Mac OS 7.6.1 Update improves the reliability of Mac OS computers.
If you are using a system software version prior to Mac OS 7.6, you must upgrade to Mac OS 7.6 before you install this update. Additionally, the PowerBook 3400 cannot use this update. To see if your computer can use this update, see “How Do I Know What Version of System Software I Have?” below.
IMPORTANT Do not install this update if you have a Macintosh Performa 4400 or a Power Macintosh 4400, 5500, 6500, 7300, 8600, or 9600 series computer. If you have a PowerBook 3400, please call your local Apple Assistance Centre for more information. Alternatively, for more information you could check the Mac OS Home Page at http://www.macos.apple.com/.
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, open the Application menu, marked with an icon in the upper-right corner of your screen, and choose Finder.)
2. Open 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, choose this item from the menu. In the box that appears, check the words in the upper-right corner. 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 the PowerBook 3400. If the update is not currently available, it should be available soon. 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 called 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.
What’s included in the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update?
After you install the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, you should notice improved stability, as well as the following fixes and enhancements:
• Nearly all Type 11 errors eliminated
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 occur while using “native” applications used by computers with PowerPC processors.
IMPORTANT When you get an error that forces a program to quit, you should still save your work in other open programs and restart the computer.
• Type 112 errors eliminated
Type 112 errors, which occurred when using some multimedia applications, have been eliminated.
• CFM-68K Runtime Enabler included for computers with 68030 and 68040 processors
Computers with 68030 and 68040 processors can now use programs that require the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler. The CFM-68K Runtime Enabler is a system extension which allows application programs to share code resources. Because of a problem with this extension, it was not included with Mac OS 7.6. This problem has been fixed.
Apple products that use the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include OpenDoc, the LaserWriter 8.4 driver, Apple Telecom software 3.0 and later, and the Apple Media Tool. Applications from other companies that require the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler include Internet Explorer 3.0. (If you continue to experience problems with non-Apple programs that use the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler, contact the manufacturer.)
• Improved compatibility with serial devices when using Performa 5400 and 6400 and PowerBook 3400 computers
Equipment connected to the serial port now communicates correctly with these computers. (Previously, some devices using the serial port were not recognised by these computers if the devices were connected when the computer started up.)
• Infrared problems fixed on PowerBook 1400 and 3400 computers
The computer no longer freezes if the infrared window is blocked when the computer is starting up or transferring files.
• Improved reliability when using large QuickTime files, or using QuickTime in low-memory situations
Application programs that use QuickTime files work more reliably when working with large files and when using QuickTime files in low-memory situations.
• Printing improved for Performa and Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 series computers using non-Apple printers over LocalTalk networks
Performa and Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 computers now print at an acceptable speed on non-Apple printers over a LocalTalk network. (Previously, printing was very slow.)
• Video applications recognise that MPEG is installed
Video applications, including the Apple Video Player, now correctly recognise when MPEG software or hardware is installed.
• Storage PC Cards no longer require a utility program to appear on the desktop
PC Cards used for storage now appear on the desktop when inserted. A mounting utility program is no longer required.
• Only two low-battery messages displayed on PowerBooks before computer shuts itself down
Only two low-battery messages are 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.
• PowerBook 1400 computers now wake from sleep faster
When you wake the computer, there is less of a delay before the screen appears.
• 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 CD-ROM drive works correctly if inserted when the computer is on
The removable CD-ROM drive now appears correctly on the desktop if it is inserted in the expansion bay while the computer is on.
• New version of Apple System Profiler
IDE-based CD-ROM drives, such as the built-in CD-ROM drive for the PowerBook 1400, are now listed in the Apple System Profiler window.
• New version of AppleVision software
A new version of AppleVision software improves reliability on computers that currently use AppleVision monitors.
• Graphics acceleration software works correctly with a universal System Folder
Graphics acceleration software now works correctly when used with a universal System Folder. Additionally, the Graphics Accelerator extension and the Graphics Accelerator II extension have been merged into the ATI Graphics Accelerator.
• New version of Apple Video Player
Video-capture and TV tuner PC Cards now work correctly on PowerBook 3400 computers. Additionally, all computers can use the AppleScript scripting language to automate tasks in Apple Video Player.
• Settings in Energy Saver control panel are saved properly
Changes made to automatic startup and shutdown settings are now saved.
• Large files copied between IDE hard disks sometimes crashed the system
Files over 1 MB can now be copied between two IDE hard disks without causing a system crash.
• Better performance when using video-capture expansion cards and ATI accelerators
Video capture is faster on computers when using video-capture PCI expansion cards with ATI graphics accelerators.
Besides the bug fixes provided by Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, several of the bug fixes and features that have been 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.
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
For additional technical information, see the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Technote. You can find it at the Apple Developer World site at http://devworld.apple.com/dev/technotes.shtml.
Known problems with Mac OS 7.6.1
• Monitors Control Panel is not included in "Mac OS 7.6.1 base" and "Mac OS 7.6.1 all" extension manager sets
If you have a computer that does not have the Monitors & Sound control panel and you select the "Mac OS 7.6.1 base" or "Mac OS 7.6.1 all" extension manager sets, you will also need to select the Monitors Control Panel.
• OpenTransport 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.
• 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 ÒCustom InstallÓ 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 recognise 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 Player1.6 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 16MB 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 screenreferesh problems 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.
• 1710-Series Monitors Lose Resolutions on 6100, 7100, 8100 Computers
Resolutions are lost after installing Mac OS 7.6.1 on NuBus-based Power Macintosh computers with 1710-series AppleVision Displays connected to the AV Display Connector. This problem also occurs on the High Performance Video card for Non-AV Power Macintosh 7100 and 8100 computers. There may be other AV cards that exhibit this problem. The resolution loss can occur Power Macintosh 6100, 7100, or 8100 computer with an AppleVision 1710 or 1710AV display connected to the AV Display Connector, all resolutions above 640 x 480 are no longer selectable. The display is still recognised as an AppleVision display, and all of the other AppleVision features still function (colour calibration, geometry settings, etc.). Apple is aware of this problem, and is working on a solution.
Workaround: If a screen resolution other than 640 by 480 is required in this situation, the immediate solution is to do one of the following:
•Connect the AppleVision Display to the built-in video connector. This will provide all of the resolution options supported by built-in video (640 by 480 and 832 by 624), or else;
•Perform a clean install of Mac OS 7.6. This will provide all of the resolution options supported by the AV Display Connector. Apple recommends installing the most current version of AppleVision software, version 1.5.2.
Known problems with Mac OS 7.6 not fixed with this update
• Connectix Speed Doubler disabled when Mac OS 7.6.1 is installed
There is a problem using Speed Doubler versions 1.3.1 and earlier and version 2.0 with Mac OS 7.6. If you use one of these Speed Doubler versions, it will be disabled after you install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. Connectix is aware of this problem and is providing a free update. For more information, see the Connectix Web site at http://www.connectix.com, or call (+44) 0181 200 8282.
• Versions of several Apple software products compatible with computers with 68030 and 68040 processors that require the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler not included with Mac OS 7.6
Because of a problem with the CFM-68K Runtime Enabler, the extension and compatible versions of several Apple software products (such as OpenDoc, the LaserWriter 8.4 driver, Apple Telecom software 3.0 and later, and the Apple Media Tool) were not included with Mac OS 7.6. The CFM-68K Runtime Enabler problem has been fixed and computers with 68030 and 68040 processors can now use programs that require this extension. The latest version of this software is available on "Apple SW Updates" on the Internet (http://www.info.apple.com), and CompuServe (GO APLSUP). To get a list of authorised mirror sites on the Internet, access the following URL:
http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/mirrors.html
• LaserWriter 8.3.4 results in an error message when you print to a file and then drag the resulting file to a desktop printer
If you use the LaserWriter 8.3.4 driver to print to a file and then drag the resulting file to a desktop printer, you get a message stating that the print library is missing. To work around this problem, update your LaserWriter software to LaserWriter 8.4.1. This software is available on "Apple SW Updates" on the Internet (http://www.info.apple.com), and CompuServe (GO APLSUP). To get a list of authorised mirror sites on the Internet, access the following URL:
http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/mirrors.html
• After you install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, the easy install option no longer works for reinstalling Mac OS 7.6
Once you have installed Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, you can no longer use the easy install option for reinstalling Mac OS 7.6 (installers cannot update over newer versions of software). You must use the clean install option to reinstall Mac OS 7.6. Specific components can be installed using the custom install option.
• Notes on Custom Installs
If you perform a custom install of a component from your Mac OS 7.6 CD (or floppy) and already have system 7.6.1 running on your system, you may notice the following warning dialogue: “The file <name of the component> already on <name of your hard drive> is newer than what you are about to install. Click Newer to keep the Newer file, Older to replace that file, or Cancel to stop installation.” You should pick Newer.
IMPORTANT After the Mac OS 7.6 install finishes installing the selected components, you should then reinstall the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update to ensure that the components you just installed are up-to-date.
• Installing QuickDraw GX for use with a non-Apple printer
If you want to use QuickDraw GX with a non-Apple printer, you need to obtain a QuickDraw GX printer driver or remove QuickDraw GX. If QuickDraw GX is installed, you will not be able to use your non-Apple printer without a GX driver. Contact your printer vendor for details. (Turning off QuickDraw™ GX in the Extensions Manager will solve this problem.)
• Using the QuickDraw GX Installer when Adobe Acrobat is installed
If you use the QuickDraw GX Installer to either install or remove QuickDraw GX and your computer has Adobe Acrobat installed, Acrobat will display a message about missing fonts each time the computer is restarted. Reinstall or turn off Acrobat to stop the warning message. (Turning off QuickDraw™ GX in the Extensions Manager will not solve the problem.)
• Video Startup extension and Apple Video Player improperly installed by Mac OS 7.6
Mac OS 7.6 improperly installs the Video Startup extension and the Apple Video Player application on Macintosh TV. You should throw the Apple Video Player application and the Video Startup extension in the Wastebasket. If these components are present, the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update will update them to newer versions which still do not work on Macintosh TV.
• 3D images cannot be viewed with OpenDoc 3DMF Viewer 1.0.1 with QuickDraw 3D 1.5 or 1.5.1 installed
If QuickDraw 3D 1.5 or 1.5.1 is installed, a message about insufficient memory appears when attempting to place a 3D image in an OpenDoc document. Increasing the viewer’s memory size with the Get Info command in the File menu does not solve the problem. To use the 3DMF Viewer, install an earlier version of QuickDraw 3D.
• Internal speaker on Power Macintosh 5500 and 6500 computers remains muted after disconnecting external speakers
If the external speakers are connected when the computer starts up and then disconnected, the internal speakers remain muted. To work around this problem, restart the computer after disconnecting the external speakers. The internal speaker should work normally.
• Adjusting the volume by pushing the Buttons on the front of the Macintosh LC575 will not register on the Monitors and Sound Control Panel
If you use the front bezel button to change volume on a Macintosh LC575 the change in volume will not register on the "Computer System Volume" slider in the Monitors and Sound control panel. You will only have the Monitors and Sound Control Panel on a LC575 if you have and AppleVision Monitor or are running a universal system.
• Macintosh customers with the DayStar Digital 040 cards will need to do the following:
If you use the DayStar Digital 040 card, you will have to first remove the card, then install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, and then reinstall the DayStar Digital 040 card
• Two system folders when no desktop printer is selected
If you notice two active system folders on your hard drive, create a desktop printer to work around this problem. To create a desktop printer select the Chooser in the Apple () Menu, select any printer, and then press the Create button.
Before you install
Use the Disk First Aid application program before you install the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update to check your hard disk for problems. Disk First Aid comes on the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, Disk 1 disk and on the Disk Tools disk that came with your computer. Follow these steps:
1. Insert the Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, Disk 1 disk into the floppy disk drive.
2. Double-click the Disk First Aid icon to open it.
3. Click the icon for the disk you are installing software on.
4. Click Verify.
5. If Disk First Aid tells you your disk appears to be OK, choose Quit from the File menu. If Disk First Aid reports problems with your hard disk, see the manual that came with your computer.
Note: If you have a problem using Disk First Aid, see the manual that came with your computer.
Installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update
Before you install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, you should have at least 10 MB of disk space temporarily available on your hard disk.
It is very important that you follow these steps in order to install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update:
1. Open the Extensions Manager control panel.
2. Choose “Mac OS 7.6 Base” from the Sets pop-up menu. (This choice will only appear if you are using Mac OS 7.6. If it does not appear, you need to upgrade to Mac OS 7.6 before installing this update.)
3. If you have third-party peripheral devices that are required for installation and that require an extension, turn those extensions back on. (Examples include video drivers, drivers for alternative input devices, network card drivers, and drivers for removable media drives, such as CD-ROM drives.)
4. Restart your computer.
5. Insert the Mac OS 7.6 Update, Disk 1 disk into the floppy disk drive.
6. Double-click the Installer icon to open it.
7. After you read the licensing agreement, click Agree to continue with the installation.
8. Make sure that the destination disk indicated on the screen is the disk that contains Mac OS 7.6. If the wrong disk name appears, click the Switch Disk button until the correct disk name appears.
9. Click Install.
10. Follow the instructions on the screen. On-screen messages tell you when you need to insert the other disks.
11. When the installation is complete, click Restart to restart your computer.
12. Use the Extensions Manager to turn on additional extensions.
13. To use the extensions you turned on, restart the computer. (If you encounter problems, choose “Mac OS 7.6.1 Base” from the Sets pop-up menu , restart your computer, then turn on other extensions one at a time to determine if one of them is causing the problem.)
14. After you install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, you may want to restart your Macintosh while holding the command and option keys. This will rebuild the desktop on your Macintosh and ensure that no Icons are generic.
If you cannot install this update successfully: If you have trouble installing this update, try choosing “All Off” from the pop-up menu in Step 2. If you failed to run the Disk First Aid application program, follow the steps in “Before you install,” then follow the steps for installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update.
Updating a universal System Folder
A universal System Folder can be used to start up any computer that can use Mac OS 7.6.
Only some users need a universal System Folder. You might want to create a universal System Folder if you
• start up different computer models using removable media or an external startup disk
• want to simplify support of multiple users by giving all users the same System Folder
The universal System Folder will not contain
• the Password Security control panel
• ATI 3D Accelerator, ATI MPEG Accelerator, ATI YUV Accelerator, and ATI 6500 Graphics Extension
• ATI Graphics Accelerator 1.2.2 (ATI Graphics Accelerator 1.1.4 is installed in the universal System Folder)
• the Infrared control panel, IrDALib, and IRLanScannerPPC
• the CDStrip control strip module
• the TV/FM 1.5.3
If you are responsible for only one computer, you shouldn’t need to create a universal System Folder.
1. Start with a universal System Folder created by the Install Mac OS program (available on the CD or floppy disks that came with Mac OS 7.6).
2. Update your universal System Folder by installing Mac OS 7.6.1 Update.
Apple, the Apple logo, LaserWriter, LocalTalk, Mac, Macintosh, OpenDoc, Performa, PowerBook, Power Macintosh and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Disk First Aid, Extensions Manager, Finder, and QuickDraw are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom.
