I double-click on a file and nothing happens. Why?
Most of the files on this ROM can be opened by simply double-clicking on them. Unless you are fortunate to have Apple's DiskCopy program on your hard disk, you will find that you cannot open files with names ending in ``.image.'' In these cases, your file is a disk image, saved in Apple's DiskCopy format (see next question).
What is a DiskCopy Image?
...and...
How do I use a DiskCopy Image?
If you find a file on this ROM and its file name ends with ``.image'' then you are working with an Apple DiskCopy image file. Apple created the DiskCopy file format as a means of transferring exact floppy disk images electronically. Apple created a utility called DiskCopy that creates and reads these image files. Unfortunately for us, Apple chooses to license this utility for a fee to those who wish to distribute DiskCopy (I know, I know, write to Apple, not BMUG). The good news is that you may obtain DiskCopy from a number of major electronic services, such as eWorld, or from Apple's own ROMs.
There is even better news, however! There are a few utilities now available that allow you to read Disk Image files. There are even some on this ROM (hint: look inside the folder where this document resides). Two in particular are DiskDup+, which works with Systems 6 & 7, and ShrinkWrap, which works only with System 7. (You might also have success with Mt. Image, but some have reported problems with it.) These utilities allow you to create new floppy disks from the images included on this ROM. Once you have created your floppy disks, you should be able to install your software.
Sometimes, a software publisher will create a corrupt disk image. BMUG cannot check every disk image for its integrity. If you have a problem with any particular disk image, then write or call the author/vendor for support. Also note that before you try to create a disk image, you must have a blank floppy disk on which to create the disk!
Update Tip-of-the-Day:
Before you actually create disk images, be certain to disable all of your Extensions. If you are using System 7, restart your Macintosh and hold the Shift key down until your Mac's startup message reports ``Extensions off.'' If you are using System 6, you need to use an INIT disabler or temporarily remove files containing INIT code from your System Folder.