Subject:     7.5.5 Finder Memory Problems (A fix v.1.0.1)
From:        John Brisbin, john@nakasuji.com
To:          MacSenseNews@macsense.com
Enclosure:   Finder Heap Fix

Several posters to the Mac PCI Discussion list have noted that under 7.5.5
the finder frequently generates 'Not enough memory to perform the requested
operation' messages. Another symptom of the same problem is failure of
control panels to load or operate correctly. This includes the JackHammer
PCI control panel.

The problem at the heart of these issues is one mentioned indirectly in the
'About System 7.5.5 Update' file, that 'Programs use slightly more memory'.
This includes the finder when it is supporting clients such as control
panels.

This point is made explictly in Technote 1069, which may be found at:
http://devworld.apple.com/dev/technotes/tn/tn1069.html

The technote mentions that this problem was noted during testing, but no
reason is given why it was not fixed. The fix is simple, but not as simple
as for typical applications: Reset the size resource to an adequate value
to provide the additional memory.

For standard applications the size resource can be adjusted using the 'Get
Info' window's Memory Requirements section. For the finder, a resource
editor or special program must be used since its 'Get Info' window does not
support the Memory Requirements pane.

To address the 7.5.5 finder heap shortfall, I have written a control panel
('Finder Heap Fix') which allows the running Finder's SIZE resource to be
updated with any value between the default (currently 185K) and one
megabyte (1024K).

Since modifying a file while it is running can be hazardous, a prior backup
is recommended and the user should restart immediately after an update. In
any case, the update will only take effect after a restart.

At this time, 'Finder Heap Fix' has been tested on an 8500/150, a Quadra
800,  8100/80 and an 840AV but should be compatible with all machines
capable of running system 7.5.

This code is supplied with good intentions but without warranty of any kind.

John Brisbin

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* Nothing is ever so simple as it first appears.
*