Windows 3.1 build 034f

3.1.034f
	Build of Windows 3.1
Release name	Beta Release 1
OS family	16-bit Windows
Version number	3.1
Build number	034
Build revision	f
Architecture	x86 16-bit
Compiled on	1991-06-07
About dialog

Windows 3.1 build 034f is the official Beta Release 1 of Windows 3.1. This build was originally provided by an OSBetaArchive member, whose 5.25" copy had the second floppy disk unreadable, leading other community members to rebuild it using files from other builds. This also meant that the build has been mislabeled as build 034e for a long time, as the SHELL.DLL file holding the actual build number was included on the broken disk. In late 2020, community member ReflectiaX obtained a 3.5" copy of this build. He then dumped his disks in January 2021,^[1] clearing out any doubts about the build. The SDK for this build was originally uploaded to "The WaREZ HouZE Super System" BBS on 25 June 1991 and then was found again on 24 June 2024.^[2] This build was also reviewed in the December 1991 issue of Yugoslav computer magazine Računari (meaning "Computers").^[3]

It is the last known build to include Reversi or support Real Mode. Later builds only run in Standard Mode and higher.

New features and changes[edit | edit source]

Setup has a new interface, letting the user choose either "Quick install" (Default) or "Full install" (Custom).
Setup now refuses to start on an 8088/8086 system and claims that Windows 3.1 requires a 286 or higher processor. However, replacing it with the one from build 026 allows for installation on these processors.
This is one of the earliest builds to include Dr. Watson. It starts automatically with Windows. In this build, it has a unique icon and has the version number of 0.73.
Object Packager has a unique icon and name in this build.
This is currently the earliest available build of Windows 3.1 to have an enhanced built-in Video 7 VGA driver supporting resolutions higher than 640x480 in 256 colors. This driver is not compatible with real mode.