How to Install Windows 3.1

Windows 3.1 is a closed source, 16-bit operating environment that runs on top of MS-DOS, released 6th April 1992. It proceeded Windows 3.0 but was succeeded by Windows 95. Support was dropped as of 31st December 2001. True, the system...

Part 1 of 3:

Installing MS-DOS

MS-DOS must be installed first or else you cannot install/use Windows 3.1. This is because Windows 3.1 is an operating environment that runs on top of MS-DOS.

  1. Insert the MS DOS Setup #1 floppy disk.
  2. Start up the computer.
  3. images 1 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 1 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Press Enter.
  4. images 2 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 2 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    If your hard drive is unallocated, select the 'Configure unallocated disk space.' Press Enter.
    1. If you do have an allocated hard drive, select that partition and press Enter.
  5. images 3 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 3 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Ensure the setup floppy disk is inserted and press Enter to continue.
  6. images 4 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 4 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Check that the following settings are correct before pressing Enter to continue.
  7. images 5 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 5 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Choose a directory to install MS-DOS.
    1. It is recommended to leave the directory where the computer recommends.
  8. images 6 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 6 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Remove the Setup #1 floppy disk and insert the Setup #2 floppy disk and press Enter to continue.
  9. images 7 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 7 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Remove the Setup #2 floppy disk and insert the Setup #3 floppy disk and press Enter to continue.
  10. images 8 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 8 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Remove all floppy disks and press Enter.
  11. images 9 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 9 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Restart your computer by pressing Enter.
Part 2 of 3:

Installing Windows 3.1

  1. images 10 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 10 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    When you see this screen, insert the Windows 3.1 setup floppy.
  2. images 11 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 11 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Type A and :. Then press Enter.
  3. images 12 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 12 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Type setup. Then press Enter.
  4. images 13 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 13 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Press Enter.
  5. images 14 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 14 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Pick your setup mode. It's a matter of personal preference but for this tutorial, we will use the "Express Setup".
  6. images 15 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 15 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #2" floppy disk and press Enter.
  7. images 16 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 16 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #3" floppy disk and press Enter.
  8. images 17 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 17 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Type in your name and press Continue.
    1. You can type in your company if you wish but it isn't essential to the installation process.
  9. images 18 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 18 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Check that your name and company correct and then click Continue.
    1. If you have made a mistake, click change and correct the mistake.
  10. images 19 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 19 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #4" floppy disk and click Continue.
  11. images 20 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 20 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #5" floppy disk and click Continue.
  12. images 21 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 21 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #6" floppy disk and click Continue.
  13. images 22 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 22 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    If you wish to install a printer, click your desired printed and click Install.
    1. For this tutorial, we will not be installing a printer so make sure "No Printer Attached" is highlighted and click install.
  14. images 23 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 23 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    If you see this message, do the following:
    1. Confirm that the message displays C:DOSEDIT.COM
    2. Make sure that "MS-DOS Editor" is highlighted
    3. Click OK.
  15. images 24 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 24 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Use "Run tutorial" if you are used to newer operating systems. Windows 3.1 is very different (it doesn't have a Start menu)!
    1. For this article, "Skip Tutorial" was selected.
  16. images 25 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 25 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Remove all floppy disks from the computer and click Reboot.
  17. images 26 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 26 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Type in win and press Enter
  18. images 27 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 27 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    If the setup has ran correctly, you will see this screen and Windows 3.1 is up and running to use.
Part 3 of 3:

Shutting Down

Windows 3.1 doesn't have a fancy 'Shut Down' button so you must follow the steps taken below (ensure you've saved all your work first):

  1. images 28 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 28 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Click File.
  2. images 29 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 29 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Click Exit Windows.
  3. images 30 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 30 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Click OK.
  4. images 31 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    Images 31 of How to Install Windows 3.1
    When you see this screen, you are safe to turn your computer off via the button on the computer or to unplug it.
4.3 | 24 Vote
« PREV : How to Change the...
How to Check Mouse... : NEXT »