Windows 3.1 build 057

3.1.057
	Build of Windows 3.1
OS family	16-bit Windows
Version number	3.1
Build number	057
Architecture	x86 16-bit
Compiled on	1991-11-17
About dialog

Windows 3.1 build 057 is a build of Windows 3.1. It was found and shared on 23 June 2024.

AARD code[edit | edit source]

This build contains the infamous AARD code, where setup, WIN.COM and other Windows applications that had the AARD code implemented would check if the program is running on either MS-DOS, IBM PC-DOS, or something else, most commonly DR-DOS. If MS-DOS or PC-DOS is not running on a user's system, the program will trigger a "non-fatal error", advising the user to contact the Windows 3.1 development team. It, however, does not prevent Windows from running on said system, as the user will still be able to continue. Build 050 and later builds up to 068 are also known to contain the AARD code. It is also present in later builds, including the final build of Windows 3.1, albeit disabled.

A bug report for this build from 9 January 1992 references this build displaying a "non-fatal error" message during installation, followed by it allegedly failing to install on DR DOS 6.0 on most instances and hanging upon startup, with Microsoft employees actively dismissing the report several weeks after it was first reported.^[1] Other similarly described bug reports were also filed for the aforementioned builds that also contained the AARD code.

In this build, the AARD code is somewhat more buggy compared to later builds and may activate even on official MS-DOS or PC-DOS releases, particularly on versions available after the build was compiled.

User registration info[edit | edit source]

The warez dump of this build has been installed previously, and setup shows the previous registration info to be "Steve _Ginny Reddoch" (shown as "Steve & Ginny Reddoch" in the OS itself) and "TAC Enterprises" for the username and company respectively.

Changes[edit | edit source]

The splash screen has now been finalized, albeit with it saying "Final Beta Release (Build 57)" at the bottom.
Added event sounds such as TADA.WAV and CHIMES.WAV, which are the startup/shutdown sounds respectively.
Multimedia extensions, such as audio drivers and the Media Player have been added.
The tutorial has been updated with new visuals and has been expanded to include a Windows Basics section.
A new logo has been introduced. The logo similarly known as "Flying Windows" would be featured for a while, until Windows XP build 2428 (apart for visible leftovers).
Dr. Watson has been updated to version 0.8. This version is also used in the RTM build.
Changed the copyright year from 1985–1991 to 1985–1992.
The Windows Tutorial has been removed from the Main group
Most if not all icons found throughout the system have been finalized.
The default wallpapers from Windows 3.0 have been removed and replaced by wallpapers seen in the final version.