>Any help would be great since I can't copy the install files over 
>appletalk(apparently os x isn't compatible with 7.1 appletalk...grr)

???

I haven't had any trouble at all accessing OS 7.5.5 computers (I have 
3) over Ethernet using OS-X!

In Panther, though, you have to activate AppleTalk using 
/Applicationa/Utilities/Directory Access.

Dan Killoran