InformINIT

Mac OS X & "Classic"

NOTE: Please see the Updates page for information about the discontinuation of InformINIT. Information about the Classic Environment in Mac OS X is preserved below.

Many OS X users have been looking for information on the System Folder files required by the Classic Environment so that they can slim down the copy of Mac OS 9 they're are using for Classic. Below is the list of files needed to provide full functionality of the Classic Environment; in theory, you should be able to get rid of all other extensions and control panels, and the Classic Environment will work just fine. However, be aware that some classic applications may require their own System Folder files for full functionality (Microsoft Office 2001, for example).

If you are running Mac OS X 10.1.5 or earlier:

Root level of System Folder:

ProxyApp (pre-OS X 10.1.5 only)
Classic *
Classic Support *
Classic Support UI *

Control Panels folder:

General Controls *
Startup Disk *
USB Printer Sharing

Extensions folder:

Apple Guide *
AppleScript *
AppleShare
CarbonLib *
Classic RAVE *
File Sharing Extension
Global Guide Files
LaserWriter 8
Open Transport *
Open Transport ASLM Modules *
OpenGLLibrary
OpenTpt Remote Access
PrintingLib
QuickDraw™ 3D RAVE
USB Printer Sharing Extension

If you are running Mac OS X 10.2 ("Jaguar"), the list is slightly different:

Root level of System Folder:

Classic *
Classic Support *
Classic Support UI *

Control Panels folder:

General Controls *
Keyboard *
Startup Disk *
USB Printer Sharing

Extensions folder:

Apple Guide *
AppleScript *
AppleShare
CarbonLib *
Classic RAVE *
File Sharing Extension
Global Guide Files
InputSprocketClassic *
LaserWriter 8
Network Setup Extension *
Open Transport *
Open Transport ASLM Modules *
OpenGLLibrary
OpenTpt Remote Access
PrintingLib
QuickDraw™ 3D RAVE
USB Printer Sharing Extension

* Items with an asterisk (*) are the minimum files you need under Mac OS 9.2.2 to start the Classic Environment at all (in other words, the minimum needed to startup Classic without being asked if it can install "needed files"); however, with only these files, you may not get full functionality).

If you would like more information on using the Classic Environment in OS X, I've dedicated an entire chapter and an appendix to the topic in my book, Mac OS X Power Tools. If you're looking for more info on troubleshooting the Classic Environment (and Mac OS X in general) Ted Landau's book, Mac OS X Disaster Relief: Troubleshooting Techniques To Help Fix It Yourself is excellent. Like Ted's "Sad Macs" books for the classic Mac OS, you won't find a better troubleshooting book for Mac OS X. (Disclaimer: I wrote a few of the chapters, including the chapter on Classic!)