Windows 3.1 build 043e

3.1.043e
	Build of Windows 3.1
Release name	Beta Release 2
OS family	16-bit Windows
Version number	3.1
Build number	043
Build revision	e
Architecture	16-bit
Compiled on	1991-08-27
About dialog

Windows 3.1 build 043e is the official Beta Release 2 of Windows 3.1. Prior to it being uploaded to BetaArchive on 4 March 2014,^[1] it was commonly believed to be a typo of build 034e, itself a mislabel of build 034f, which was already available.

This build was also mentioned by internal Microsoft e-mails from late August 1991,^[2] as well as build 061d's README.TXT file. Another e-mail from late December 1991 discusses sending "WFP SDK 1.0 Alpha (Kanji version)" and "WIN3.1 Beta2 (Kj)" to IBM Japan.^[3] It is unclear whether Beta 2 refers to this build (suggesting there is a Japanese version of it as well) or some other build from the Beta 2 stage. The SDK was originally leaked by two warez groups in December 1991 and was lost. The full SDK was uploaded to Internet Archive on 24 June 2024.^[4]

NFO file[edit | edit source]

NFO contents

This is the latest Beta version of the Windows 3.1, dated 8-29-91.
Who knows how many of of these beta versions to go before the
real one comes out???  But at the moment, have fun with this
Beta 2.  BTW, unteledisk the first 7 disks into the 1.44meg diskettes,
disk #8 only needs the 720K disk.

                                                ---The Mustang

Changes[edit | edit source]

Reversi has been removed and replaced by Minesweeper.
Dr. Watson has been updated to version 0.79 and now shows a copyright notice with the date of 1991.
The logo in the About Dialog for Program Manager has been changed to be similar to the RTM, albeit without any color.
The Windows Tutorial has been added, albeit containing placeholder art and only containing a mouse tutorial.
The Character Map has been added, looking mostly like the final version.
Clock has been redesigned from it's Windows 3.0 version, now looking more like the final version.
Icons for programs such as Clock and Object Packager have been finalized.
The ability to boot Windows into Real Mode has been removed.