Some computers come with a Software Restore CD that contains the Apple Software Restore application. This application restores all of the computer's original software, including the system software, factory settings, and applications.
After restoring software, you must set up the LaserWriter 8 printer software before printing, or an error will result.
Example error messages include:
"The document "document_name" could not be printed, because no printer has been selected. Please use the Chooser to select a printer. OK"
"'Application_name' is unable to print this document. Please use the Chooser to select a printer. Cancel"
Restore options
Note: If your computer came with both Mac OS 9.1 and Mac OS X installed on the hard disk, you should follow the restore procedure outlined in Article 60847 "
Apple Software Restore: How to Perform a Multiple Disc Restoration"
Erase "your_hard_drive" before restoring
This option completely erases the contents of the hard disk before restoring the original contents.
To use your Apple LaserWriter, set up your printer as you would normally using the Chooser, Desktop Printer Utility, or the Mac OS Setup Assistant. For assistance configuring your printer, search for "Selecting a printer" in the Help Center.
Restore in Place
This option replaces the original software (original system software, factory settings, and applications that came with the computer) with new copies from the Software Restore CD, leaving everything else on the hard disk unchanged.
Using this option your Apple LaserWriter Desktop Printers are visible on the desktop, or in whatever folder they were stored in prior to restoring any software. However, you need to set up your Desktop Printer prior to printing to it.
To set up the printer, follow these steps:
1. Click the Desktop Printer's icon to select it.
2. Choose Set Default Printer from the Printing. (For the default printer only.)
3. Choose Change Setup from the Printing menu. (A LaserWriter setup dialog appears.)
4. Click Auto Setup if you are configuring an AppleTalk printer, or click Change and select the PPD for printers connected via IP.
5. Repeat steps 1, 3 and 4 for each of your Desktop Printers.
Restore, saving original items (a new option in Apple Software Restore 2.x)
This option copies all files on your hard disk to a folder named "Original Items" then restores the original contents (original system software, factory settings, and applications that came with your computer).
This option moves any Desktop Printer icons into the Original Items folder. Move any Desktop Printer icons to the desktop, and follow steps 1 through 5 above.
When Setting Up Third Party PostScript Printers
The LaserWriter 8 driver uses PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files to determine the characteristics of individual printers. PPD files contain information about individual PostScript printers such as the paper-handling capabilities, the number of paper trays, their capacity, and the paper sizes they handle.
When using LaserWriter 8 printer software to print to a third-party PostScript printer, obtain a copy of the printer's PPD file from the vendor. Copy this file into the Printer Descriptions folder, then follow the appropriate procedure listed above. You can also use the Generic PPD with a third-party printer, but all of the printer's options may not be available.