What is Mac OS v7.6.1 Universal {M68K and PowerPC} (CD)?

What’s included in the Mac OS 7.6.1?

This CD contains a complete 7.6.1 installation for your computer. The installer will first update your computer to 7.6, and then immediately install the 7.6.1 Update changes. The resulting system software installed on your computer will be Mac OS 7.6.1. An Easy install of the Mac OS will install Mac OS 7.6.1 on your computer, no specific steps must be taken to get the full installation.  

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 dialog:  “The file  already on    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, the Mac OS 7.6.1 Installer will automatically run. This is done to ensure that the components that you just installed are up to date.

Your computer requires the complete install of Mac OS 7.6.1. Therefore,  you cannot use the Mac OS 7.6 installer found in the Software Installers folder on your CD. You must install using the Install Mac OS icon on the root level of the CD. 

Virtual memory is automatically turned on when you install Mac OS 7.6. If you have less than 16 MB of RAM, do not turn virtual memory off or you may experience problems. On the Power Macintosh 5500 and 6500, virtual memory is turned off by default to improve video capturing performance. Virtual memory must also be turned off for computers with multiprocessors.

Although the performance of Virtual Memory has been greatly improved, if the primary use of your computer is for working with MultiMedia software, it is recommended that you have sufficient physical RAM to run your applications, and not rely on Virtual Memory. 

• Volume buttons on 5200, 5300, 6200, 6300, and 630 series computers
Problems with the volume buttons on the front of your computer have been fixed. 

• Support for multiprocessor cards on computers with PowerPC microprocessors
You can install cards with additional processors to increase speed and performance when using applications that take advantage of multiprocessor technology.    

• WorldScript Power Adapter provides performance and stability enhancements for text handling on computers with PowerPC microprocessors
WorldScript Power Adapter is provided for use with WorldScript, but it also provides performance and stability enhancements for computers with PowerPC microprocessors.

• Computers with 68040  microprocessors and computers with PowerPC processors that use the NuBus expansion bus can use large disks
These computers can now use disks larger than 4 gigabytes, up to a maximum of 2 terabytes. On 68040 computers, large disks cannot be used as startup disks, and cannot contribute to virtual memory totals. 

• Enhanced screen capture options
You can now copy the entire screen, a portion of the screen, or individual windows to either the Clipboard or a file, using the following keyboard combinations:

• Compatibility problem fixed
Mac OS 7.6 fixes a problem in system software versions  7.5.3 and 7.5.5 in which the system took some of an application’s memory, which occasionally caused compatibility problems. 

• Fewer out of memory messages when using the Finder
The Finder has more memory allocated to it, which should reduce error messages and reduce conflicts with certain extensions.

• Improved data integrity
Mac OS 7.6 will save information stored in the disk cache more often, which reduces the chance of a crash causing disk corruption.

• Improved Resource Manager
Resource Manager performance has been improved.  Since both system software and applications use the Resource Manager, overall performance is enhanced. 

• Shorter startup time
Input devices are no longer reinitialized during startup. 

• Virtual memory uses less system RAM
More RAM is now available for applications.

•    The Modern Memory Manager is always on
The Modern Memory Manager, used on computers with PowerPC processors, cannot be turned off in the Memory control panel. 

Improvements included with Mac OS 7.6.1 Update

The system software version on your CD also includes Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. In addition to the features described above, you should notice 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 America Online 3.0 and 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 recognized 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 recognize that MPEG is installed
Video applications, including the Apple Video Player, now correctly recognize 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 2 extension have been merged into the ATI Graphics extension. 

• 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. 

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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. You do not need these fixes and should not reinstall them. 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.

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 800-839-3632.

• 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), America Online (keyword: AppleComputer), and CompuServe (GO APLSUP). To get a list of authorized 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), America Online (keyword: AppleComputer), and CompuServe (GO APLSUP). To get a list of authorized mirror sites on the Internet, access the following URL:
http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/mirrors.html

• 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 trash. 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

•  Start up your computer using the Mac OS 7.6.1 CD-ROM disc. See your installation manual for instructions. 

•  Although compatibility problems are not expected, you can ensure a smooth upgrade by checking with the manufacturers of any non-Apple software you use to make sure it is compatible with Mac OS 7.6.1 If you do experience a problem, see the troubleshooting chapter in your installation manual for more information on isolating compatibility problems.  

• If you have a PowerBook, make sure the computer is plugged in.

• To install this software onto a PowerBook running in SCSI disk mode you must install a universal System Folder. (With SCSI disk mode, you connect your PowerBook with a SCSI Disk Adapter cable to another computer and use the PowerBook as an external hard disk.)  

If you’re installing over a network or can’t start up with the Mac OS 7.6.1 disks, be sure to do the following: 

•    Turn off any installed disk security, virus protection, and screen saver programs before beginning. Also turn off At Ease software, if you have it installed.

• If you are installing on a PowerBook, or a desktop computer with energy-saving software installed, set the computer not to go to sleep or shut down automatically.  For instructions, see the documentation that came with your computer.

• If you have AppleShare Workstation software version 3.6, 3.6.1, or 3.6.2, you need to upgrade to version 3.6.3 before you can install Mac OS 7.6 over a network. This software is provided in the Utilities folder on the Mac OS 7.6.1 CD-ROM disc. Install this version of AppleShare before proceeding with the Mac OS 7.6.1 installation.

Using the Install Mac OS program

To ensure a successful upgrade, you should use the Install Mac OS program to install the software. This program unifies the tasks recommended for a successful installation and simplifies the installation process. Be sure to follow all the steps on the Install Mac OS screen. 

Update your hard disk drivers

Hard disks with drivers older than those included with System 7.5 might cause problems after installing Mac OS 7.6. Your computer might not start up, or you might not see the disk icons on the desktop. To avoid these and other potential problems, you should update your drivers.  

To update your hard disk drivers, click the button for step 2 on the Install Mac OS screen. Read the dialog box that appears. You can’t use the disk utilities provided by Apple if:

• You don’t have an Apple computer, or you don’t have an Apple hard disk. Check the instructions that came with your computer or hard disk to see if the manufacturer includes or recommends a disk utility, and use that utility to perform the update. Make sure to get the latest version of the disk utility (an old utility will install an old driver).  
• You’ve previously used a non-Apple disk utility to format your disk or update the driver. You’ll need to use that utility again to perform the update. Make sure to get the latest version of the disk utility (an old utility will install an old driver).  
• You have a PowerBook 150 and no external drives attached to the computer. The driver for the PowerBook 150’s internal hard disk is in the computer’s ROM and doesn’t need to be updated.  

Otherwise, click Continue.

If you see an Update Driver button:  Select a hard disk, then click Update Driver. Repeat this step for each hard disk attached to your computer. 

If you don’t see an Update Driver button:  Click Drive until the “volume name” is a hard disk attached to your computer. Then click Update. Repeat this step for each hard disk attached to your computer.

Select a disk for installation

Click the button for step 3 on the Install Mac OS screen. Use the pop-up menu to choose the disk on which you want to install Mac OS 7.6. 

For a typical installation, you need about 70 MB of disk space available on the disk you select. To install a minimal system, you need about 40 MB; to install all the optional software, you need about 120 MB. 

Install the software

Click the button for step 4 on the main Install Mac OS screen. You’ll see a list of software products.

Basic system software, OpenDoc, and OpenDoc Essentials, are automatically installed. You can also choose to install the following software products. (Recommended choices are preselected.)

• QuickDraw 3D, to view and manipulate 3D images on your computer. Only computers with PowerPC microprocessors can use QuickDraw 3D. 
• MacLinkPlus translators, to open documents created in applications you don’t have with appropriate applications you do have, including DOS and Windows documents. (These translators work with the Mac OS Easy Open control panel.)
 • Apple Remote Access client software, to connect to a remote computer (such as your computer at work) using a modem. (The remote computer must have ARA server software installed.) 
• Cyberdog, an application to access the Internet. Cyberdog requires the PowerPC microprocessor. 
• Open Transport PPP software, to connect to the Internet using a modem
• English text-to-speech software, to have your computer read text and alert messages
• QuickDraw GX, for enhanced printing and typographical capabilities

For more information about these components, see the What’s New chapter of your installation manual. 

Click Start to install the software you selected. 

Note for expert users: To perform a custom installation, click the Customize button in the Software Installations window. For more information, see the chapter on installing in the Mac OS 7.6 manual. 

After you install Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, you may want to reboot your Macintosh while holding the command (∞) and option key. This will rebuild the desktop on your Macintosh and ensure that no Icons are generic. 

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.

For information about creating a universal System Folder, see the chapter on installing in the Mac OS 7.6 manual. 

Troubleshooting suggestions    

Some Apple-branded disks manufactured by third parties, including the Apple 365 MB external hard disk, are not supported by the Apple disk utilities.  If your disk cannot be updated with the Apple utilities, you’ll need to use a third-party disk utility to update the driver. 

If you see a message that your disk has problems and cannot be repaired, turn off file sharing if it is on, then try installing again. If that doesn’t work, try using another disk-repair utility. If you don’t have another utility, or if that utility also doesn’t work, you may need to reinitialize the disk. Copy all your files to another disk first, as reinitializing erases the disk. For more information about reinitializing, see the manual that came with your computer. 

If you experience problems during installation, be sure to start up with the Mac OS 7.6 CD-ROM disc or the Mac OS  7.6 Install Me First floppy disk. See your Mac OS 7.6 installation manual for instructions. 

If you’re installing over a network, or if you have a non-Apple CD-ROM drive and can’t start up with the CD, turning off all extensions that weren’t provided with your system software. Then restart the computer. 
    • With System 7.5 or later, you can open the Extensions Manager control panel and choose System 7.5.x in the Sets pop-up menu, then restart the computer. 
    • If you’re using an earlier version of system software, drag any non-Apple extensions out of your Extensions folder in the System Folder, then restart the computer. If you need to use non-Apple devices during installation, retain only those extensions. (Examples include video drivers, alternative input devices, network card drivers, and removable media.) If you don’t know where a particular extension came from, select its icon, then choose Get Info from the File menu. Apple extensions all have “© Apple Computer, Inc” in the Version section of the Get Info box.

Download Mac OS v7.6.1 Universal {M68K and PowerPC} (CD) for Mac

Architecture

68K + PPC (FAT)

Compatibility notes

Emulating this? It could probably run under: SheepShaver