SheepShaver Tutorial
UPDATE (July 7, 2008): For those who are confused with the Basilisk II instructions instead of SheepShaver you should realize that the technique for getting the Boot Disk working are virtually the same regardless of what emulator you’re using. If you do have questions please leave an EMAIL in the comments so I can respond to them (though I do tend to lag at replying). Or just email me.
So you have downloaded Basilisk II (Basilisk II w/Audio) or SheepShaver and you are dreaming about Getting your old Mac Software up and running huh?
Where to start? where to start?
With your modern Mac you start opening up the Emulators and start getting to it only to realize that you need a few things don’t you?
- Emulator Software
- Old Mac OS (typically System 7 – System 9.0)
- A Startup Disk
- Create a Hard Drive Image
- An Old Mac ROM (which might sound confusing)
- A Way to get old Software onto your New Mac!
- Getting your Mac to display 256 Colors
- Getting onto the Internet (under construction)
So there are many things that can prove to be pretty frustrating if you don’t know, or are too lazy to figure out. All of these things were so easy back in the 90’s when you had a floppy drive and software disks in good condition. Nowadays it isn’t as easy as just installing the software and going about your business is it?
I think I can help.
Defining the Problem
When I first embarked on a Nostalgia trip to the good ol’ days of System 7.1 it was not the lack of desire or that I didn’t care enough to do it. No, the problem was finding everything! It wasn’t like I could simply Google everything and start downloading. Hell, I couldn’t even Bittorrent the files I wanted. Every once in a while I would find exactly what I was looking for, only to click on the link and diskover that that link had been dead since the days of iTunes 1.0.
Getting everything together is probably the hardest part to this problem. Now I am going to share some software, and solve some problems for everyone out there. But I must make it clear. THIS IS ALL FOR BACKUP PURPOSES ONLY. If you do not own the software (or computers) already, then you are prohibited to download any of this software. Now that that’s out of the way…
Let’s get started!
1. Choosing the right Emulator
Ok there are two main emulators out there that are used the most: Basilisk II and SheepShaver. Between these two there are different things that each are capable of doing. For example, Basilisk II can run Mac OS Systems 0 – 8.1 , where SheepShaver is a better choice for running Systems 8.1 – 9.0.4. But some things they do have in common, like they both need ROMs from original Mac computers, and both have interfaces that are for lesser words, total pains in the ass. Not for everyone, but for many (as I have read many forums asking questions about just understanding the Preferences window).
So I will split each Emulator into it’s own section so that I don’t confuse anyone and also allow you to just get to whatever program you are most interested in.
I will begin with the first emulator I got working: Basilisk II.
Alright, to kick it off there are several ways that you can run this Emulator. You can download the Source code and use FinkCommander that uses Fink to compile Basilisk II under X11. You can run Basilisk II for Windows (but considering there are already tutorials on how to do that I said F-that). Or you can be smart and do less work and just download the damn thing for Mac OS X and be ready to go as soon as it is done unstuffing.
NOTE:There is a Basilisk that supports audio but I recommend setting up Basilisk using the non-audio version because the Audio supported version likes to crash when tweaking the preferences.
2. Finding Macintosh Boot ROMs
This might be one of the easiest steps, but in reality it proves to be very difficult, or rather very frustrating. Because the question comes up time and time again. Where can I get a Macintosh computer ROM???? Allow me to help.
- Old World 4mb ROM
- New World PPC ROM (best for SheepShaver)
- Apple II ROM
- Performa ROM (I’ve experienced best Results with Basilisk II)
- Quadra 650 ROM
- Quadra 900 ROM
- Mac Classic ROM (Never gotten this to really work, but I’ll include it)
So this should end your vast searches across the world wide web for Mac ROMs, although I found the search to not be impossible. All of these ROMs do not work great with both emulators, particularly the New World ROM must be used with SheepShaver (for some reason I forgot). And for Basilisk I recommend the Performa ROM (it makes System 7 boot rapidly).
So you downloaded a ROM(s) and put them into a directory and steer Basilisk to its location in the preferences window and you are ready to move onto getting booty.
I only put this section before creating a Hard Drive Image, because this is a pretty easy step. All you have to do is visit Apple’s FTP site of Old Software, and you can download OS 7.0.1 or 7.5.3.
- Mac OS System 7.0.1
- Mac OS System 7.5.3 (and 7.5.5 update)
- Mac OS System 9.0 (System Folder Only! Unzip and place in your Boot Image)
- Mac OS 9 Boot Image (120 megs) (Bootable Image For SheepShaver! Download place in Volumes and hit Start!)
Since the System 7.5.3 files come as a 19 part set of images I recommend starting with the System 7.0.1 disks just to get things rolling. I tried to combine the images so that you wouldn’t have to download all 19 of these things, but it was being really stupid and wouldn’t work for me so you’re on your own (although I had done it last week I swear!).
NOTE: You can use the Disk Tools.img (System 7.0.1) as a boot disk right away, and this will be needed when it comes to making a hard drive if you do not have the Classic environment installed.
3. Making a Hard Drive Disk Image
With Classic Mode Installed
This is again a pretty easy step, but it can be a pain in the ass if you don’t have Classic Mac OS, running under Mac OS X on your modern Mac. All you need is a copy of Disk Copy and run it in Classic environment and create a new image of whatever sizes you want. I usually make an image of 200 – 500 Mb depending on how much space of your real Hard Drive you want to give up.
With NO Classic Mode Installed
Ok, now if you don’t have Classic Mac OS installed on your modern Mac then I cannot guarantee that I have a solution but I will tell you how I figured a way around this.
Alright, open up Disk Utility from your Applications folder and go ahead and create a new image of whatever size. Now put your new .DMG file in the directory of Basilisk and you will now have to initialize your new drive by booting up your Macintosh using the Disk Tools.img as your boot device. To do this you will need to enter Basilisk and under preferences add your Drive Image, and the Disk Tools Image.
Ok so you should be able to hit save and start the emulator and it will run, eventually giving you this screen.
Alright, and once the initialization is all done you are ready to shut down and prepare for installation of Mac OS onto your Hard Drive Image.
4. Installing Mac OS onto your Disk Image Drive
Now assuming that everything is all set with your disk image and you have the correct ROM you can go ahead and install an operating system. I am going to demonstrate using System 7 as provided from Apple’s own FTP files. As I mentioned earlier the Disk Tools disk can be used to make sure that everything will boot correctly. For this purpose I will give a picture of what the Basilisk Preference window should look like and also break down what each preference is.
Assuming that everything is setup correctly then the emulator is ready to run (although I’m sure you couldn’t help trying it at least once up to this point).
Under Preferences>Disk Volumes, the System install disks should be added AND the Disk Image Drive to install onto (Very important!). And then you are able to boot up the system and the desktop should appear with all 6 of the disks located on the desktop and the disc image drive (MacHD in the picture below).
From here on it is just a matter of opening up the Install 1 disk and proceeding with the installation, a very fast installation that is. Once the install is complete the disks can be removed from the Disk Volume preferences panel in Basilisk and you are ready to go.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Where is the Sheepshaver tutorial..? Page says Sheepshaver but it’s for Basilik.. =/
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Your tutorial is absolutely the best on the web. I have an old software that I couldn’t run once the switch to Intel. Thanks so much. I need this program to run my collation software for my master’s research stage. Thanks so much!
July 7th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
YESSSS!!!! Finally! OS9 and some rom images all in one page! Bookmark’d! Thank you SO MUCH!
July 31st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Thanks so much for your tutorial and your helpful links. This solved some issues I was having getting things up and running. Much appreciated
March 26th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
THank you i now have basilisk working
April 19th, 2009 at 2:59 am
This is awesome.
I was able to get OS 9 up and running on my Powerbook G4 (Aluminum 1.6GHz) under OS X.5.6 with no problems!
I’ve been using sheepshaver for my classic needs and your guide made it painfully easy to set up. Especially your ROM files and pre-configured OS 9 HD.
From there I was able to create my own HD and customize OS 9 to the way I like it to be.
Thanks again!
May 1st, 2009 at 4:50 am
Almost there. I am installing Sheepshaver in order to continue to use Classic apps under Leopard. I used the ROM and Mac OS9 boot image you provided (thanks). (I did not ever touch the MacStartUpImage, discussed for Basilisk – maybe I missed something). Anyway, I am able to install and run some classic apps (not all) but I never see the expected first time OS initializing installer configuration application, and the install does not save its state. I cannot remove the Mac OS9 Boot image from the files list in the preferences or it won’t boot. It always boots into Gray screen, with default background. Am I missing something you understand?
May 9th, 2009 at 5:22 am
this is the best tut ever ive just been emulating mac 2 and system 7 and now 9 YAY THANKIES
dinosaures arent extinct there just shy x3
May 11th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Doesn’t work…
May 11th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Help me…
May 12th, 2009 at 1:39 am
You´re my hero! I´ve been working on sheepshaver with some old system CDs for days but nothing seemed to work right! Finally here I found what I needed! Works perfectly! Thanks so much! My wife can keep on using her old greek-language lessons, and my kids some old favorite games which run on classic only!
May 21st, 2009 at 4:39 am
Thanks!!!!!!
June 1st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
thanks so much, this will save me a ton of time. if only windows didn’t cut off resource forks i wouldn’t have to go to all this trouble getting my old powerbook up and going again.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Thanks a lot for this tutorial and the collection of ROMs!
I agree with previous posters however that you should change the title of this page, to at least include Basilisk II — it currently reads “www.redundantrobot.com >> SheepShaver Tutorial”. While you do give several helpful tips for SheepShaver, this is predominantly a Basilisk II tutorial.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
The link for the Mac OS 9 Boot Image dosen’t work
July 29th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
How can I put the Mac OS 9 System folder on a a Mac OS 9 boot Disk?
August 19th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Quite inspiring,
You´re my hero! I´ve been working on sheepshaver with some old system CDs for days but nothing seemed to work right! Finally here I found what I needed! Works perfectly! Thanks so much! My wife can keep on using her old greek-language lessons, and my kids some old favorite games which run on classic only!
Keep up the good work
August 20th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Hey, that was interesting,
Almost there. I am installing Sheepshaver in order to continue to use Classic apps under Leopard. I used the ROM and Mac OS9 boot image you provided (thanks). (I did not ever touch the MacStartUpImage, discussed for Basilisk – maybe I missed something). Anyway, I am able to install and run some classic apps (not all) but I never see the expected first time OS initializing installer configuration application, and the install does not save its state. I cannot remove the Mac OS9 Boot image from the files list in the preferences or it won’t boot. It always boots into Gray screen, with default background. Am I missing something you understand?
Keep up the good work
August 21st, 2009 at 11:22 am
Hello. I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
By!
September 1st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Moshe-
You did miss something. The image of OS9 here is just a CD. You could compare it to running the live CD from Ubuntu.
If you wish to have the real deal, you’ll need to make a new HDD using sheepshaver. Then copy over the system files from the image over to your new hdd.
*Note: This method will not allow you to update to the latest version of OS 9. If you wish to do that you will need a actual copy of the OS.
September 6th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Installing Tomb Raider now. Thank you so much …
September 6th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
The 19 part Self Mounting Image for 7.5.3 is NOT individual floppy disk images.
All the parts must be in the same folder or on the Desktop. (In a folder is better!)
You need to directly download them with a Mac using a browser that automatically decodes them from BinHex, or run them through Stuffit Expander one at a time.
If you’re setting up Basilisk II on Windows, use HFVExplorer to copy the files to a big disk image. This program decodes from BinHex and MacBinary as it copies the files.
You’ll need to have the emulator working with some type of bootable image so you can format the big image before copying files to it.
Once you have the 19 parts of 7.5.3 accessible in Basilisk II, doubleclick the first one with the .smi extension. The image will mount and you can install from there, or you can copy everything to another disk image or a real disk like a Zip 100.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Does anyone know what OS version Terminal.app was introduced?
I have 7.5.5, 8.1 and 9.04 and it is not in any of the utilities folders.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:38 am
Sean, Terminal is an OS X thing. You’ll not find it in OS 9 or prior
September 29th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
comment1,
October 4th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I can’t seem to get my games (or almost anything) running on the bootable Mac OS 9 you provided. I have Windows XP and using sheepshaver. I did everything in the tutorial using OS9 img instead and since i did not get an installation screen when i booted it, i simply dragged the system folder into the virtual harddrive. Is there something I’m missing? Everytime I try to run something I get an error. The only things that work so far are stuffit and disk copy.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:42 am
If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.,
October 16th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I love the links you provided. The Mac OS 9 CD can be downloaded via torrent, but it is slower & less reliable than a direct HTTP link. Also the ROM was helpful. If you don’t mind, I will be placing a link here on my site.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
finally!!!! I HAVE FOUND IT AT LAST……… MAC OS 9!!!!!!!! THUX MAN YOUR THE BEST
November 4th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Good day. I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
Site – Super! By.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Conratulations for your splendid work!
It helped me a lot.
Do you have experience with MiniVMacII?
Do you probably know a link for the MacIIx.rom file?
November 25th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
The ROMs dont work for me
none of them, though id especially like the OS9 one to work. Keeps telling me it needs a 4Mb PCI Powermac ROM
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
Message for Jacques:
Hi,both ROMs Old World 4mb ROM and New World PPC ROM are fine for SheepShaver.
The first will boot systems 7.3 to 7.6, beeing the most stabile solution in my opinion. The latter will boot systems up to 9.04. I observed frequent crashes with OS8.X and SheepShaver versions from 05-15-2006 and 03-30-2009 for Win32.
May I suggest to view http://www.emaculation.com/forum/index.php ?
Your problem may be solved there.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Your “Mac Classic ROM” is actually for a Mac Plus and works with the “Mini vMac” emulator.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:35 am
I see that you did challenging search, accomplishing your good information just about this good topic. Thence, that kind of task scholars do accomplishing the thesis writing and just thesis report investigating.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Hello! i have a ROM File,includes Mac os 8.6. i’m trying to boot to mac os 9, it dont wort! Please e-mail me a 4gb Powermac ROM/Powerbook/iMac or others that have mac os nine and dragging and drop boxing dont wort again! My files are the app,roms. EMAIL@ME@for@roms! And all apple roms?
December 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hi there. I can’t access the website to download Basilisk II. It says can’t open or connect to the page “http://www.users.bigpond.com/pear_computers/”.
Any suggestions on where else to download it from? Thank you.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Please drop me a @email:imaan69@gmail.com (roms are new world(os 9)
January 17th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Thank you very much. I really wanted to find ROM FILE to run emulators. An this tutorial is very useful, as well.
Thanks!
February 1st, 2010 at 1:25 am
Hi Basilisk II Can be downloaded from http://www.open.ou.nl/hsp/Engels/SheepShaver_Help/Downloads/BasiliskII_05_01_2008_UB.zip
Havent Managed To Make It Work Yet though
February 5th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
I used your instructions last year and forgot to say thanks. So – thanks! I found them very helpful.
February 12th, 2010 at 4:21 am
I am to a great extent impressed with the article I have just read. I wish the writer of http://www.redundantrobot.com can continue to provide so much productive information and unforgettable experience to http://www.redundantrobot.com readers. There is not much to tell except the following universal truth: The faster CPU have the less you need a heater. I will be back.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Dose AnyBody Have Mac Os 8 Systemfolder