OK, OK, so you’re tired of the “extensible” System 7, right? You yearn for those times when you may hack away at your old System and Finder files. It was so easy with the old Systems—non-hackers could use Layout, and hackers would go right into the LAYO resource.
Well, I haven’t yet figured out how to modify the look of text items, but I have figured out how to modify menus and have some fun with some of the icons. (An Apple employee tells me that a FUTURE release of the System will be FULLY modifiable by the user.) It goes without saying that you should attempt these modifications only on a copy of the System and Finder. Further, perform these operations ONLY on the System and Finder files from System 7.
Anyway, enclosed you will find two files. One is named “Finder 7 Resources.” Use ResEdit to copy all of these resources into your Finder. Note that they should and must replace existing resources of the same number.
Similarly, you will find a file named “System 7 Resources.” Use ResEdit to copy all of these resources into your System file. Note that they should and must replace existing resources of the same number.
That’s it! Restart your machine rebuild the Desktop (hold down the Command+Option keys on boot-up (you will lose your file comments, if any, in the process—can’t they figure out this one…yet?).
If you crash and burn, tough luck! I assume NO responsibility for your modifications to your files. Electrical storms, general crashes, and other unforeseen circumstances may cause you to lose your files, so back up, and you won’t regret it!!!
Otherwise, enjoy your changes. I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised, especially if you have 8-bit (256) color.
Brian A. Foster
AOL: BrianFos
BMUG: Brian Foster (510) THY-BMUG
Disclaimer: these files are freely distributable to the world, but given the nature of these files, it is imperative that they be kept together with this document.
