How to install DOS 3.31 on DOSBox?

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Introduction

Originally 86-DOS, written by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products, DOS was a rough clone of CP/M for 8086 based hardware. Microsoft purchased it and licensed it to IBM for use with Microsoft's IBM PC language products. In 1982, Microsoft began licensing DOS to other OEMs that ported it to their custom x86 hardware and IBM PC clones.

MS-DOS 3.31 was only sold through a few OEMs, mainly Compaq.

This version adds support for hard drives up to 512MB.

It also does not use as much conventional memory as DOS 4.x or later, making it a good choice for 8088/8086 based computers.

You might be wondering why you would want install DOS on DOSBox. It’s a fair question, because DOSBox has its own DOS-like environment, and supports the DOS API which allows many applications such as classic games to be run without the user needing to own a copy of DOS. But maybe there is something which is not currently supported by the DOSBox environment, or perhaps you just want to create a more authentic DOS experience. But whatever your reasons may be, the fact that you’re reading this tutorial suggests that this is something you want to do, so let’s get started.

Files Needed

 Installing on other VM Software

Before creating the VM, we need to create an empty Hard Disk file. Move the bximage executable file to a suitable location and then open command prompt and cd to that place.

Now type bximage.exe and press enter.

Type 1 and press enter.

Type 'hd' (without quotes) and press enter.

Type flat and press enter. Do not use any other type as they are not compatible with DOSBox.

Type 512 and press enter.

Type 250 and press enter. You may choose larger hard disks but keep in mind that it will take up space on your actual hard disk even if you do not store any file in it.

Type dos311.img and press enter.

Press any key to continue. Then close the command prompt. You will find the hard disk image at the same place as bximage executable. Move that file to where ever you want the VM config file to be stored.

Creating and installing the Virtual Machine

Create a text document called dos311.conf in the same folder as the hard disk image. Copy the following text to that file - 

Add the following lines to the end of the file - 

imgmount 2 "F:\Legacy OS\DOSBox VMs\DOS 3.31\dos311.img" -size 512,63,16,507 -fs none
boot "F:\Legacy OS\Setup\DOS 3.31\Microsoft DOS 3.31\Disk1.img"

Replace "F:\Legacy OS\DOSBox VMs\DOS 3.31" with the path of where you placed the hard disk file and "F:\Legacy OS\Setup\DOS 3.31\Microsoft DOS 3.31" with the path of the installation disk.

Save and close that file.

Open command prompt and run the following command - 

"C:\Program Files (x86)\DOSBox-0.74-3\DOSBox.exe" -conf "F:\Legacy OS\DOSBox VMs\DOS 3.31\dos311.conf"

Replace "F:\Legacy OS\DOSBox VMs\DOS 3.31\" with the path of the config file.

The above screen will open.

Type fdisk and press enter.

The fdisk utility will open.

Type 1 and press enter.

Type 1 and press enter.

Type Y and press enter.

Type Y and press enter.

Press enter. Again date and time will be asked. Press enter two times to accept the defaults.

Type format c: and press enter.

Type Y and press enter.

Press enter.

Wait till format is completed.

Type sys c: and press enter.

Type md c:\dos and press enter.

Type copy a:\ c:\dos and press enter.

Type copy a:\command.com c:\ and press enter.

Now close DOSBox. Open the config file once again and remove the last line. Add the following line -

boot -l c

Now, start the virtual machine once again by opening command prompt and typing-

"C:\Program Files (x86)\DOSBox-0.74-3\DOSBox.exe" -conf "F:\Legacy OS\DOSBox VMs\DOS 3.31\dos311.conf"

The machine will start in C:.

Tada! We have successfully install DOS 3.31 in DOSBox.

Making the VM easier to open

Opening the VM from command line every time can be tiresome. So, lets create a GUI shortcut.

Open 'C:\Program Files(x86)\DOSBox' in File Explorer. Right click on DOSBox.exe and select 'Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)'.

Now, on desktop, right click the shortcut and click on properties.

In Target field, delete everything and type - 

"C:\Program Files (x86)\DOSBox-0.74-3\DOSBox.exe" -conf "F:\Legacy OS\DOSBox VMs\DOS 3.31\dos311.conf"

Replace the paths as per your setup.

Click on Ok. Now rename the file to DOS 3.31 or anything you want.

You can also move the shortcut anywhere on your computer. I like to keep the shortcut in the same place as the hard disk image and other config file.

Now, simply double click the shortcut every time you need to start the VM.

Installing Word 5.5 (optional)

So far, I have not been able to install Word 5.5 on DOS 3.31 on DOSBox. DOSBox does not support multiple floppy images any more. It might be possible to install the CD driver in DOS 3.31 and then install Word 5.5 on it, but installing the CD Driver on DOS 3.31 is a big headache. I have two suggestions for you instead - 

  • Use DOS 6.22. It is much more easier to install the CD Driver on it. I will upload a tutorial on how to do so soon.

Conclusion

We have successfully installed DOS 3.31 on DOSBox. We also made it easier to launch the file. If you have any questions or feedback then email me or use the comment section. You can also contact us on any of our social media accounts through direct message/comments.

For issues related to the functioning of this website or in downloading files, use the message button in the lower right corner.

Please share this tutorial as much as you can.

Comments

  1. mousy54December 9, 2021 at 5:04 PM

    May I assume that the archive contains all the files from all the WORD floppies?

    ReplyDelete

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