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.
- Insert the MS DOS Setup #1 floppy disk.
- Start up the computer.
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Press ↵ Enter. -
If your hard drive is unallocated, select the 'Configure unallocated disk space.' Press ↵ Enter.- 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. -
Check that the following settings are correct before pressing ↵ Enter to continue. -
Choose a directory to install MS-DOS.- 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. -
Remove the Setup #2 floppy disk and insert the Setup #3 floppy disk and press ↵ Enter to continue. -
Remove all floppy disks and press ↵ Enter. -
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. -
Type A and :. Then press ↵ Enter. -
Type setup. Then press ↵ Enter. -
Press ↵ Enter. -
Pick your setup mode. It's a matter of personal preference but for this tutorial, we will use the "Express Setup". -
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #2" floppy disk and press ↵ Enter. -
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #3" floppy disk and press ↵ Enter. -
Type in your name and press Continue.- 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.- 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. -
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #5" floppy disk and click Continue. -
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #6" floppy disk and click Continue. -
If you wish to install a printer, click your desired printed and click Install.- 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:- Confirm that the message displays C:DOSEDIT.COM
- Make sure that "MS-DOS Editor" is highlighted
- 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)!- For this article, "Skip Tutorial" was selected.
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Remove all floppy disks from the computer and click Reboot. -
Type in win and press ↵ Enter -
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. -
Click Exit Windows. -
Click OK. -
When you see this screen, you are safe to turn your computer off via the button on the computer or to unplug it.
Isabella Humphrey