Windows-3.1 or 3.11 Installation

First install DOS (5.0 minimum, preferably 6.22)
OR Boot using a DOS system diskette containing FDISK, FORMAT and SYS.COM. Then run FDISK if the hard drive is new or needs to be repartitioned. (Reboot) Then type FORMAT C: /S (Reboot)

Place diskette 1 of Windows 3.1 (or 3.11) in drive A: and type

  • A: [Enter]
  • SETUP [Enter]

    • Follow instructions on the screen

    Tell the setup program just to set up for VGA board. You can install manufacturer's drivers later on or just forget about it if your install is only temporary.

    The installation may be streamlined by copying the first 6 diskettes (all 8 for a networked installation of Windows for Workgroups) to a directory on the hard drive, e.g. WIN31, and running SETUP from that directory. This will prevent the prompts to "insert the next diskette". I would especially recommend this method to those whose intent is to install Windows 3.1x temporarily either in order to install DOS soundboard drivers or to upgrade to 95/98.

    Updated graphic drivers can be obtained from the web site of your graphics card vendor

    For Local Area Networks only, check and see if there's a 3.11 driver for your network card. If not, find out if there's a DOS driver. If you've got an ISA netcard, you can install it as a NE2000 compatible (native to Windows). Only the IPX and Netbeui protocols are native to 3.11. If you want to network to TCP/IP, download TCPIP-32 from Microsoft's web site to install LAN support for TCP/IP networking. If you intend to connect to the internet, you can use the TCP/IP package that comes with your internet software. The highest available browser for 3.11 is Netscape 4.08 which can be downloaded from Netscape's web site.