TITLE
    Mac OS: Generic Alias Icons And CD-ROM Discs
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		24818
2/18/99
2/23/99
TOPIC

    I want to keep several aliases of different CD-ROM games in my Launcher window without actually installing the software on my hard drive.

    If I insert a CD-ROM disc, make an alias of one of its games, eject the CD-ROM, and restart, the alias reverts to a generic icon and will not ask for the CD-ROM disc if I click on it.

    I have rebuilt my desktop, but the icon remains generic. What should I do?

DISCUSSION

    The issue is currently under investigation by Apple Computer.

    Suggested workarounds:
    • Install the software on your hard drive and make an alias.
    • Copy the application to your hard drive and make an alias.
    • Copy one of the application's documents (such as a game save file) to your hard drive, then create an alias to the application on the CD-ROM disc.
    • Paste the original custom icon using Get Info. To do this:
        1. single-click on the original application.
        2. choose Get Info from the file menu.
        3. In the Get Info window, click the custom icon (upper left corner).
        4. select Copy from the Edit Menu.
        5. close the Get Info window.
        6. eject the CD-ROM disc or removable media.
        7. single-click the alias.
        8. choose Get Info from the file menu.
        9. In the Get Info window, click the custom icon (upper left corner).
        10. select Paste from the Edit Menu.
        11. close the Get Info window

    The (invisible) Desktop Database files will not be updated to reflect the custom icon unless the original application (or a document belonging to the application) are present on the hard drive.

    If the application or document is removed from the hard drive, the behavior may return.

    Note: This issue may occur with Mac OS 7.6, 7.6.1, 8.0, 8.1, 8.5, and 8.5.1. Other removable media (including Zip disks or DVD-RAM discs) may exhibit this issue as well. System Software prior to Mac OS 7.6 may not exhibit this issue.

    For more information on this subject, please see the following Tech Info Library articles:

    Article 18727: " Desktop Manager And Desktop Databases: What Are They? "
    Article 15200: " Generic Icons: Applications On Removable Media "
    Article 7828: " Macintosh: Meaning Of The Desktop DB & Desktop DF Files "

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: General OS
Sub Category: General Topics

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