another "unimplemented trap" error, sys 7.1

Susan,

Without any details, I am only guessing here.

Has anything new been installed recently? If so, check for any new extensions. Extension conflict? You can test if a particular extension affects matters by moving it to a temporary folder outside of the System Folder and restart (of course, you cannot use the application directly related to the extension in question after this).

I have to assume that all programs are compatible with System 7.1.

Could this possibly have something to do with memory? Does the same error appear if you switch off background printing in the Chooser? Is the Memory control panel set to 32-bit addressing (the system is not able to make use of more than 8 MB of RAM with 24-bit addressing)?

Also, you could perhaps try the usual things, such as resetting the PRAM and rebuilding the Desktop. And, if you have not done so, run Apple's own Disk First Aid as well.

If nothing else works, you may have to reinstall programs and carry out a clean installation of the system software.

Jan

An unimplemented trap basically means that the software tried to call a routine that wasn't there. If this is happening during startup the most likely cause (though not the only possible cause) is a non-Apple extension/control panel that isn't working quite right, or that expects a newer (or older) version of the OS than you are running. If the problem is reproducible (i.e. it happens every time you startup) you're in luck; you can restart without extensions by holding down the shift key, then try removing any third-party extensions and control panels and adding them back in slowly, rebooting each time. When it starts crashing again, the last one you added in is probably the culprit.

Cheers, Tom

Hi Susan,

It is quite possible that an extension has become damaged. The chooser extension needed for your printer (BTW, which printer are you using?) will, of course, have to be installed and active for the printing to take place, so it is a bit difficult to test at least that very file by starting with extensions off. If you have access to the system software installation disks, you should be able to (via a Custom Install) replace the existing printing software. Or, if third-party software is used, reinstall that driver. Otherwise, as indicated earlier, you may have to carry out a complete clean system installation.

Jan

Susan
As both Jan and Tom have suggested, there is perhaps an extension problem, but it may be narrow or specific enough for you to isolate just your printer's extension (and control panel, if there is one) for your troubleshooting. If I am not maundering, 7.1 has a rudimentary Extensions Manager accessible through the Apple::Control Panels menus. If you uncheck the extension and control panel of your printer in the presented list, and save the amended list (which will be labelled 'Custom' automatically), you certainly will not be able to print and to test for conflict.

What you need rather to do is to make a base set by choosing System 7.1 from the drop-down menu, and then to recheck the printer's extension and control panel. If the printer software is Apple's own, it will not need to be rechecked. Rename this amended Custom set Test or Printers Devil or something to your taste, and save it. Restart, try to print, and see whether the dreaded message recurs. If it doesn't, and you can print successfully, you will know that your printer's extension is conflicting with a third-party extension. If you cannot print for the same reason as before, the printer's extension may be damaged or conflicting with Apple software. However, you will not thereby learn which is at fault.

You can either re-install all third-party software and your printer's software (if it is non-Apple software), or go the whole hog and do a re-install of System and third-party and your printer's software.