The Net Power 1997 July/NETDisc0797.iso/mac/Apple Stuff/Mac OS 7.6.1 Update/Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Q & A

Text File | 1997-04-07 | 21.8 KB | 495 lines | [TEXT/ttxt]

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.