Support at 1-800-678-3726. INFRARED CONTROL PANEL PRODUCES INCORRECT ERROR If the Infrared control panel is selected on a computer that does not have infrared capability, an error -192 message is displayed. The error should state that Infrared is not supported on this computer. PRINTING SPEED IMPROVEMENTS Improved print speed is present for some computers using third party printers over LocalTalk networks. However, Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 computers with processor speeds less than 200 MHz without an L2 cache still exhibit slow printing. Apple is working on a solution to this problem, and will post a solution as soon possible in the same locations as this update. 68040 COMPUTERS AND CLOSED CAPTION FEATURE IN APPLE VIDEO PLAYER Apple Video Player's Closed Caption option will cause a hang on a 68040 computer with the Apple TV Tuner card installed. Reinstalling the Apple Video Player (version 1.4) from the Mac OS 7.6 CD will remedy the problem. To reinstall, launch "Install System Software" in the Mac OS 7.6 folder within the Software Installers folder on the Mac OS 7.6 CD. Choose "Custom Install" from the pop-up, then click on the triangle next to the item "Multimedia" to expand it. Select "Apple Video Player 1.4" and click "Install." When asked if the "Newer" or "Older" file should be used, select "Older." APPLE VIDEO PLAYER & MAC OS 7.6.1 INCOMPATIBLE WITH QUICKTIME MPEG CARD Apple Video Player will not properly recognize a QuickTime MPEG Card when run under Mac OS 7.6 or Mac OS 7.6.1. With Mac OS 7.6.1 the QuickTime MPEG extension can be used to view MPEG files using software decompression with Apple Video Player. APPLE VIDEO PLAYER 1.6 IS NOT INSTALLED ON POWERBOOK 3400 If you need to use this application program, it can be downloaded from http://www.info.apple.com. POWER MACINTOSH 7100/80AV AND APPLE VIDEO PLAYER SOUND PROBLEMS If the sound is muted and the slider doesn't work in Apple Video Player on a 7100/80AV, open Apple Video Player and click on the mute button to activate it. Quitting and relaunching the Apple Video Player should then remedy the problem. MAC OS 7.6.1 AND APPLEVISION 1710: MISSING COLORSYNC PROFILE If you try to import the "AppleVision 1710-9300" ColorSync profile, and the error "Could not complete your request because a ColorSync error has occurred." appears, install AppleVision 1.5.1 to eliminate the problem. EXTENSIONS MANAGER'S MAC OS 7.6.1 SETS OMIT FILE NEEDED TO PRINT Selecting "Mac OS 7.6.1 Base" and "Mac OS 7.6.1 All" in Extensions Manager, mistakenly turns off "Printing Lib" and printing is disabled. Manually turning on "Printing Lib" within Extensions Manager after choosing one of these sets will allow printing. EXTENSIONS MANAGER'S MAC OS 7.6.1 SETS OMIT MONITORS CONTROL PANEL Selecting "Mac OS 7.6.1 Base" and "Mac OS 7.6.1 All" in Extensions Manager, mistakenly turns off "Monitors" control panel. Manually turning on "Monitors" within Extensions Manager after choosing one of these sets will allow access to this control panel. INTERNAL SPEAKER ON POWER MACINTOSH 5500 AND 6500 REMAIN MUTED If external speakers are connected to a Power Macintosh 5500 or 6500 when the computer starts up and are then disconnected, the internal speakers remains muted. Restart the computer after disconnecting the external speakers and the internal speaker will work normally. VM IS NOT TURNED ON FOR 68030 & 68040 COMPUTERS WITH MORE THAN 16 MB OF RAM 68030- and 68040-based Macintosh computers with more than 16 MB of physical memory do not have Virtual Memory turned on after installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. POWER MACINTOSH 5500 and 6500 SCREEN REFRESH PROBLEM WITH MPEG MOVIES Windows of MPEG movies on Power Macintosh 5500 computers may exhibit white areas obscuring the movie in the window. Removing the ATI MPEG extension from the Extensions folder, or manipulating the movie window will work around the problem. 18.) What are the system requirements for Mac OS 7.6.1 Update? In order to install the update, you must have Mac OS 7.6 installed. Mac OS 7.6.1 Update cannot be installed if your system software version is earlier than Mac OS 7.6. It will support all computers supported by Mac OS 7.6: all Power Macintosh Computers, all PowerPC computers manufactured by Mac OS licensees, all 68040, and all 32-bit clean 68030 computers. As with Mac OS 7.6, 16 MB of total memory is required. At least 8 MB must be physical RAM. Virtual Memory can be used to reach the required 16 MB. 19.) Where can I get more information about the Mac OS? More information can be obtained about the Mac OS on the Internet at: http://www.macos.apple.com/ or http://www.info.apple.com Copyright 1997 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AppleLink, Macintosh, OpenDoc, PowerBook, and Power Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Power PC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.