To find out if your Performa computer is in the Legacy Product Support category, please visit the Legacy Support webpage where there is a list of qualifying products. If you looked at product support information in the resources listed below and did not find a resolution to your Mac OS related issue, you may wish to proceed directly to Apple Discussions - Older Apple Products - Desktop Computers
Jump to Discusions
Technical Information can be found in the Knowledge Base and Knowledge Archives:
The Knowledge Base has thousands of technical articles and is updated daily.
The Knowledge Archive contains articles covering products eight years or older. Archived articles are not updated.
Find Technical Information and Software Updates for the Macintosh Performa:
Technical articles that containg support information on the following Macintosh Performa computers can be found in the Knowledge Archive:
Macintosh Performa 200 through 640 Series
Macintosh Performa 5200 Series
Macintosh Performa 5300 Series
Macintosh Performa 5400 Series
Macintosh Performa 6100 Series
Macintosh Performa 6200 Series
Macintosh Performa 6300 Series
Macintosh Performa 6400 Series
There is a list of Software Downloads for English North-American versions of Software for Macintosh, Apple II and Newton released prior to Mac OS 8.1 in January 1998. All software listed there is considered obsolete and may do harm if improperly installed. Please use extreme caution. All software released since January 1998 is available in the AppleCare Knowledge Base (needs Apple ID), although there may be some duplicates listed here.
Use this URL to go to the Older Software Downloads list: http://www.info.apple.com/support/oldersoftwarelist.html
Several articles have been created from frequently asked questions:
Article 50000: "Performa Discussion Forum: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)"
Article 18291: "Performa 630 Series: Frequently Asked Questions"
Article 18928: "Macintosh Performa 5xxx/6xxx: Frequently Asked Questions"
Article 18224: "Macintosh Performa 6100: Frequently Asked Questions"
Article 20213: "Macintosh Performa 6400, 6500: Sound FAQ"
Other articles describe specific issues identified in Performa Model Computers:
Article 22078: "Flashing "?": Solution on Performa/Power Mac 54xx, 55xx, 6400, and 6500"
Article 19999: "Macintosh Performa 5xxx/6xxx Tester: Read Me"
This article contains the ReadMe file for the 5xxx/6xxx Tester application, which should be used with all Power Macintosh and Performa 5200, 5300, 6200, and 6300 series computers to test for known component issues that may cause system freezing.
Article 18616: "Macintosh Performa 5xxx/6xxx: Microprocessor Issue"
This article describes an issue with some PowerPC 603 microprocessors installed on a limited number of Macintosh and Performa 5200 and 6200 series computers.
Article 22193: "Power Macintosh/Performa 52xx/62xx: Continuous Beep on Startup"
Discusses an issue after installation of Mac OS 8.1. During startup, the computer will emit a "squealing" sound, similar to a car horn sounding continuously. The sound will continue until a new sound is played or the volume is changed.
Apple Discussions
Use this link to go to Apple Discussions:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/
Apple agrees to maintain the discussions and read all posts from customers. Apple personnel will focus on gathering feedback and bug reports which will be forwarded to the appropriate Apple group and correcting erroneous information in the discussions. Due to load, Apple will not be able to respond directly to every question posted. Many Apple customers are experts when it comes to Apple products and are therefore encouraged to share their valued technical expertise in these discussions, and help others achieve success with their Apple products.
If you're new to Apple Discussions, there is Apple Discussions Help available.
For other techncial support please see the Support Options Web site at: http://www.apple.com/support/products/overview.html