This article lists the current versions and the change history of the Macintosh system enablers.

In the past, when Apple released new computers, the system software was revised. To get around this problem, system enablers were written which contained information necessary for newer computers to start up. All Apple computers released since system software 7.1 (September 1992) require a system enabler to start up.

A universal enabler was developed that supports all computers released before System 7.5. This enabler shipped with System 7.5.

Computers listed in this article do not require an enabler if they use system software versions 7.5.3 and later.

Current Macintosh system enablers

Note: The Plus, SE, SE/30, Classic, Classic II, LC, LC II, LC 580, Mac II, IIx, IIcx, IIsi, IIci, IIfx, PB 100/140/145/170, Quadra 700, 900, and 950 do NOT need a System Enabler. Also, the Performa 200, 400, 405, 430, and 410 do NOT require a system enabler.

A - System Enabler 131 replaces System Enabler 111 and System Enabler 121.

B - Express Modem users should also install the Duo Battery Patch (extension).

C - Requires System Software 7.1.1 or later. System Software 7.1.1 and PowerBook Duo Enabler 2.0 ship with the PowerBook Duo 280 and 280c.

D - No system enabler is required for this Macintosh under System 7.5 or later.

E - Power Macintosh 6100/66, 7100/80, 8100/100, and 8100/110 require System 7.5 and Finder 7.5.1 or later.

F - Requires System Software 7.5.2 or later.

G - No system enabler is required for this Macintosh under System 7.5.3 or later.

H - No system enabler is required for this Macintosh under System 7.5.5 or later.

I - These computers shipped with 7.5.5 and require the enabler with it. These do not support Mac OS 7.6. They do support Mac OS 7.6.1.

J - The Power Macintosh 4400/200 shipped with 7.5.3 and requires the enabler with it. It does not support Mac OS 7.6. They do support Mac OS 7.6.1.

K - These Power Macintosh shipped with 7.6.1 and do not require an enabler. They do not support Sys 7.6 or earlier but will support Mac OS 8.

L- The Performa 600 requires System Enabler 304 to run Performa System Software (7.1Px) and Macintosh System Enabler 001 to run Macintosh System Software (7.1).

Enabler Change History

PowerBook 150 Enabler
1.1 - First release.

PowerBook 500 Series Enabler
1.0.2 - First release.

PowerBook 5300/2300/190 Enabler
1.0.2 - First release.

1.0.8 - Added support for NiMH batteries.

1.1 - Reference release for 5300 and 190 builds.

1.2 - Reference release for 2300 builds.

1.2.1 - Fixed several issues on PowerBook 5300/2300/190 computers.

1.2.4 - System software enhancements improving reliability and performance

PowerBook Duo Enabler
1.0 - First release. Replaced System Enabler 201.

2.0 - Includes support for type III batteries, better support for dual monitors, and multiple resolution support for color displays. Added support for PowerBook Duo 280 and 280c.

Note : No longer available from Apple Software Updates.

PowerPC Enabler
1.0 - First release.

1.0.1 - Fixes some video and serial communications problems.

1.0.2 - Improved Energy Star compatibility for certain monitors connected to the built-in video port.

1.1 - Manufacturing release only.

1.1.1 - Added support for speed bumped Power Macintosh. Requires Finder 7.1.5.

PowerPC Upgrade Card Enabler
1.0 - First release.

1.0.1 - Includes Communications Toolbox 1.1

System Enabler 001
1.0 - First release.

1.0.1 - Improved support for high speed serial communications and improved accuracy of the system clock. Also addressed a rare problem where floppies may not be ejected properly at shutdown.

System Enabler 003
1.0 - First release.

1.1 - Updated in System Update 3.0. Minor bug fix for compatibility.

System Enabler 040
1.0 - First release.

1.1 - Added support for Quadra 610 and Quadra 650.

System Enabler 065
1.0 - First release for Macintosh LC 475 and Macintosh Quadra 605.

1.1 - Added support for Macintosh LC 575.

1.2 - Minor bug fix for compatibility.

System Enabler 088
1.0 - First release.

1.0.1 - Required for System 7 Pro 7.1.1 support.

1.1 - Added support for Quadra 660AV.

1.2 - Corrects problems with serial port, involving printing to LaserWriter 310 Select and crashing in certain instances when receiving a fax while network traffic is high.

System Enabler 131
1.0 - First release to support the PowerBook 180c. Replaced System Enabler 121 (supporting 165c) as well as System Enabler 111 (supporting 160 & 180).

1.0.2 - Corrected a problem involving the serial driver. If a user has the serial driver open, but is not transmitting, and then puts the PowerBook to sleep, any attempt to transmit on waking would cause the system to hang.

1.0.3 - Added support for the PowerBook 165.

System Enabler 401
1.0.4 - First release.

1.0.5 - Fixed a problem involving erratic mouse movement with Apple II mouse-based applications running on the Apple IIe card installed in the PDS.

System Enabler 403
1.0 - First release for Macintosh LC 520.

1.0.1 - Manufacturing release only.

1.0.2 - Added support for Macintosh LC 550.

System Enabler 404
1.0 - First release.

System Enabler 405
1.0 - First release.

System Enabler 406
1.0 - First release.

System Enabler 701
1.0 - First release for Power Macintosh 9500; requires System Software 7.5.2.

1.1 - New enabler for Power Macintosh 9500 and Power Macintosh 7200 only; requires System Software 7.5.2.

1.2 - New enabler for Power Macintosh 7500 and Power Macintosh 8500 only; requires System Software 7.5.2.

Where to find system enablers
This article can help you locate the software update mentioned here: