9. Running Windows under DOSEMU

Okay, perhaps you've heard the hooplah. DOSEMU can run Windows (sort of.)

9.1. Windows 3.0 Real Mode

DOSEMU has been able to run Windows 3.0 in Real Mode for some time now. If you really, really, really want to run Windows under DOSEMU, this is the route to take for the moment.

9.2. Windows 3.1 Protected Mode

    ***************************************************************
    *    WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!   *
    *                                                             *
    *  Danger Will Robinson!!!  This is not yet fully supported   *
    *  and there are many known bugs!  Large programs will almost *
    *  certainly NOT WORK!!!  BE PREPARED FOR SYSTEM CRASHES IF   *
    *  YOU TRY THIS!!!                                            *
    *                                                             *
    *    WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!   *
    ***************************************************************

What, you're still reading?

Okay, it is possible to boot WINOS2 (the modified version of Windows 3.1 that OS/2 uses) under DOSEMU. Many kudos to Lutz & Dong!

However, YOU NEED BOTH LICENSES, for WINDOWS-3.1 as well OS/2 !!!

There are many known problems. Windows is prone to crash, could take data with it, large programs will not load, etc. etc. etc. In other words, it is NOT ready for daily use. Many video cards are known to have problems (you may see a nice white screen, however, look below for win31-in-xdos). Your program groups are all likely to disappear. Basically, it's a pain.

On the other hand, if you're dying to see the little Windows screen running under Linux and you have read this CAREFULLY and PROMISE NOT TO BOMBARD THE DOSEMU DEVELOPERS WITH "MS Word 6.0 doesn't run!!!" MESSAGES

Good luck!

REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT AT ALL RECOMMENDED!!! THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED!!! WE DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU TRY THIS!!!

9.3. Windows 3.x in xdos

As of version 0.64.3 DOSEMU is able to run Windows in xdos. Of course, this is not recommended at all, but if you really want to try, it is safer then starting windows-31 on the console, because when it crashes, it doesn't block your keyboard or freeze your screen.

Hints:

Notes for the mouse under win31-in-xdos: