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.
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    Press Enter.
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    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.
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    Ensure the setup floppy disk is inserted and press Enter to continue.
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    Check that the following settings are correct before pressing Enter to continue.
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    Choose a directory to install MS-DOS.
    1. It is recommended to leave the directory where the computer recommends.
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    Remove the Setup #1 floppy disk and insert the Setup #2 floppy disk and press Enter to continue.
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    Remove the Setup #2 floppy disk and insert the Setup #3 floppy disk and press Enter to continue.
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    Remove all floppy disks and press Enter.
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    Restart your computer by pressing Enter.
Part 2 of 3:

Installing Windows 3.1

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    When you see this screen, insert the Windows 3.1 setup floppy.
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    Type A and :. Then press Enter.
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    Type setup. Then press Enter.
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    Press Enter.
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    Pick your setup mode. It's a matter of personal preference but for this tutorial, we will use the "Express Setup".
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    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #2" floppy disk and press Enter.
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    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #3" floppy disk and press Enter.
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    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.
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    Check that your name and company correct and then click Continue.
    1. If you have made a mistake, click change and correct the mistake.
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    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #4" floppy disk and click Continue.
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    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #5" floppy disk and click Continue.
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    Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #6" floppy disk and click Continue.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    Remove all floppy disks from the computer and click Reboot.
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    Type in win and press Enter
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    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):

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    Click File.
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    Click Exit Windows.
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    Click OK.
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    When you see this screen, you are safe to turn your computer off via the button on the computer or to unplug it.
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