Error Type 41
An Error Type 41 occurs when a Macintosh cannot load the Finder application in classic Mac OS. Recovering from an Error Type 41 requires that you replace the Finder application with a fresh copy.
To do this, you will need a bootable system software CD-ROM disc, preferably one that includes the system software installer. This type of disc is included in the box with every CD-ROM-equipped Macintosh computer, and is also available separately in retail packages. When an Error Type 41 occurs, you cannot boot the computer without having a startup CD-ROM (or equivalent).
Use the newest system software CD-ROM available. Do not use a system software CD-ROM with an older version of the Mac OS operating system than is already installed on your computer. For example, do not use a Mac OS 8.1 CD if your computer has Mac OS 8.5 installed on its hard disk. The system software version on the CD-ROM is typically listed in fine print as "SSW" near the copyright information.
You should not drag a copy of the Finder from one startup disk to another. Using a fresh copy installed from the system software CD-ROM is the best way to repair this problem.
To recover from an Error Type 41:
- Start up the Macintosh.
- Quickly open the CD-ROM drive tray, insert a bootable system software CD-ROM disc, and then close the tray. If the Macintosh screen displays a small, smiling Macintosh or gets the the "Mac OS" startup display before you insert the CD-ROM, you must restart the Macintosh before proceeding.
- Hold down the "C" key to start up the Macintosh from the bootable system software CD-ROM. Once the Macintosh displays the small, smiling Macintosh or the "Mac OS" startup window, you can stop pressing the "C" key.
- Drag the Finder file from the "System Folder" on your computer's hard disk to the Trash icon on the desktop, but do not empty the Trash yet. This will remove the Finder. Once the existing copy is removed from the "System Folder," you can replace it with a fresh one from the CD-ROM.
- Run the system software installer program on the CD-ROM.
- Proceed through the "Welcome" and "Read Me" sections of the installer process.
- Click on the "Customize" button at the "Install Software" step.
- Turn on just the "Mac OS" package; it should be the first one on the list. Turn off all of the other custom-install packages.
- Click on the "Start" button to install the system software you have selected. This will reinstall the Finder application.
If the computer now boots properly from its own hard disk, then the Finder application has been successfully replaced. You may select "Empty Trash..." from the "Special" menu to delete the older, corrupted version of the Finder.
