The icons contained in the ResEdit resource file in this package are samples of what Apple is going to have in Copland, the next revision of the Mac OS. You can install these icons into your current system by following the instructions below.
If you’re wondering why you should use these icons instead of any of the others available on the Internet, I'll give you two reasons. First, I've spent a lot of time making these icons “pretty”. I've used an icon editor on each and every one, touching them up to make them look their best. Second, after looking at pictures of Copland, I think I have the correct small icons, whereas others don't.
Please note that in order to install these icons in your system, you will need Apple's ResEdit. If you do not have it already, you can get it from ftp.info.apple.com in the /Apple.Support.Area/Apple.Software.Updates/US/Macintosh/Utilities.Software
directory. The file name is ResEdit.2.1.3.sea.hqx.
Please also note that there is not guarantee that these icons will work with your system. I have tested them with System 7.5.1, and they seem to work fine, but I can't promise anything, especially with older versions of the System Software.
Instructions for Installation
The following instructions tell you how to install the Copland icons in your current system. It is important you follow the instructions very carefully, especially if you are unfamiliar with ResEdit. If you don't feel confident enough to do this, then don't! Get someone else to do it for you or don't do it at all! It also wouldn’t hurt to have an Emergency Boot Disk such as the Disk Tools disk that came with your System Software handy, in case something goes wrong.
1. Use the Duplicate command to make a copy of your System File. This file is located in your System Folder, and is named, not surprisingly, “System”. It is very important to operate on a copy of the file, so if something goes wrong, you’ve got a backup.
2. Load ResEdit, and open the copy of your System File.
3. Open the file called “Copland Icons” that came with this package. You should have two windows on your screen, side by side.
4. In the “Copland Icons” window, Select All. The best way to do this is by clicking once on the window, to make it the active window, and choosing “Select All” from the Edit menu.
5. Choose Copy from the Edit Menu.
6. Click on the “System copy” window, to make it the active window, and choose Paste from the Edit menu.
7. When ResEdit asks you if you want to replace the resources, click “Yes”. It is important to click “Yes” and not “Unique ID”.
8. Quit ResEdit, being sure to save the modified System File.
9. Swap System Files. To do this, move your original System File out of the System folder, and store it somewhere else on your hard disk. (Don't trash it yet!) Then move the modified System File into your System Folder, and rename it “System”.
10. Restart your computer.
After it loads up, you should see the new icons! Although your computer should behave just as it did before you swapped System Files, there is no guarantee. To be on the safe side, you should keep the old System File around for a week or two, and so if you find that something does go wrong, you can simply swap System Files again, and you’ll be back where you started.
If you instead see a flashing question mark, and your computer won’t load, it means it can’t find the System Software. To remedy this problem, load up your computer with the Emergency Boot Disk, and place the old System File back in the System Folder. When you restart your computer, it should work just fine again (although you won’t have the new icons.)
If you like these icons, feel free to send me an e-mail. My address is davido@simba.lakeside.sea.wa.us.
DISCLAIMER: This package is released “as is”. I make no warranties on anything contained herein, and am not in any way responsible for any damage, destruction, interruptions of work, or loss of data it may cause.
One more thing…These icons are absolutely free. You are free to copy them, redistribute them, modify them, re-color them, or do whatever you want with them. Enjoy!
