Windows NT 3.1 was the very first version of NT, just bearing the version number
3.1 to fit best into the Microsoft product family of that time (Windows
3.1 and Windows for Workgroups 3.1). On the face of it, it has a striking
resemblance to Windows 3.1 - and this was on purpose, to make things easier
for those users who changed from 3.1 to NT. However, beneath the familiar surface,
you'll find a true 32bit operating system, which has very little in common with the
16bit GUIs.
NT 3.1 was shipped in two different versions: One that was simply entitled
as "Windows NT Operating System Version 3.1" (the "Desktop Version")
and another one called "Windows NT Advanced Server Version 3.1".
I've lately installed successfully the first one on a Pentium-200 box.
The NT 3.1 HCL (Hardware Compatibility List) is quite limited, as to be expected.
But this shouldn't deter us from trying ;-) At least concerning motherboards and
hard disks, NT is quite "nonchalant", but SCSI and VGA cards should better be
not too odd...
This page is meant to give a summary of my experiences with NT 3.1.
Furthermore, I'm trying to build a collection of links and information on NT 3.1,
as there is to be found very little about it on the web. This may be explained by
the fact that NT 3.1 wasn't at all widespread, unlike 3.51 or even 4.0.
Here are a few links:
If you have made your own experiences with NT 3.1, or have got further information
or know about web sites dealing with NT 3.1, please
drop me a line
, so that I can complete this page accordingly.