Windows NT 3.1 build 297

3.10.297.1
Build of Windows NT 3.1
Screenshot
Release namePreliminary Release for Developers
OS familyWindows NT
Version number3.1
Build number297
Build revision1
Architecturex86, MIPS
Compiled on1992-06-28
About dialog
WindowsNT3.1-1.0.297-About.png
TCB.png TCBGallery.png

Windows NT 3.1 build 297 is the official July 1992 "Preliminary Release for Developers" release of Windows NT 3.1, distributed to developers for evaluation.

New features and changes[edit | edit source]

Setup[edit | edit source]

  • The Windows NT setup has been massively overhauled and no longer boots directly into a GUI. Instead, a minimal text environment is used for the first part. After copying files (by default now into "WINNT" instead of "NT"), the GUI will start immediately, in a similar manner to Windows 3.x. In the second part, many aspects already resemble the RTM, including network setup. The latter now also allows to create a workgroup instead of joining a domain.
  • This build adds support for more devices, including XGA and Dell OEM display drivers, Adaptec AHA-174x and Future Domain SCSI adapters, and keyboard layouts other than US English.
  • Welcome to setup

    Welcome to setup

  • Setup options

    Setup options

  • Partition selection

    Partition selection

  • Installation directory

    Installation directory

  • Copying files

    Copying files

  • Enter name

    Enter name

  • Configure settings

    Configure settings

  • Optional tasks

    Optional tasks

  • Virtual memory

    Virtual memory

  • Enter username and computer name

    Enter username and computer name

  • Enter password

    Enter password

  • Copying files

    Copying files

  • Finish installation

    Finish installation

Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]

  • This build introduces the winnt bitmap used in later NT versions, although with the text "PRELIMINARY RELEASE FOR DEVELOPERS" on top of the "Version 3.1" text and the copyright date being 1992 instead of 1985-1993. It is also named prelim
  • The developer apps are no longer installed by default, as they are moved to a separate application development disk.
  • This build can now properly shut down and introduces the safe to shutdown dialog that would be kept until Windows 2000 build 1738.
  • The Sound Blaster driver now allows configuring the card IRQ and I/O address instead of relying on hardcoded values.
  • Most of the Windows 3.0 MME sounds were removed and replaced with the sounds that are used in Windows 3.1.
  • This build has an option to format the system partition with NTFS during setup, but it doesn't work since it's still just a placeholder.
  • NTLDR has been updated to version 2.10.
  • This is the earliest available build to include the Windows Registry as well as the Registry Editor.
  • This is the first build to include a functional NTVDM (NT virtual DOS machine).
  • This is the earliest dumped build with support for the G364 video adapter on MIPS systems.
  • Reversi has been removed and FreeCell has been added from Microsoft Entertainment Pack Vol. 2.
  • Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del will no longer restart the computer, but instead opens the Windows NT security options.
  • This build adds the "Administrative Tools" to the Program Manager.
  • The OS/2 subsystem has been readded after being removed in the October 1991 build.
  • Print Manager has been updated and resembles the final release.
  • Command Prompt has been renamed to MS-DOS Prompt.

Bugs and fixes[edit | edit source]

Sound Blaster configuration[edit | edit source]

Due to there being no UI for modifying drivers in this build, you must go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Sndblst\Device in the registry and change Interrupt to the card's IRQ.

Sound Blaster Hard error[edit | edit source]

After editing the registry to the card's IRQ, a hard error may appear at boot with the code c000007b and a fatal system error code of 0x0000004C, it also complains about msacm.drv not being a valid windows NT image.

File differences[edit | edit source]

The following files have been introduced or removed compared to build 239:

Gallery[edit | edit source]

PC/AT compatible version[edit | edit source]

  • Boot screen

    Boot screen

  • Registry Editor

    Registry Editor

  • Demo

    Demo

  • Safe to shutdown screen

    Safe to shutdown screen

MIPS R4x00 Jazz compatible version[edit | edit source]

  • Boot screen

    Boot screen

  • Demo

    Demo

Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]

  • x86 English CD

    x86 English CD

  • x86 and MIPS English SDK CD

    x86 and MIPS English SDK CD

  • Back insert

    Back insert

  • x86 English boot floppy (5.25" 1.2MB)

    x86 English boot floppy (5.25" 1.2MB)

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