FINDERCABINET: Replacement Icon for Finder Folder in System 6 and for System Folder in System 7.
FinderCabinet is a Finder replacement for the file folder icon that darkens with selection. The FinderCabinet, however, is a two drawer cabinet icon that opens and closes instead. This is an updated upload of file # 11175 (which is an update of #10730) and it includes an icon for System 7. For some reason, Apple has placed the ICN# resource for System 7 in the system file. (I suppose we'll have to call this "SystemCabinet")
The FinderCabinet has a number 6 on the drawer. In case you have not yet figured out what the number is, it represents system 6. (It's not an evil omen!). The new icon for System 7 has a -- yup, you guessed it -- a 7!!!! Actually, this is helpful for those of you who will have both systems, either on the same hard drive or on separate hard drives. (In case you forget which system you're in!) I have two drives, one for 6 and one for 7. I must admit, though, 7 is really a breeze, and quite stable. Don't believe any of those goons with the exotic hardware and eclectic software who keep stomping on it in the media. Try it.
By the way, for those of you who are using two drives, I found a neat way to switch between drives, on the fly, so to speak (I have a 20 meg GCC FX20 and a 65 meg Ehman, on a MacPlus w/ a 25 Mhz/68030 accellerator). The FX 20 is my number 6 drive, my Ehman the number 5 drive. Now, listen carefully: (you listening?) Okay. If I am in the FX 20 (my startup drive) and I want to switch to the Ehman (you're sure you're listening?), I place one finger on the on-switch of the FX 20 and the other hand on my programmer's reset switch (or you can select "shutdown" on the Mac and wait for the "reset" selection to appear). Now -- listen carefully, 'cuz this gets tricky -- PRESS the RESET SWITCH and, at the sound of the gong or boing or whatever, push the hard drive switch off-and-on (leaving the secondary one running, the "target" drive, you know, the one with the system you want to switch to -- don't be dense and fall asleep on me!) To repeat, switch off and on, like maybe a second in between the off and the on, or less. It's like flying a plane and switching the engine off and on in midflight, I suppose. All I know is that it works! Old Mac will reboot to the alternate system on the other drive. To return to your primary drive, simply reboot. (Incidentally, Apple recommends you rebuild the Desktop on which you're using System 6 whenever you switch from 7 to 6. Just hold down command and option when booting a system 6 drive.
Now, where was I? Oh, yes. ResEdit. How to install FinderCabinet (System 6) or SystemCabinet (System 7).
I've tried several versions of these instructions, one more complicated than the other as a result of my trying to simplify them for the benefit of newcomers. But, (sigh!).. (and sob!), the simpler I tried to get them the more complicated they became. And THIS, dear fellow Macker, is probably the problem with the Macintosh phenomenon: in its mission for simplicity, it is complicated. I feel bad for the newcomers, since I am almost as innocent as they, but perhaps such modifications of THE SYSTEM should be left to the high priests of the Mac's Tabernacle. (Well, they're still not going to keep THIS altar boy from peeking and fiddling around inside it, anyway, gol-darned it!)
So here it is. My Finder replacement, the file-cabinet that opens and closes. I've decided to include the simplest instructions I can for beginners, and they are this: newcomers to Macintoshia should not attempt ResEdit. ResEdit is more stable these days than those of yore, more periodicals are giving intrepid instructions on its use, and you can practice on some of the excellent tutorals I've seen. Or contact your local Mac User Group.
However, if you must climb up on the altar, make sure it's a copy of the finder (for System 6) or of the system (for System 7). (You would never work on an original, would you?) OPEN FinderCabinet and the "ICN#" resource and SELECT & COPY one of the file cabinet icons you 'll see there -- ID #131 is for System 6 (in the FINDER), ID #-3999 for System 7 (in the SYSTEM file); then OPEN the FINDER "ICN#" resource (for System 6) or the SYSTEM "ICN# resource (for System 7) and PASTE it to the group you see there. Note that there are several Finder icon folders, one with an arrow, one with black-edged tab, (they're for AppleTalk and Mac II, I believe), etc. and even more in system 7's System, and one plain. Use the ID number of the one on your current desktop (it should be FINDER ICN# 131 for System 6 and SYSTEM ICN# -3999 for System 7. But make sure you are working on a COPY of the Finder (system 6), or on a COPY of the SYSTEM (system 7).
I've used it for years now. I used ResEdit 1.2d0 on a MacPlus, way back then. Now it's ResEdit 2.1, far more stable, but still ....be adventurous. As to how I drew the Icon with its (Infernal) mask, I went slightly out of my mind for a few days, but it came. There has to be a better way.
If you think it's worth $5.00, I won't argue with you.
Enjoy it, anyway. The next version will be for System 8!
Joseph Giustra
784 Columbus Ave. #4K
New York, N.Y. 10025
A personal note : Many have downloaded files 10730 and 11175 and I can now rest. My nightmares of ruining hundreds (thousands?) of desktops are over and I need not fear being sued by Apple for changing its "look and feel." Now it can defend it even more! Happy Macking, you guys and gals and others! It may not be much, but it's mine. Make it yours. -- JG.
