Mac OS 9.2.2 Update.smi can't open error -39

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Mac OS 9.2.2 Update.smi can't open error -39

Hello All,

In order to prepare my Powerbook G3 Wirewire for OS-X Panther, I downloaded the OS 9 Updates from www.Apple.com using another much newer (and faster connected) Mac:

Update 9.1
Update9.2.1
Update9.2.2
Update firmware 4.1.8

I burned them onto a CD-ROM and also put them onto a portable external USB drive.I copied them onto the desktop.

Now when I try to open them I get the error..

The application program "Mac OS 9.1 Update.smi" could not be opened, because an error of type -39 occurred.

any suggestions?

-----------------------------------------------------

Also, I am preparing to install a 512mb RAM SoDIMM and a 40GB hard drive, before I perform the Upgrade to OS-X Panther. I was told that OS-X Tiger would not fit on the existing 10GB drive when combined with the existing OS-9 system (however,the existing Hard Drive's total contents only uses up only 1.95GB.)

So....
I will install the new RAM module and the larger Harddrive, then install the OS 9.0.4 from my original CD-ROMs... I'll put all the files onto the new drive... then run the OS 9.1 update, then run the firmware update, then follow with the 9.2.1, and the 9.2.2 updates... then do an archive and install with the OS-X Panther using those CD-ROMS..... If I start this tommorrow after FedEx delivers the new Drive and RAM, I should be up and running before August!! 🙂 (kidding, I hope)

I read tons of posts about Upgrading my Powerbook G3 Firewire and wasn't that clear about still being able to use older software and access old files if I did a "Full" install with the Panther CD-ROMs then follow with an OS 9.0.4 system later. I think it would skip the all-important "keep the OS 9 drivers" choice.

any further suggestions about this upgrade plan would be appreciated.

THANKS!!
MSG-PWRBkG3

Powerbook G3 400mhz, Mac OS 9.0.x, wish I could upgrade to OS X

Posted on Mar 8, 2006 5:01 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 8, 2006 8:31 PM in response to MSG-PWRBkG3

Hi, MSG -

Re the -39 error - that error is most commonly caused by Stuffit Expander intruding where it should not. The download is in a .smi (self-mounting image) format, a format generated by Apple's Disk Copy. Stuffit Expander has ShrinkWrap technology built-in, which allows it to mount some kinds of disk images - but not .smi ones. Yet ShrinkWrap tries to - hence the error message.

The solution - double-click Stuffit Expander, and open its Preferences (under the File menu). Select "Disk Images" from the list on the left, then turn off (uncheck) "Mount Disk Images". Quit Stuffit Expander.

***

Re installing OSX -

I was told that OS-X Tiger would not fit on the existing 10GB drive when combined with the existing OS-9 system (however,the existing Hard Drive's total contents only uses up only 1.95GB.)

That leaves about 8GB unused on that drive, which should be enough for installing OSX, and to leave sufficient empty space for OSX's use (OSX runs best when there is at least 5GB free space on its volume).

However, depending on what new programs you will be adding, and what sort and number of files you will be creating with them, you may well run out of adequate space. Taking the time now to replace the drive is a good idea.

...then do an archive and install with the OS-X Panther using those CD-ROMS

You should not need to do an archive and install. Rather, just do a normal install of OSX (one that does not involve an erasure of the drive) - it is designed to cohabit the same volume as OS 9 (Classic) without conflict.

When you reformat the new drive (yes, you should re-initialize and format a new drive even if it comes preformatted for a Mac), be sure to select Mac OS Extended as the format - it is the only format usable for booting by both OS 9 and OSX.

And, if you do that re-initializing using Disk Utility while booted to an OSX Install CD, be sure to select the option to install OS 9 drivers. If you use Drive Setup while booted to an OS 9 Install CD, OS 9 drivers are installed automatically.

You may want to consider obtaining a retail OS 9.2.1 Install CD, not only to initialize the drive using a current version of Drive Setup, but also to avoid all but one of the download updates needed to get to OS 9.2.2.

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