This article comprises the Before You Install document for the LaserWriter 8.6 printer driver. This software was released by Apple on March 24, 1999 and is available for downloading from Apple Software Updates Online. Please see Software Updates Document Number 11313, or use the following URL to access the article directly: http://asu.info.apple.com/swupdates.nsf/artnum/n11313 .

Description:

This software includes version 8.6 of the LaserWriter printer driver, which is included with Mac OS 8.5.

Before You Install

This document contains important information about the LaserWriter version 8.6 software. You may want to print this document and keep it for future reference.

Installing the Printer Driver Software

Compatible Systems and System Software

You must use the Installer program to install the LaserWriter software. This version of the LaserWriter software is only supported on the Macintosh systems with the 68040 or Power PC family of Microprocessor. This software will only install on Mac System 7.6.1, Mac OS 8.1 and Mac OS 8.5 or later. If you are using a version of the Mac OS not listed, you must first upgrade your OS to use this software.

Installation notes: The LaserWriter 8.6 Read Me file will be installed into the Mac OS Read Me Files folder (located on your startup disk). Please refer to this file for additional tips on using your LaserWriter software.

If you are installing from floppy disks, before installing the printer software, restart your system with all extensions turned off. To do this, hold down the Shift key while you restart your computer. Hold the Shift key down until you see the message Extensions off, or until your normal desktop appears.

If you are installing from a CD-ROM, you may want to turn off or remove individual extensions which may conflict with the Installer. Do not turn off or remove the extension for the Apple CD-ROM.

The Installer does not remove versions of the LaserWriter printer driver earlier than version 8.0. If you no longer need these files, you may remove them from your System Folder.

The Installer does remove earlier versions of the LaserWriter 8 driver (for example, LaserWriter 8.0) and replaces the PPD files for Apple LaserWriter printers with the latest versions. You may want to archive your current LaserWriter 8 driver and PPDs before installing this software. To do this, drag the LaserWriter 8 and PrintingLib files from the Extensions folder to another folder. Drag your current PPDs from the Printer Descriptions folder to another folder.

LaserWriter Driver and Related Components

When you install this software, the Installer places the following files on your hard disk:

In the Extensions folder in the active System Folder:

• CFM-68K Runtime Enabler version 4.0 (System 7.6.1 w/68040 Microprocessors)
• Desktop Printer Extension version 2.1 (System 7.6.1 Only)
• Desktop Printer Menu version 2.1 (System 7.6.1 and Mac OS 8.1) or 2.2.1 (Mac OS 8.5 and Later)
• Desktop Printer Monitor version 2.1 (System 7.6.1 and Mac OS 8.1) or 2.2.1 (Mac OS 8.5 and Later)
• Desktop Printer Spooler version 2.1 (System 7.6.1 and Mac OS 8.1) or 2.2.1 (Mac OS 8.5 and Later)
• LaserWriter 8 version 8.6
• PrintingLib version 8.6
• PrintMonitor version 7.1.2f1
• NuQuickTimeLib.slb version 2.0.1 (System 7.6.1 w/68040 Microprocessors)
• NuThreadsLib.slb version 2.1.1 (System 7.6.1 w/68040 Microprocessors)
• ObjectSupportLib version 1.2 (System 7.6.1)
• IrDALib version 1.1.5 (IrDA Capable PowerBooks Only)*
• IrDA Tool version 1.1.5 (IrDA Capable PowerBooks Only)*
• IrDALanScannerPPC version 1.1.5 (IrDA Capable PowerBooks Only)*

• Infrared version 1.1.5 (IrDA CapiableSystems Only)*

• Print Selector version 2.1 (System 7.6.1 and Mac OS 8.1) or 2.2.1 (Mac OS 8.5 and Later)

• Desktop Printer Manager version 1.0 (Mac OS 8.5 or Later)

• PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files for Apple LaserWriter printers (Various versions)

• Desktop Printer Utility version 1.1

• LaserWriter 8.6 Read Me version 1.1

Note : If the Installer is unable to remove old files from your hard disk, it will terminate the installation procedure. If this happens, remove old copies of the files listed above from their respective folders and try the install again.

Other Issues and Tips

Desktop Printer Icons Appear Inactive - When switching Mac OS systems, Desktop Printers may appear inactive when they should be active. This can be resolved by rebuilding the desktop printer database. The desktop printer database can be rebuilt by restarting your Macintosh with the Command and Option keys pressed down until the desktop has been rebuilt.

After Install, If No Default Desktop Printer Is Selected - After the software installation is complete and your system has restarted, check that you have a default desktop printer selected. The default desktop printer has a bold line surrounding it. If you do not have a default desktop printer, highlight the Desktop Printer icon that you want to use as the default printer and press the Command and L keys at the same time, or from the Printing menu, select "Set Default Printer".

Printer Descriptions Folder Alias - If the Printer Descriptions folder has been moved to somewhere other than the Extensions folder, and an alias is in its place, be sure to remove the Printer Descriptions alias before running the Installer.

Removing Unneeded PostScript Printer Descriptions - This software installs over thirty LaserWriter PostScript Printer Descriptions (PPD). To remove unwanted PPDs, open this folder on your system after you are finished installing the software: System Folder: Extensions: Printer Descriptions. You will see displayed all the currently existing PPDs. PPDs are listed by printer model name. If you see PPDs that you will not be using, drag them to the trash.