Error When Running Setup from MS-DOS SHELL (83481)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q83481

SUMMARY

When installing the Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1, the following error message may appear if MS-DOS Shell is resident in memory and the Task Swapper option is enabled:
You are attempting to run Setup from within Windows. You need to quit Windows, and then run Setup from the MS-DOS command prompt. Press F3 to quit Setup.
To prevent this error message, close Shell before installing Windows 3.1.

MORE INFORMATION

To correct this problem, use the following steps:

  1. Press F3 to exit Windows Setup.
  2. Type exit, and press ENTER. (This returns you to Shell.)
  3. Press ALT+F4 to close Shell and exit to the MS-DOS command prompt.
  4. Run Windows Setup.
If you run SETUP.EXE from within Shell with Task Swapper enabled, the aforementioned error message may occur, or your system may hang. Setup may run without error in conjunction with the Shell if Task Swapper is disabled; however, it may cause problems, depending on other MS-DOS Environment Settings.

Microsoft does not recommend running Windows Setup from MS-DOS Shell or any type of menu or shell program.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/10/2003
Keywords:KB83481
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.