Apple Newton Backup Utility
| Apple Newton Backup Utility | |
|---|---|
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|
| The main window before a connection is made (Apple's user guide) | |
| Developer(s) | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Initial release | 1995 |
| Type | Backup and package installer for Newton devices |
| Platform | Mac OS (System 7.0 or later); Windows 3.1, Windows NT 3.5, Windows 95 |
| Requirements | Mac: 68030 or later, 4 MB RAM with 2 MB free, 3 MB disk. PC: 80386 or later, VGA, 4 MB RAM, 3 MB disk, serial port. |
The Apple Newton Backup Utility is Apple's desktop program for backing up a Newton device to a Macintosh or Windows PC, restoring backups, and installing packages (applications and system updates). It was written for Newton OS 2.0, and can also move information off an older device that is being upgraded.[1][2] Apple shipped it with the MessagePad 130.[3] For devices staying on Newton 1.x, Apple recommended the Newton Connection Kit instead.[1]
Connecting
[edit | edit source]On a Macintosh the utility works over a mini-DIN-8 serial cable to the printer or modem port, or over AppleTalk, which Apple describes as the faster of the two; on a PC it uses a serial port.[1][2] A MessagePad 2000 or 2100 needs the Newton Serial Adapter for a serial cable.[4] The connection is started from the Newton, after which the Backup, Restore and Install buttons in the desktop window become active.[1]
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]Apple's guide lists these common problems:[1]
- No connection: check the cables, that AppleTalk is active if connecting over a network, and that the same connection type is selected on the computer and on the Newton.
- Buttons dimmed: nothing works until the Newton has connected.
- A backup made without clicking Backup: a Newton running an earlier operating system is backed up automatically when it connects.
- A package will not install: free some space on the Newton or its card, and check that the package suits Newton 2.0.
- No serial connection from a PowerBook or PowerBook Duo: turn AppleTalk off in the Chooser and set the modem to Normal in the PowerBook Setup control panel.
The Newton Print Pack 2.0 drivers are installed with this utility or with the Newton Connection Utilities.[5] The Mac version 1.0 installer is held by the UNNA archive.[6]
Related pages
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Apple Computer, Newton Backup Utility User's Guide for the Macintosh Operating System, 008-0027-A, © 1995, 39 pp. Hosted as File:Newton Backup Utility User's Guide for Mac OS (1995).pdf; listed on Apple Newton User Manuals. Chapter 1 (printed pp. 1–10): purpose, installation requirements, serial and AppleTalk connection, first backup. Chapter 5 (printed pp. 29–31): troubleshooting.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Apple Computer, Newton Backup Utility User's Guide for the Windows Operating System, 008-0028-A, © 1995, 43 pp. Hosted as File:Newton Backup Utility User's Guide for Windows.pdf. Installation requirements: 80386 or later, VGA, Windows 3.1 (with file sharing and virtual memory on), Windows NT 3.5 or Windows 95, 4 MB RAM, 3 MB disk, a serial port and a 9-pin or 25-pin serial cable, not supplied.
- ↑ Apple Computer, MessagePad 130 data sheet, February 1996, L01722A. Hosted as File:MessagePad 130 data sheet (1996).pdf. In the box: Newton Backup Utility software for Mac OS and Windows, and serial cables.
- ↑ Apple Computer, MessagePad Accessories data sheet, November 1997. Hosted as File:MessagePad Accessories data sheet (1997).pdf. The Newton Serial Adapter is required to connect a serial cable to a MessagePad 2000 or 2100.
- ↑ Apple Computer, Newton Print Pack 2.0 ReadMe, 1998, held by UNNA as readme.txt (read 2 October 2026).
- ↑ UNNA, apple/connection_utils/ForMac/NewtonBackupUtility/NewtonBackupUtility1.0.sea.hqx, listed in unnalisting.txt (read 2 October 2026).