How to download and install Win32s using Windows 3.1 File Manager

Print out the information in Q122235: Microsoft Win32s Upgrade and in this Web page before proceeding with installation.

Win32s is an extension for the Windows 3.1 and Windows 3.11 operating systems, which allows them to run some 32-bit applications. To download and install Win32s, follow the instructions below: 

First, you need to download the Install program . . .

Step Number What to do
1. Make a new directory on your hard disk. Using File Manager create a directory on your hard disk in which to save the downloaded files (for example, c:\install).
  1. Go to the File menu and choose Create Directory.
  2. Then type the directory name (for example, c:\install) and press OK.
2. Download the files. Click on the download link below to download the Install program to your PC.
  1. Download the Win32s installation file Pw1118.exe. The file is approximately 2 MB, which may take between 15 and 25 minutes to download at 14.4 kbps. 
  2. Remember, when it asks where to save the file, choose the directory you created in step 1 (for example, c:\install).

. . . then, you can install Win32s

The installation process automatically restarts your PC. You may like to do these steps later, after you have disconnected from the Internet (but write down or print out these instructions first!).

Step Number What to do
3. Go the directory you created in step 1. In File Manager go to the directory you created in step 1 (for example, c:\install).
4. Decompress the Install program. This decompresses the downloaded files. Once it's finished, press the F5 key to refresh the display to see the decompressed files.
  1. Double-click the file Pw11118.exe.
  2. Press the F5 key to see the decompressed files.
5. Start the Install program. This installs Win32s on your PC.
  1. Double-click the file Setup.exe.
  2. Follow the setup instructions that appear on your screen.

WARNING: this will automatically exit and restart Windows! Make sure you close all other applications before doing this step.
6. Delete the directory you created in step 1 (for example, c:\install). Now that the installation is complete, you no longer need the files in the directory you created.
  1. Select the directory (for example, c:\install in File Manager).
  2. Press the Delete key.

There is more information on Win32s, and instructions on how to remove Win32s at the Microsoft Web Site.


Last Reviewed: Thursday, February 18, 1999
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