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Text highlighting problem in Finder reported

In Apple's Discussion Forums, several people (for examples, click a, b, or c) are reporting a problem where highlighting file names in the Finder - so that you can edit the text - only lasts a few seconds before reverting to the unhighlighted form, often preventing you from finishing editing the text. So far, Apple is unable to duplicate the symptom (which similarly does not affect most users) and offers no definite solution. (Thanks, Kim Andersen)

Microsoft Explorer: problem saving cache files to a RAM Disk or ShrinkWrap image

A couple of readers have reported problems getting Explorer to save cache files to a RAM Disk or ShrinkWrap image - a technique used to minimize corruption problems that can occur if the cache files are saved to your disk. The symptom is that Explorer does not save the preference setting for the RAM Disk after a shut down. Reader Akua offers an explanation:

"Explorer 3.01 (as well as previous Explorer's I've run) saves the location of its cache folder by Volume-Reference. This is not recommended by Apple. This can cause the problem with saving cache … Read more

DayStar ends 68030, 68040 and 601 processor upgrades

Not a big surprise here, but DayStar has made the following announcement, as mailed to their customers (Thanks, Richard Kennedy):

"All 68030, 68040 and 601 processor upgrades have reached end-of-life manufacturing. DayStar no longer makes or sells these products.

DayStar will continue to support any product qualifying under the three year warranty to original owners. Technical support for Upgrade Cards (accelerators) requires your completion of the enclosed Questionnaire along with proof of purchase.

Please note DayStar supports up to System 7.5.1 on 680X0 and PowerPC 601 processor upgrade cards. If you have installed System 7.5.3 … Read more

Large DIMMs problem on Power Mac 7300: Follow-up info

Regarding the previously reported problem with large DIMMs on Power Mac 7300s:

a. Chris Harmon (of Newer Technology) wonders if this is connected to the "famous 9500/200 problem." In that case, not interleaving the memory corrected the problem. The ultimate cause turned out to be a problem with the memory controller on the logic board. However, Chris writes: "Using memory built above the JEDEC standard also fixes the problem. Of course we offer such fine memory ourselves."

b. Andrew Harrow writes: "I have seen a similar problem with the 7200/120. With or without … Read more

SAM Intercept Updater: a utility for those with SAM's "segment loader" error problem

Regarding segment loader errors when using SAM ( as mentioned last time), Symantec does now have a utility that addresses the issue. It is called SAM Intercept Updater and it "updates the sysz resource inside of SAM Intercept for those customers that are having this problem." However, it is not available online. Symantec feels that it is only needed by a minority of users. Those users with this problem should contact Symantec Technical Support (541-465-8440) to obtain the utility. (Note, as previously reported, those users familiar with ResEdit can make these same changes themselves.)

Update: A couple of people … Read more

Follow-up info on another blinking question mark problem

Regarding our previous report about a subset set of 5XXX and 6360 Macs that had defective hard drives (leading to "intermittent flashing questions marks during a cold boot"), a reader who wishes to remain anonymous writes:

The blinking question mark is not the only symptom of these problem hard drives. Nor is it the most consistent. The problem drives also register as "not initialized" when you look at the drive using Drive Setup, even though the drive has data and the computer is able to start up and run with no problems. I know it sounds … Read more

Drive Setup 1.2.4 problems: Follow-up info

First, although I have now received close to two dozen emails confirming the problem with Drive Setup 1.2.4 reported last time, I have also received several messages from people who do not have the problem. So it does not affect everyone. One person who did not have this problem was Theo Maschas, who found that the driver update not only worked fine but surprisingly fixed an odd problem where his Mac would not sleep when the Epson 800 was his default printer.

For those that do have the problem, Dave Provine inquires whether Drive Setup's "Mount … Read more

e. SAM problem remains in June

Howie Gelles reports that the Segment Loader error problem, previously reported for SAM's May Definitions, persists with the June Definitions update. The ultimate solution, an updated SAM utility, is supposedly still on the way.

f. Mac Restart 2.0 Mac Restart 2.0 is a utility that restarts your Mac automatically at preset times. It is especially useful for unattended servers - as restarting the Mac often clears up minor glitches that occur over time and that would otherwise hinder performance.

g. At Chat Abbott Systems has announced At Chat, "a new type of Internet chat client that … Read more

Odds & Ends

a. Virus alert Brian Spyksma reports that a CD from Apple labeled "Marketing Toolkit Product Photo Library May '97" (which he received from the User Group Connection) is is infected with a MBDF A virus.

b. ATA Manager: follow-up info Previously, we reported on some confusion over exactly what version of ATA Manager was in a 3400: 3.x or 4.x. Rich Rubel offers a possible answer, which he noticed in a thread from comp.sys.mac.portables: the confusion may stem from the fact that the 3400 supports Mode 4 of the ATA standard but uses … Read more

Two minor Adobe software glitches

a. Ciro Scotto writes: "Adobe Acrobat 3.0, specifically Acrobat Exchange, has a problem with the General Controls control panel. When the Documents folder is selected, if you try to open a file from within Exchange using the Open command, the application will quit. Deselect the Documents folder, and it works just fine. Adobe told me they are aware of the problem, but do not have a fix at this time."

b. David Nelson writes: Adobe Illustrator 7.0 will not print (Postscript error) documents with an older version of the font Myriad MM. The 1992 Myriad MM … Read more