Revert from OS 8.6 to 8.5.1?

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Revert from OS 8.6 to 8.5.1?

This may seem prehistoric to some but I have sound recording software Digital Performer 2.2 that I don't want to replace. In the process of adding a PCI SCSI card I updated to OS 8.6 (ultimately unnecessary) and DP no longer runs any longer than about 7 measures. I believe it has to do with the Sound Manager that I understand is built into System 8. I have saved both OS 8.6 and 8.5.1 System Folders but cannot get the PPC 8600 to bless anything but 8.6. Any ideas anyone? Thanks

PowerMac, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier

Posted on Apr 1, 2012 5:52 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

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Apr 1, 2012 6:09 PM in response to JAJatApple

If you don't have multiple partitions or another drive, click here and follow the instructions. If you do, just install 8.5 in the desired location.

Blessing a System Folder in Mac OS 9 and earlier is done by opening and closing it when the System and Finder items are in place, but there can only be one bootable system on a partition. Mac OS 8 won't recognize or bless systems earlier than 7.0.

(65273)

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Answer 2

JAJatApple Author

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Apr 1, 2012 6:27 PM in response to Niel

Thank you for your quick reply. However, I found the same article you reference and tried it EXCEPT I don't have a boot disk or startup CD. It did not work starting from the startup disk. How can I aquire/create a starup disk/CD? Thanks

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Answer 3

Niel

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Apr 1, 2012 7:01 PM in response to JAJatApple

Since you don't have an 8.5 install CD, you can't downgrade. Places such as hardcoremac may sell them.

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Answer 4

Jeff

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Apr 1, 2012 11:09 PM in response to JAJatApple

"I don't have a boot disk or startup CD."

Check eBay's Mac software listings for a retail version OS 8.5 or 8.5.1 universal installer disk. It has a green patterned label that matches one of the wallpaper selections. Avoid the grey Restore disks for other model Macs, as they don't always have a complete collection of drivers to support all hardware builds. As I recall, the original Restore disk for the Power Mac 8600-200 MHz had OS 7.5.5, while the faster 250 & 300 MHz models shipped with OS 7.6.1.

What brand/model PCI SCSI controller card did you install?

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Answer 5

JAJatApple Author

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Apr 2, 2012 7:11 AM in response to Jeff

Thank you for your response. I did exactly that and should have a green OS 8.5 disk from eBay in a few days. As for the SCSI card; after trying several, including an Adaptec AHA-2940U2B that should have but didn't work, I found that model on eBay from a local source and took my 8600 to test it. I think it had to do with the fact that anything less than OS 10 relies on firmware rather than software drivers for such cards. Everything works great now except that I upgraded the OS beyond what Digital Performer 2.2 can handle in the process. Soon to be remedied!

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