How to do a clean installation of the System updates
The Mac OS is constantly updated in order to implement new features, fix bugs and improve performance. New applications are often written for the latest version of the OS and may experience problems using older versions. The official UK updates provided on this issue’s CD will enable you to upgrade from 7.5.x to 7.5.5. If you have System 7.5, 7.5.1, or 7.5.2 installed, then this will be a two-step process, as you must first install 7.5.3, and then run the System 7.5.5 updater. If you already have System 7.5.3 installed, you can skip to the System 7.5.5 install. The System 7.5.5 updater is multi-lingual, and will work on any European version of the System – so overseas readers can use it too. But for these updaters to work, you must be running System 7.5 or higher.
We strongly recommend that you make a backup of your existing System Folder before attempting to update your System. If you need to go back to the previous System version, this will make your life easier and safeguard your files. We also recommend that you install a clean System Folder from your original System disks or CD, and update from this version – some non-Apple Extensions can interfere with the update process. You may be asked to quit any applications you have open if you’re installing the updates onto your start-up disk.
Why System 7.5.5?
System 7.5.5 offers numerous new features, bug fixes and speed improvements over previous incarnations of System 7.5. These include:
• Open Transport networking software
• More PowerPC-native code
• Faster Virtual Memory
• Improved stability on PowerPC based systems
• Support for new Apple technologies (Game Sprockets, QuickDraw 3D, OpenDoc)
• Improved networking and printing
• Better stability on 180MHz+ machines
If you are running a PowerMac or PowerPC-based Performa, we strongly advise you to update to System 7.5.5. It’s faster, much more stable, and offers support for loads of new technology coming out of Apple, such as Game Sprockets – already used by many games, including Actua Soccer.
And it's goodbye to...
System 7.5.5 is the last version of the Mac OS for the following machines: Mac Portable, Mac Plus, PowerBook 100, SE, SE/30, Mac II, IIx, IIcx, LC, and Classic.
System 7.6 (due out any day now) will not run on Macs based on either a 68000 or 68020 processor – which means all those listed above. For more details on System 7.6, call Apple on 0800 127753.
STEP 1 - Making a back up of your current System folder
Back up your present System folder first, then start up from your original System disk, and double-click the installer icon. We recommend that you customise the install for your model of Mac – this will install software that is applicable to your Mac setup. You do this by selecting Custom Install in the pop-up menu. (Users of Performas should use the Reinstall System Software button shown in the launcher to install the correct system software for their Mac.)
Under System Software, select System for this Macintosh, plus any additional extras such as networking, printing, or multimedia software you need. A Custom Install will give you a System Folder optimised specifically for your needs. If you’re not sure what software you need, go back to the Easy install option, which will make a “best guess” for your particular Mac. (If you have more than one disk with a System Folder connected to your Mac, you can select which one you want to update by clicking the Switch Disk button.) Then hold down [command] [shift] K, and select Install New System Folder.
The Install button will now change to Clean Install. Hit this and sit back while your Mac installs the new System Folder onto your hard disk. If you’re running the installer from floppy disks, you’ll need to feed the Mac floppies as it asks for them. Otherwise, now would be a good time to make a nice cup of tea!
STEP 2 - Updating to System 7.5 Update
Once you’ve installed a nice clean System Folder from your original System disks, you can use the first of the updaters. Don’t move your non-Apple Extensions over from your old System Folder yet. The first step is to run the System 7.5 Update installer. This updates certain Extensions and Control Panels in your System Folder that aren’t covered by the System 7.5.5 updater and also removes some Extensions that are no longer required.
Double-click on the System 7.5. Update installer inside the System Updates folder. Select Custom Install from the pop-up menu and select all the elements you want to update. This way you can force the installer to install system components intended for other machines like the Control Strip which is only installed by default on Powerbooks. If you're not sure whether you need a particular element click on the 'i' button to it's right to find out what it does. If you are in any doubt as to what to install select Easy Install from the pop-up menu instead. When you have made your selections click on the Install button.
STEP 3 - Updating to System 7.5.5
The end is in sight! This is the final update, and you will now have the most stable System possible. System 7.5.5 boasts numerous enhancements over System 7.5.3 and is the last System version to be released for some Macs (for more details of this, see the “And it’s goodbye to...” box at the top of the page).
If you are updating from System 7.5.1, you will notice a lot of new features on your Mac – we strongly advise you to thoroughly read through the documentation that comes with the update.
Double-click the System 7.5.5 Update installer inside the System Updates folder on the Cover CD. Again, there is no Custom Install option – the installer will simply update the System Folder you created in Step 1. If you know your way round the System Folder, you can disable any Extensions you don’t need later using the Extensions Manager.
And That’s It!
Now restart your Mac to use your new System software, and move all your non-Apple Extensions, Control Panels, and Preferences over from your old System Folder (use the Get Info command in the Finder – an Apple Extension will have an Apple Copyright message in the box). We recommend you hold on to your old System Folder for a few weeks, just in case you have any compatibility problems.
