MS-DOS 7.10 Knowledge Base (Article D1)


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How to install and run Win3.x/WFW3.x on top? 

Last updated on: December 27, 2003


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The information in this article applies to:

Windows 3.x
Windows for Workgroups 3.x
MS-DOS 7.10
SUMMARY

Windows 3.x and Windows for Workgroups 3.x are just GUIs of DOS, so they must be started from DOS. Thus, in order for Win/WFW 3.x to work properly, you must install DOS first, and then install Win/WFW 3.x (if not done yet). MS-DOS 7.10 Full Version is totally compatible with Win/WFW 3.x, without the needs of any changes or patches. Once MS-DOS 7.10 is installed and started successfully, to install Win/WFW 3.x from MS-DOS 7.10, you can just execute the installer of Win/WFW 3.x (usually by typing "SETUP") as normal, and follow the instructions of the installer to complete the Windows installation. When the installation is done, type "WIN" to start Win/WFW 3.x on top of MS-DOS 7.10.

MORE INFORMATION

Win/WFW 3.x requires the XMS/HMA memory driver, HIMEM.SYS, so make sure HIMEM.SYS is loaded in CONFIG.SYS (by default it's automatically loaded after MS-DOS 7.10/Windows installation). For some systems, the EMS/UMB memory driver EMM386.EXE may also be required for Windows for Workgroups 3.x, as well as IFSHLP.SYS. For more information about IFSHLP.SYS, please read the Knowledge Base Article D2.

If your system has more then 256MB XMS memory, and want to start Win/WFW 3.x in 386 Enhanced Mode, please be sure you have read the Knowledge Base Article D4.

You can install as many Win/WFW 3.x on top of MS-DOS 7.10 as you want, as long as there is enough space for them. In this case, a configuration menu in CONFIG.SYS/AUTOEXEC.BAT may be useful to make things simpler.


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