Windows 97

Windows 97

Crusty Windows bootleg
The desktop of Windows 97
Original OS	Windows 3.1
Release date	2012
Author	Ideeman1994
Country	Belgium
Language(s)	English
Architecture(s)	x86 (16-bit)
File size	30 MB (not including boot floppy)
Download link	win9735enstable.zip
Date added	December 10, 2021

Windows 97 (version 3.5 stable) is a bootleg Windows 3.1 edition, which was created by Ideeman1994. It released in 2012, and was added to the archive on December 10, 2021.

Description

The bootleg is a modified Windows 3.1 ISO which styles the OS with a Windows 95 theme and even includes some old customization programs to complete the look.

The setup used is a completely custom one, using a specialized Windows 3.1 PE running a Delphi-based installer. The installation is done using a batch script which copies the "mini 3.1" to the C drive (assuming the user has already formatted it) and runs the setup. A boot floppy is required to install the OS.

Changes from Windows 3.1

Changes in pre-desktop procedures

• The setup has been completely replaced with a custom one
• New setup graphics. The setup background is the Windows 95 setup
• New boot graphics. The boot screen is changed to a Windows 95 style one. It is static due to technical limitations

Look and feel

• New default theme, and wallpaper. The default wallpaper is set to the Windows 95 setup, with the author's branding added and a copyright disclaimer on the top right
• The shell is replaced with Calmira, a Delphi-based Windows 95-like shell
• The window buttons have now been themed to Windows 95

Software

• Win32s

Games

• FreeCell

Customization Utilities

• Mask98
• Calmira

Notes

Bootleg quirks

• The start menu banner's text is renamed to Windows 97.
• You can launch the OS as a live CD from the startup menu.

Gallery

• 

  Initial screen

• 

  Setup while it's formatting

• 

  Setup in the graphical phase

• 

  Boot screen

• 

  Empty desktop

• 

  Start menu