WFWG Err Msg: Windows 3.x Could Not Be Located...

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
• Microsoft Windows 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you upgrade from Microsoft Windows version 3.0 or 3.1 to Windows for Workgroups or Windows version 3.11, you may receive one of the following error messages:

Windows 3.x could not be located on your computer. This version of Windows for Workgroups requires that Windows 3.x already be installed. You must either install Windows 3.x onto your computer, or purchase the complete version of Windows for Workgroups.

Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups 3.1 could not be found on your system.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if:

• You do not have the appropriate version of Windows 3.0 or 3.1 installed on the computer for Windows or Windows for Workgroups to install properly.
  
  -or-



• You are using an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) version of Windows 3.1 that was preinstalled and has the WIN.COM file renamed. For example, this problem occurs on some Toshiba laptops (because WIN.COM is renamed as WIN_.COM). This problem also occurs on some Acer Power 500 computers (because WIN.COM is renamed as WINDOWS.COM).
  
  -or-



• The [boot.description] section of the SYSTEM.INI file contains the line:

  
        SETUPSTATE=1 

  
  
  -or-



• The SHELL= entry in the [boot] section of the SYSTEM.INI file refers to WINSETUP.EXE.

WORKAROUND

1. Install the appropriate version of Windows on your computer.



2. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the SYSTEM.INI file and delete the "SETUPSTATE=" line from the [boot.description] section of the file (if it is present).



3. Change the "SHELL=" line in the [boot] section of the SYSTEM.INI file from

   
   shell=winsetup.exe 

   to:

   
   shell=progman.exe 




4. Save and then close the file.



5. Install the upgrade or add-on again.

1. Rename WIN_.COM or WINDOWS.COM (in the Windows directory) to WIN.COM.



2. Run Setup.



3. Rename WIN.COM back to WIN_.COM or WINDOWS.COM.

MORE INFORMATION

The upgrade for Microsoft Windows version 3.0 and the add-on for Microsoft Windows version 3.1 require that the appropriate version of Windows 3.0 or 3.1 be installed on the computer for Windows for Workgroups to install properly. The upgrade and add-on Setup programs allow the Windows for Workgroups files to be placed in the existing Windows directory or in a new directory.

The upgrade for Microsoft Windows version 3.0 users installs a full version of Windows for Workgroups on computers running Windows 3.0. The add-on for Microsoft Windows version 3.1 installs a full version of Windows for Workgroups on computers running Windows 3.1.
KBCategory: kbsetup kbdisplay kberrmsg kb3rdparty kbtlc
KBSubcategory: win31 wfw wfwg

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11 peer quick short partial win30 addon five-user edition 5 1 one-user path 3rdparty

Keywords : win31 wfwg
Version : WINDOWS:3.11
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :