It's because you're using the wrong version of MS-DOS. You can't run 3.1 using MS-DOS 7.xx which is what Windows 9x uses. Windows 3.1 uses Ms-Dos 6.x. Partition and format the drive and then install Ms-Dos 6.2 and Windows 3.1 - and if you do that, don't use the /s switch when formatting, as that would just copy Dos 7 back on your drive. Or if that's not an option, delete Msdos.sys, command.com, iosubsys and then install Ms-Dos 6.2 which should have come with your Windows 3.1 disks. The first 3 disks should be the Dos disks.
hth vic http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WinTips-Tricks/ ----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Dougherty To: PCWorks mailing list Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 9:27 PM Subject: PCWorks: Old laptop says "non-system disk" I have this old laptop I am trying to reinstall WIN 3.1 First attempt failed, now when I boot it says "Non-system disk or disk error Replace and press any key when ready". I can't find the "any key"...(just kidding). Anyway...how can I get this back to DOS to install off floppy? I managed to get WIN 3.1 installed OK, with the exception of a few files. Some FOT and BMP files it could not read. Also, msd.ini and win386.ps2 it could not read. When I restart, I still get the non-system disk. I can insert a win98 setup disk to get the C:\ and type dir and see the windows folder. Also, right after setup, I did see the windows come up before I had to restart. Any ideas? WIN 3.1 was before my time. Thank you. ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
