How to Install Windows 1.Xx

Windows 1.XX is a closed source operating system released 30th July, 1985. If you're looking to install it now, and you have the right disks, it's still doable. Before powering on the computer, place Disk 1 of MS-DOS into the computer.
Part 1 of 4:

Preparing to Install

  1. Before powering on the computer, place Disk 1 of MS-DOS into the computer.
  2. Start up your computer.
Part 2 of 4:

Installing Your Desired MS-DOS Version

For this article, MS-DOS 3.30A was used but the setup steps should be similar on each version of MS-DOS. The following steps assume you are installing MS-DOS from a 'clean' hard drive.

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    Type in the correct date (Months: Day: Year).
    1. For the year, make sure you use 4 digits or else the machine may assume an incorrect date. E.g. typing in 92 will result in the machine assuming it's 1992 rather than 2092.
    2. If the date displayed is correct, just press Enter and it will save that date.
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    Type in the correct time (Hours: Minutes: Seconds: Milliseconds).
    1. If the correct time is displayed, just press Enter to save the correct time.
    2. You will need to type in the correct time using the 24 hour clock and not the 12 hour clock. E.g. Use 14 for 2 in the afternoon.
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    Type "fdisk" and press Enter.
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    Ensure option 1 is selected and press Enter.
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    Ensure option 1 is selected and press Enter.
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    Ensure "Y" is selected and press Enter.
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    Press any key when you see this message to restart MS-DOS but do not remove the floppy disk.
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    Type "Format C: /V /S" and press Enter.
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    Press Y then press Enter.
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    This bit is down to user preference, but you can type in a volume label or you can leave this bit blank by pressing Enter.
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    Type in "sys c:" and press Enter.
    1. What this does is transfers MS-DOS from the floppy disk to the C drive allowing the C drive to be bootable.
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    Type "Copy A:*.* C:" and press Enter.
    1. This copies everything from the floppy disk to the C drive.
  13. Remove the 1st floppy disk and Insert the 2nd MS-DOS installation disk.
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    Type "Copy A:*.* C:" and press Enter.
  15. Remove the 2nd floppy disk and restart the computer to make sure it boots properly.
Part 3 of 4:

Installing Your Desired Windows 1.XX version to the Hard Drive

There were many versions of Windows 1. Excluding the Alpha and Beta versions; there were 5 versions in total. However, the installation steps should be similar (if not exactly the same as the ones in the article). The version being used in the tutorial is Windows 1.04.

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    Insert the Windows 1.xx Setup floppy disk and type "A:" followed by "Setup".
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    Press C to continue.
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    Choose where to install your version of Windows and press Enter.
    1. Normally, it is best to install it where Windows recommends.
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    Press C to continue.
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    Select what type of keyboard you're using by typing in a number that corresponds with the keyboard option shown on screen and press Enter.
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    Select what type of mouse you're using by typing in a number that corresponds with the keyboard option shown on screen and press Enter.
    1. For this tutorial, no mouse was installed.
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    Select what type of graphics adapter you have by typing in a number that corresponds with the keyboard option shown on screen and press Enter.
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    Insert the Build disk and press C to continue.
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    Insert the Utilities disk and press C to continue.
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    This is all down to user preference but press Y to install a printer otherwise press N.
    1. N was selected in this tutorial.
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    Insert the Font disk and press C to continue.
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    Insert the Apps disk and press C to continue.
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    Insert the Write disk and press C to continue.
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    Type "WIN" and press Enter.
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    You have successfully installed Windows 1.xx.
Part 4 of 4:

Shutting Down

  1. Click File.
  2. Click Exit Windows.
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