Mac System 7.1 Clean Install

Steps

  1. If you have not done so already, boot off the Disk Tools disk and run Disk First Aid. Let it make any necessary repairs that it finds (if it cannot repair some damage, you might try running Norton Utilities, MacTools, or some other disk repair utility, or as a last resort, you may have to reformat your hard disk).

    Now you need to prepare your System Folder for the clean install-this involves separating the Finder and System.

  2. Make a new folder on your hard disk (at the root level) and name it "FRED".

  3. Rename the System Folder "Old System Folder".

  4. Open the "Old System Folder".

  5. Move the System file from "Old System Folder" into the folder "FRED"; close "Old System Folder".

  6. Use Find File to make sure you have only one System file. If it finds more than the System file now in "FRED", remove the duplicates.

    You have now separated the System and Finder, thus disabling your System Folder. You should now have a folder called "FRED" with your System file inside, and your system folder should now be called "Old System Folder." If the upgrade fails, you will be able to recover your former operating system.

    To continue with the installation:

  7. Restart computer and insert the System 7.x Install 1 disk (the Mac should boot off of the disk).

  8. Double-click on the Installer program.

  9. Follow the instructions for Easy or Custom Install. If you have an Ethernet board installed in your Macintosh, you should choose Custom install and select system software, printing software, EtherTalk software, and file-sharing software.

  10. When the Install is done, restart your machine.

  11. Move anything necessary out of "Old System Folder," such as MacTCP, preference files (for Word, Excel, etc.), any hardware drivers, etc. Use your Macintosh for a few days, and if you discover something missing, you can add it to the new System Folder. Keep both "Fred" folder and "Old System Folder" for a week or so. If you haven't missed anything by then, throw it away.

  12. Be sure to reinstall virus protection.