Can users running System 7 and users running System 6 share the same LaserWriter? Does the 6.0 LaserWriter driver work with System 7?

The System 7 printer drivers operate on Macintosh computers running System 6 and on Macintosh computers running System 7. When all computers printing to the same printer use System 7 printer drivers, they can compatibly share a printer.

You should upgrade System 6 Macintosh computers that are on a network with System 7 Macintosh computers to System 7 printer software. This will allow LaserWriter compatibility between both systems.

Early versions of the LaserWriter Drivers for System 7 were tested with all System 6 versions. Later LaserWriter Driver versions were only tested with System 6.0.8, and is the only System 6.x version now officially supported by Apple.

To install the LaserWriter 7 driver on a System 6 machine, follow the set of steps appropriate to your computer:

From floppy disks, follow these steps:

1) Insert the System 7 "Printing" disk (800K and 1.4MB). You do not need to boot from this disk. Place it in the drive of the currently running Macintosh you wish to update. This installation occurs "live" on your current system.

2) Double click the "Printer Update" icon.

3) Double click "Install". The System 7 printing software is now being installed on your system

4) Choose Quit. Your system has been updated to the System 7 printing software and is immediately ready to print in a System 7 environment.

Over a network, follow these steps:

1) Ask your network administrator where the "Printer Update" installer is located on your network and open that folder.

2) Locate and double click on the "Printer Update" icon.

3) Double Click "Install". The System 7 printing software is now being installed on your system.

4) Choose Quit. Your system has been updated to the System 7 printing software and is immediately ready to print in a System 7 environment.

After installation, open the Chooser and select the appropriate printer. If a dialog box appears asking if you want to initialize the printer, click "Yes". Make sure that all users on the network using this printer are running either System 7 or have updated their printing software to System╩7.

Alternatively, you can simply drag the System 6 LaserWriter driver and the Laser Prep file to the trash. Then drag the System 7 LaserWriter driver to the System Folder.