Windows 3.1


Compliant With Deviation

Microsoft has listed all versions of Windows 3.1 (Win 3.1, Win 3.11, Windows for Workgroups 3.1, and Windows for Workgroups 3.11) as being compliant... with "acceptable deviations" from the Microsoft definition of compliance.

In other words, there may be issues with displaying the date or problems with certain programs mis-reading the date. However, the operating system will continue to work.


Other Dependencies

Windows 3.1 (in all versions) is dependent on two other things other than itself.

First, Windows runs on top of DOS and may receive some information from DOS programs or programs using DOS functions. While MS-DOS 5.0 and higher (no earlier versions are being tested) are listed as compliant with acceptable deviation, there are a few issues relating to the date that might affect Windows. The Microsoft compliance statements for DOS are linked below.

Second, the BIOS of the computer may not be Year 2000 compliant. If this is the case, the computer may give the incorrect date. If the computer has the wrong date, DOS and Windows will have the wrong date.


File Manager

Microsoft has released an update for Windows' File Manager. The exact file depends on the version of Windows. Both the Microsoft technical article on the situation and the files are linked below.


Direct Links

The following links will take you to Microsoft's pages concerning Windows NT 3.51 and/or the Y2K issue:


Support-related StarNet email addresses