Editing Apple Macintosh system software

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[[File:Macintosh System Tools disk labelled System 4.1 (Nikopol-h).jpg|thumb|300px|A Macintosh System Tools disk, relabelled by hand for System 4.1 and Finder 5.5 (photo Nikopol-h, CC0)]]
'''Apple Macintosh system software''' is the operating system Apple supplied with every 68000-series and early PowerPC Macintosh, called System up to version 7.5.5 and Mac OS from 7.6.<ref name="til8970" /> Until System 7.1, Apple released a new system version when new hardware needed one; from 7.1 a new model instead came with a small model-specific file, the System Enabler, that let the existing version run it.<ref name="til15582" /><ref name="til10815" /> Every machine therefore has an oldest version that will start it and a newest version Apple supported on it. Apple's installation images survive in an archived copy of its software update server.

== Which version a machine needs ==
=== The version each model shipped with ===
Each version up to 7.5.3 was released for particular machines. A machine generally needs at least the version it was released with.
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%;"
|+'''System versions and the machines they were released for'''<ref name="til15582" />
! Version !! Released for, or main change
|-
| 6.0.1 || Macintosh IIx (1988)
|-
| 6.0.3 || Macintosh IIcx (1989)
|-
| 6.0.4 || Macintosh Portable and IIci (1989)
|-
| 6.0.5 || Macintosh IIfx (1990)
|-
| 6.0.7 || Macintosh LC, IIsi and Classic (1990); 6.0.6 was intended for them but never officially released
|-
| 6.0.8 || New printing software matching System 7; otherwise the same as 6.0.7
|-
| 7.0 || TrueType, File Sharing
|-
| 7.0.1 || Quadra 700 and 900, PowerBook 100, 140 and 170 (1991)
|-
| 7.1 || Fonts folder, System Enablers, WorldScript
|-
| 7.1.1 (System 7 Pro) || AppleScript, PowerTalk; a subset was released for the PowerBook Duo 250, 270c and 280 and the PowerBook 520, 520c, 540 and 540c
|-
| 7.1.2 || Power Macintosh 6100, 7100 and 8100 (1994)
|-
| 7.1.2P || Performa, LC and Quadra 630 (1994)
|-
| 7.5 || QuickDraw GX and other additions
|-
| 7.5.1 || System 7.5 Update 1.0 (1995)
|-
| 7.5.2 || Power Macintosh 7200, 7500, 8500 and 9500, with the first Open Transport (1995)
|-
| 7.5.3 || System 7.5 Update 2.0, System 7.5.3 Revision 2 and the full System 7.5 Version 7.5.3 (1996)
|}
Versions with a P suffix (7.0.1P, 7.1P to 7.1P6, 7.1.2P) are the Performa editions.<ref name="til15582" /> Apple describes 6.0.8 as identical to 6.0.7 apart from the System 7 printing software, so that System 6 and System 7 machines could share a LaserWriter.<ref name="info608">Apple Computer, ''System 6.0.8 Information'' (SSW_6.0.8_Info.txt, copyright 1991), in the folder Macintosh/System/Older_System/System_6.0.x of Apple's software update server; archived copy in [https://archive.org/details/download.info.apple.com.2012.11 archive.org item download.info.apple.com.2012.11]. 6.0.8 is 6.0.7 configured with the System 7 printing software; no new features or bug fixes.</ref>

=== Oldest version that will run ===
* Apple's position was that System 6.0 and later were not designed, tested or recommended for any Macintosh before the Plus, whatever memory is fitted; the Plus and later machines have 256 bytes of PRAM, which Apple named as a major part of the problem.<ref name="til4457">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 4457, "System 6.0.X: Not Compatible with Macintosh 512Ke", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA40390.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref> Apple described System 6.0.7 as running on every model from the Plus to the IIfx, needing only 1 MB of RAM and 800K drives.<ref name="til8627">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 8627, "System 6.0.7: Compatible With Entire Macintosh Family", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA47030.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
* System 7.0 and 7.0.1 run on the Plus and later with 2 MB of RAM (4 MB recommended) and a hard disk. Virtual memory needs a 68030, or a 68020 with a PMMU. Apple told users of 7.0 and 7.0.1 to install System 7 Tune-Up 1.1.1, last of all.<ref name="til14033">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 14033, "System 7.0 or 7.0.1: Installation Requirements", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA30631.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Hardware and RAM requirements; disk sets (eight 800K or six 1.4 MB disks); clean install procedure; Tune-Up 1.1.1.</ref>
* Machines released after System 7.1 need 7.1 or later, usually with an enabler, and do not operate properly with 7.0.1 or anything earlier.<ref name="til8970" />
* System 7.5.3 needs at least 4 MB of RAM.<ref name="til58265">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 58265, "System 7.5 Version 7.5.3: Available for Download", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA43909.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Free download released 30 January 1999; 4 MB minimum; self-mounting images need System 7.0.1 or later.</ref>

Some late machines also refuse versions older than the one they shipped with, and some skip a version:<ref name="til21176" /><ref name="til11491" />
* Power Macintosh 4400/200: shipped with 7.5.3 and needs the enabler that came with it. It does not support Mac OS 7.6 but does support 7.6.1.
* Power Macintosh 5500, 6500, 7300, 8600/200 and 9600/200 and /233: shipped with 7.5.5 and need the enabler that came with it. They do not support 7.6 but do support 7.6.1.
* Power Macintosh 8600/250 and /300 and 9600/300 and /350: shipped with 7.6.1, need no enabler, and do not run 7.5.5 or 7.6. They run Mac OS 8.
* PowerBook 3400: not supported under 7.5.3 or 7.5.5; it needs 7.6 or later.

=== Newest version Apple supported ===
* System 7.5.5 is the last version for the Plus, SE, SE/30, Classic, II, IIx, IIcx, LC, Portable and PowerBook 100.<ref name="til21176" />
* Mac OS 7.6 and 7.6.1 need a PowerPC processor, a 68040, or a "32-bit clean" 68030, and at least 8 MB of RAM. Apple names the SE/30, IIx and IIcx as the 68030 machines that are not 32-bit clean.<ref name="til21106">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 21106, "Mac OS 7.6: System Requirements", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA21747.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Processor and 8 MB RAM requirement; disk space 40 to 120 MB.</ref> Mac OS 8 needs a 68040, so 7.6.1 is the newest version for 68030 machines such as the IIci, IIsi, IIvx, Classic II, LC II, LC III, Color Classic and the 68030 PowerBooks.<ref name="til21176" /><ref name="til30363" /> Apple's own tables disagree on the IIfx: the 7.5.3-and-later matrix marks it unsupported under 7.6 and 7.6.1, while the earlier 7.1-to-7.6 table marks 7.6 as working.<ref name="til21176" /><ref name="til8970" />
* Mac OS 8.0 and 8.1 need a 68040 or PowerPC processor and 12 MB of RAM.<ref name="til30363">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 30363, "Mac OS 8.1: System Requirements and CPU Compatibility", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB030363.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref> Mac OS 8.1 is the last version for the Centris, Quadra and LC 475, 575 and 580.<ref name="til25114">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 25114, "Mac OS 8, 9: Compatibility With Macintosh Computers", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB025114.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
* Mac OS 8.5 and later need a PowerPC Macintosh. Apple listed the iMac, the Power Macintosh G3 and any Power Macintosh, PowerBook or Workgroup Server with a four-digit model number. The Power Macintosh Upgrade Card in a Quadra 700 and the Macintosh Processor Upgrade in an LC 575 are not supported.<ref name="til58073">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 58073, "Mac OS 8.5: System Requirements for Install and Use", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA25736.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). PowerPC only; 150 to 250 MB disk; 16 MB RAM with virtual memory at 24 MB.</ref>

The full per-model tables are Apple's Tech Info Library articles 8970 (System 7.1 to Mac OS 7.6) and 21176 (7.5.3 and later).<ref name="til8970">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 8970, "System 7.1 through Mac OS 7.6: Compatibility With Macintosh Computers", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA47341.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Per-model support for 7.1 to 7.6 and the enabler for each model.</ref><ref name="til21176">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 21176, "System 7: 7.5.3 and Later Enabler Matrix", created 17 April 1997, modified 19 October 2000, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB021176.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Per-model support for 7.5.3, 7.5.5, 7.6 and 7.6.1; enablers needed with 7.5.3 and later.</ref>

== System Enablers ==
A System Enabler is a model-specific file that overrides resources in the System file at startup so that an existing system version can run a Macintosh released after it. Apple introduced them with System 7.1, whose System file already supports every model from the Plus to the Quadra 950 and PowerBook 145. Early documentation called them "gibblies".<ref name="til10815">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 10815, "System 7.1: System Enablers Described (7/93)", created 12 October 1992, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB010815.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Adapted from ''develop'' issue 14.</ref> Apple folded support for every model released before System 7.5 into a universal enabler that shipped with 7.5. Its enabler article states that the computers it lists need no enabler with 7.5.3 and later, and its own notes then make exceptions for machines released after 7.5.3.<ref name="til11491">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 11491, "System Enablers: Current Versions & Change History", created 4 February 1993, modified 20 October 2000, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB011491.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Current version of each enabler, the models it supports, notes on when it is no longer needed, and change history.</ref>

These models need no enabler with any version: Plus, SE, SE/30, Classic, Classic II, LC, LC II, LC 580, II, IIx, IIcx, IIsi, IIci, IIfx, Portable, PowerBook 100, 140, 145, 145B and 170, Quadra 700, 900 and 950, and Performa 200, 400, 405, 410, 430, 580, 640 and 6110 series.<ref name="til8970" /><ref name="til11491" />

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%;"
|+'''Enablers by model, with the last version Apple released'''<ref name="til11491" /><ref name="til8970" /><ref name="til21176" />
! Enabler !! Models !! Last version !! Not needed from
|-
| System Enabler 001 || IIvi, IIvx; Performa 600 with Macintosh (non-Performa) System 7.1 || 1.0.1 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 003 || LC III || 1.1 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 040 || Centris 610 and 650, Quadra 610, 650 and 800 || 1.1 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 065 || LC 475, LC 575, Quadra 605 || 1.2 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 088 || Centris 660AV, Quadra 660AV and 840AV || 1.2 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 131 || PowerBook 160, 165, 165c, 180 and 180c (replaces enablers 111 and 121) || 1.0.3 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 304 || Performa 600 with Performa system 7.1P || 1.0.1 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 308 || Performa 450, 460, 466 and 467 || 1.0 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 332 || Performa 550 and 560 || 1.1 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 364 || Performa 475, 476, 575, 577 and 578 || 1.1 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 401 || Color Classic || 1.0.5 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 403 || LC 520, LC 550 || 1.0.2 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 404 || Macintosh TV || 1.0 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 405 || LC 630, Quadra 630, Performa 630 to 638 || 1.0 || 7.5
|-
| System Enabler 406 || Power Macintosh 5200/75 LC and 5300/100 LC, Performa 5200, 5300, 6200 and 6300 || 1.0 || 7.5.3
|-
| System Enabler 410 || Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400, Performa 6400 || 1.1 || 7.5.5
|-
| System Enabler 411 || Power Macintosh 5500/225, 6500/225 and 6500/250 || – || 7.6.1
|-
| System Enabler 701 || Power Macintosh 7200, 7500, 8500 and 9500 || 1.1 (7200, 9500), 1.2 (7500, 8500) || 7.5.3
|-
| System Enabler 702 || Power Macintosh 7300, 8600/200, 9600/200, 200MP and 233 || – || 7.6.1
|-
| System Enabler 827 || Power Macintosh 4400/200 || – || 7.6.1
|-
| PowerPC Enabler || Power Macintosh 6100, 7100 and 8100 || 1.0.2; 1.1.1 for the 6100/66, 7100/80, 8100/100 and 8100/110 || 7.5 (first models), 7.5.3 (later models)
|-
| PowerPC Upgrade Card Enabler || Macintoshes with the [[Apple PowerPC Upgrade Card|Power Macintosh Upgrade Card]] || 1.0.1 || 7.5
|-
| PowerBook 150 Enabler || PowerBook 150 || 1.1 || 7.5
|-
| PowerBook 500 Series Enabler || PowerBook 520, 520c, 540 and 540c || 1.0.2 || 7.5
|-
| PowerBook Duo Enabler || PowerBook Duo 210, 230, 250, 270c, 280 and 280c (2.0 needed for the 280 and 280c) || 2.0 || 7.5
|-
| PowerBook 5300/2300/190 Enabler || PowerBook 190, 5300, Duo 2300 || 1.2.4 || 7.5.3
|-
| PowerBook 1400 Enabler || PowerBook 1400 || – || 7.6
|}
"Not needed from" is the first version that Apple's compatibility tables show running the model without an enabler.<ref name="til8970" /><ref name="til21176" /><ref name="til11491" /> A dash means Apple's tables give no version number for the enabler.

=== Fitting and handling enablers ===
# Keep the enabler at the top level of the System Folder, not in the Extensions folder.<ref name="til10815" />
# If more than one enabler is present, the system chooses the one that matches the machine; the others are ignored.<ref name="til10815" /> After an Easy Install of 7.5 over 7.1, the PowerBook 150, PowerBook 500 Series and Workgroup Server 9150 enablers may be left behind. System 7.5 ignores them and they can be deleted.<ref name="til16120">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 16120, "System 7.5: Old Enablers May Remain After Easy Install (2/95)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA32350.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
# On a Power Macintosh, do not drag the enabler from the Disk Tools disk onto the hard disk. Apple notes that the enabler on that disk, like its System and Finder, is not a complete copy; install it with the Installer.<ref name="til15041">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 15041, "Power Macintosh: Don't Drag Copy System Enabler (2/95)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA31464.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
# Do not add, remove or replace files on an Install Me First disk. Its installer script checks each file's version and dates as well as its name, and aborts if anything differs.<ref name="til11764">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 11764, "PowerBook 160, 180: System Enablers on Install Me First (3/93)", created 17 March 1993, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL11764.pdf savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
# The enabler's file name is locked. To rename one, duplicate it, rename the copy and remove the original; Apple advises keeping the original name.<ref name="til15765">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 15765, "System 7: Renaming System Enablers", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA32049.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>

Models released after 7.1 came with an "Install Me First" disk holding their enabler, packed with the System 7.1 installation disks.<ref name="til10655">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 10655, "System Software: Install Me First Disk and System Enablers", created 2 September 1992, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TIL10655.pdf savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref> A startup floppy made on another model needs the right enabler in its System Folder before it will run a machine that requires one with that system version. Apple gives the same advice for A/UX installation floppies (see [[#A/UX|A/UX]]).<ref name="til8970" /><ref name="til14662" />

== Apple's own installation images ==
Apple distributed system software, enablers and updates free on its software update servers: download.info.apple.com and ftp.info.apple.com in Austin, and ftp.apple.com in Cupertino.<ref name="til14724">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 14724, "Where to Find Apple Support", created 24 February 1994, modified 6 November 2000, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB014724.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref> A copy of download.info.apple.com taken in November 2012 is on archive.org as the item ''download.info.apple.com.2012.11''. Its description records that Apple later discarded the site. The files can be browsed inside the zip without downloading all 8 GB.<ref name="dia">Internet Archive, [https://archive.org/details/download.info.apple.com.2012.11 "DOWNLOAD.INFO.APPLE.COM FTP Site"], item download.info.apple.com.2012.11, captured November 2012, uploaded 27 November 2012; [https://archive.org/download/download.info.apple.com.2012.11/download.info.apple.com.2012.11.zip/ browsable zip listing] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Folder and file names below are from the listing download.info.apple.com.2012.11.zip.ls.txt in the same item.</ref> The Macintosh files are under Apple_Support_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English-North_American/Macintosh/.

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:left;"
|+'''What the archived Apple server holds for vintage Macintoshes'''<ref name="dia" />
! Folder !! Contents
|-
| System/Older_System/System_6.0.x || System 6.0.3 and 6.0.5 as four disks each; System 6.0.8 as four 800K disks or two 1.4 MB disks; TrueType 1.0 for System 6
|-
| System/Older_System/System_7.0.x || System 7.0 and 7.0.1 as single self-mounting images; System 7 Tune-Up 1.1.1
|-
| System/Older_System/For_System_7.1.x || System Update 3.0 on 800K or 1.4 MB disk; Compatibility Checker 2.0
|-
| System/Older_System/System_Enablers || Enablers 001, 003, 040, 065, 088, 131, 401, 403, 404, 405 and 406; PowerBook 150, PowerBook 500 Series and PowerBook Duo (1.0 and 2.0) enablers; PowerPC Enabler 1.0.2 and 1.1.1; PPC Upgrade Enabler 1.0.1
|-
| System/Older_System/System_7.5_Version_7.5.3 || The complete System 7.5.3 as a self-mounting image in 19 parts
|-
| System/Older_System/For_System_7.5.2_and_7.5.3 || System 7.5.3 Revision 2
|-
| System/System_7.5_Update_2.0, System_7.5.5_Update, Mac_OS_7.6.1_Update, Mac_OS_8.1_Update || Updaters for System 7.5 (Update 2.0), 7.5.5, Mac OS 7.6.1 and Mac OS 8.1, split into parts; the 8.1 folder also has a PowerPC Disk Tools image
|-
| Utilities || Disk First Aid, Drive Setup (1.0.5 to 1.7.3) and Apple HD SC Setup 7.3.5
|-
| Display-Peripheral/Video || Apple Video Player 1.7.2
|}
Apple released System 7.5.3 as a free download on 30 January 1999. Its self-mounting images need System 7.0.1 or later to open; on an older system, start the Macintosh from the System 7.5 Network Access floppy first.<ref name="til58265" /><ref name="info753">Apple Computer, ''System 7.5 Version 7.5.3'' information file (System_7.5.3_Info.txt), in Macintosh/System/Older_System/System_7.5_Version_7.5.3 of the archived server, [https://archive.org/details/download.info.apple.com.2012.11 archive.org item download.info.apple.com.2012.11]. Released 30 January 1999; 19 parts; includes System 7.5 Update 2.0 and 7.5.3 Revision 2.</ref> Apple's 1988 ''Macintosh System Software User's Guide'' is hosted here as [[Macintosh System Software Users Guide 1988]].

== A/UX ==
[[File:A-UX desktop (Nikopol-h).png|thumb|300px|The A/UX Finder with the root file system (/) and a volume named A/UX CDInstall mounted (screenshot Nikopol-h, CC0)]]
A/UX is Apple's Unix for 68020, 68030 and 68040 Macintoshes. Version 3.0 is based on AT&T System V.2.2 Unix with BSD 4.2 and 4.3 extensions, conforms to SVID and supports System V.3 Streams.<ref name="til5934">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 5934, "A/UX 3.0 Workstation Information (9/94)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA44082.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref> Apple announced A/UX 1.0 in February 1988 and ended the line in 1995 with 3.1.1.<ref name="wpaux">Wikipedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A/UX "A/UX"] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Announcement of 1.0 at Uniforum, February 1988; 2.0 in mid-1990; discontinued in 1995 with 3.1.1.</ref> The Finder in A/UX 3.0.1, 3.0.2 and 3.1 is based on System 7.0.1.<ref name="til14662">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 14662, "A/UX and Compatible Macintosh Computers (8/94)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA31173.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Supported and unsupported models for A/UX 3.0.1 and 3.0.2; enabler advice; A/UX 3.1 support.</ref> Apple's compatibility table notes that the [[Apple Workgroup Server 95]] uses A/UX.<ref name="til8970" />

=== Machines that run A/UX ===
A/UX needs a paged memory management unit (PMMU) and a floating-point unit (FPU).<ref name="auxig" /><ref name="til14662" /> Apple's list for A/UX 3.0.1 and 3.0.2:<ref name="til14662" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:left;"
|+'''A/UX 3.0.1 and 3.0.2 support by model'''<ref name="til14662" />
! Supported !! Not supported
|-
| [[Macintosh SE/30]]; [[Macintosh II]] (with a PMMU fitted), [[Macintosh IIx|IIx]], [[Macintosh IIcx|IIcx]], [[Macintosh IIci|IIci]], [[Macintosh IIfx|IIfx]], [[Macintosh IIsi|IIsi]] (with an FPU, per the installation guide<ref name="auxig" />); [[Macintosh Centris 610|Centris 610]] only with a third-party FPU; [[Macintosh Centris 650|Centris 650]] only with an FPU; [[Macintosh Quadra 610|Quadra 610]] (not 68LC040 models), 650, 700, 800, 900 and 950; Apple Workgroup Server 95 || IIvx; Quadra 630, 660AV and 840AV; every LC (no FPU); every PowerBook and PowerBook Duo; every Power Macintosh
|}
The low-end Quadra 610 (8/160) and the Quadra 610 DOS Compatible have a 68LC040 with no FPU and will not run A/UX.<ref name="til14662" /> Apple supported A/UX 3.1 only on the Workgroup Server 95, though owners of other machines could buy it as an upgrade.<ref name="til14662" /> To install on a supported machine that needs an enabler, copy the enabler into the System Folder of the A/UX installation floppy before starting.<ref name="til14662" />

=== Installing A/UX 3.0 ===
Apple's ''A/UX Installation Guide'' for 3.0 lists what is needed:<ref name="auxig">Apple Computer, ''A/UX Installation Guide'' (A/UX 3.0), 1992. Hosted as [[:File:A-UX 3.0 Installation Guide (Apple, 1992).pdf]]; see [[A/UX 3.0 Installation Guide (1992)]]. Chapter 1, "What you need", pp. 1-2 to 1-3 (PDF pp. 15-16); appendix C, Troubleshooting, pp. C-2 to C-6 (PDF pp. 119-123).</ref>
* at least 8 MB of RAM;
* a SCSI hard disk of at least 80 MB, with 160 MB recommended (one drive or two 80 MB drives). A working system fits on 80 MB but leaves almost no room for user files;
* a SCSI CD-ROM drive and the A/UX 3.0 CD-ROM;
* the A/UX Installer Startup disk, which comes in two versions that are not interchangeable: an 800K disk for the SE/30 and the Macintosh II family, and a 1.4 MB disk for the Quadras.
Apple's guide also says to disconnect SCSI devices not needed for the installation and move the terminator to the last device left on the chain.<ref name="auxig" /> Apple's memory article for 3.0 gives the same 8 MB and 80 MB minimums.<ref name="til3007">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 3007, "A/UX 3.0: Memory Requirements (8/94)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA38139.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:left;"
|+'''A/UX 3.0 installer messages and what they mean'''<ref name="auxig" />
! Message or symptom !! Cause !! Action
|-
| "This is not a Macintosh disk" or "This disk is unreadable" at the Installer Startup disk || Wrong version of the disk for the machine, or a damaged disk || Use the 800K disk on the SE/30 and II family, the 1.4 MB disk on a Quadra
|-
| No PMMU || Original Macintosh II without a PMMU || Fit a PMMU
|-
| No FPU || IIsi without an FPU || Fit an FPU
|-
| "I'm sorry, but this machine has only x megabytes of memory" || Less than 8 MB of RAM || Fit at least 8 MB
|-
| "I'm sorry, but I can't find a volume which looks like an installation CD" || CD not inserted, drive off or badly connected, SCSI ID clash, wrong startup disk, or a drive the installer's CD driver does not support || Check the CD, power, cabling and SCSI ID; use the right Installer Startup disk
|-
| "Panic: rootmount: cannot mount root" || Fault on the A/UX CD-ROM || Use a good copy of the CD
|-
| "has an invalid partition map or may be unformatted" || Disk not initialised or partitioned for A/UX || Custom, then Disk Setup, which runs Apple HD SC Setup; initialise and repartition
|-
| "Filesystem mount error" || No A/UX file system on the disk, or a damaged one || Prepare the disk with the HD SC Setup supplied with the A/UX 3.0 CD (third-party utilities and other versions cannot). If the disk holds data, stop the installer with Command-period and run <code>fsck -y /dev/dsk/c''X''d0s0</code>, where ''X'' is the SCSI ID
|-
| Hard disk not listed by the installer || Disk switched on after the installer started || Switch the disk on and restart from the Installer Startup disk
|-
| Blinking question mark after installation || Disk not connected or SCSI ID clash, or the Install A/UX Startup step of a custom install was skipped || Check the drive; run Custom, then Install A/UX Startup
|}

Images of A/UX installation media are on archive.org, including the A/UX 2.0 installation CD (Apple part 689-0049-A) in item ''Macintosh_A_UX_2.0_Installation_Disc'', the 3.0.1 CD and boot floppy in ''aux-3.0.1-install'', and the 3.1 update CD in ''apple-aux-3.1-update''.<ref name="iaaux">Internet Archive items [https://archive.org/details/Macintosh_A_UX_2.0_Installation_Disc Macintosh_A_UX_2.0_Installation_Disc] (CD image 689-0049-A), [https://archive.org/details/aux-3.0.1-install aux-3.0.1-install] (AUX_3.0.1_Install.iso and Bootdisk.img) and [https://archive.org/details/apple-aux-3.1-update apple-aux-3.1-update] (AUX_3.1_Update.iso), file lists retrieved 2026-10-04. Community uploads, not Apple's own server.</ref> Apple's A/UX 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 manuals are on bitsavers under pdf/apple/mac/a_ux.<ref name="bsaux">bitsavers.org, [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/apple/mac/a_ux/ pdf/apple/mac/a_ux/] directory listing (retrieved 2026-10-04): folders aux_1.0, aux_1.1, aux_2.0, aux_2.0.1, aux_3.0 and x11_2.1.</ref>

== Apple Video Player ==
Apple Video Player is Apple's application for watching and capturing video on Macintoshes fitted with the [[Apple Video System]], the [[Apple TV/Video System]], the [[Apple TV/FM Radio System]] or the Apple MPEG Media System. It stores a description for each TV channel, handles NTSC, PAL and SECAM, and captures still frames and QuickTime movies.<ref name="avp172">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 22225, "Apple Video Player 1.7.2: Read Me", 5 August 1998, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB022225.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Version 1.7.2 released 3 August 1998; requirements; installation; window sizes; capture advice; password reset.</ref> Apple preinstalled it on machines that did not have the hardware, such as the Performa 6360 and 6400, where it reports the video hardware missing until an Apple Video System card is fitted.<ref name="til21076">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 21076, "Macintosh Performa 6400, 6360: Why Apple Video Player? (3/97)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA36591.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>

The application works with an extension, Video Startup, and the two must be the same version. A mismatch gives "Apple Video Player requires the Video Startup Extension to be installed" even when the extension is present,<ref name="til20521">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 20521, "Apple Video Player: Video Startup Not Installed (10/96)", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA36094.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref> and a mismatched or outdated pair can report the TV tuner as missing when it is fitted. The usual cause is installing version 1.3.2 from the TV/Video System floppies onto a system that already has a newer version.<ref name="til30342">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 30342, "Apple TV/Video System: Not Recognizing The TV Tuner", created 16 January 1998, modified 17 September 1999, [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/KB030342.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%;"
|+'''Apple Video Software version for each system version'''<ref name="til30342" />
! System !! Apple Video Software
|-
| 7.5.3 || 1.4
|-
| 7.6 || 1.4.2
|-
| Mac OS 8 || 1.6.3 (1.7 on Power Macintosh G3s with Mac OS 8 preinstalled)
|-
| Mac OS 8.1 || 1.7.1
|-
| Mac OS 8.6 || 1.7.3
|}
Version 1.7.2, released on 3 August 1998, needs QuickTime 2.0 or later and System 7, and fixes a freeze-frame fault with QuickTime 3. It is in the Display-Peripheral/Video folder of the archived Apple server.<ref name="avp172" /><ref name="dia" />

Other points from Apple's notes:
* Mac OS 8 installs Apple Video Player and Apple FM Radio in the Applications folder, where earlier systems used Apple Extras. After an upgrade the aliases in Apple Menu Items can still point at the old copies, which then refuse to run. Delete those aliases and make new ones from the Applications folder.<ref name="til24462">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 24462, "Mac OS 8: Cannot Launch Apple Video Player or FM Radio", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA21856.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
* A forgotten password is cleared by quitting the application and deleting the Apple Video Player Prefs file from the Preferences folder.<ref name="avp172" />
* Video is captured at up to 640 by 480. For clean captures turn virtual memory off and avoid printing or network activity. Movies record at the current volume, so a muted recording has no sound.<ref name="avp172" />
* The Apple Video Player Guide help file needs System 7.5 or later.<ref name="avsum">Apple Computer, ''Apple Video System User's Manual'', 1996, p. 53 (PDF p. 59). Hosted as [[:File:Apple Video System User's Manual (1996).pdf]].</ref>
* Apple Video Player is not meant for recording DV video over FireWire; the result stutters and has no sound.<ref name="til24807">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 24807, "Apple Video Player: Not For Recording DV Video", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA37559.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04).</ref>
The user manuals for the video and TV systems, which each have a chapter on Apple Video Player, are on [[Apple Video and TV Systems Documentation]].

== Related pages ==
* [[Macintosh System Software Users Guide 1988]]
* [[A/UX 3.0 Installation Guide (1992)]]
* [[Apple Workgroup Server 95]]
* [[Apple Video System]]
* [[Macintosh Old World ROM]]
* [[Hard Drive Maintenance and Repair]]
* [[Apple service tools and diagnostics]]

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="til15582">Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 15582, "Macintosh: System Software Version History", [https://www.savagetaylor.com/TIL/TA31885.html savagetaylor.com mirror] (retrieved 2026-10-04). Version table through 7.5.3 and the machine or change each release was made for.</ref>
</references>

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