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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Check that your name and company correct and then click Continue.
- If you have made a mistake, click change and correct the mistake.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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):
- 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.
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