Using the IBM PS/1 with Windows (88661)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0a
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q88661

SUMMARY

The IBM PS/1 series computer runs Microsoft Windows, and is similar to other ISA-compatible computers. This article discusses the following issues:
  • The PS/1 should be configured to boot from the hard drive
  • Windows should not be started from the SHELLSTB.COM menu
  • Configuring the PS/1 Printer (model 2205) in Windows 3.0 and 3.0a
  • MSD.EXE and the PS/1

MORE INFORMATION

The PS/1 Should Be Configured to Boot from the Hard Drive

The IBM PS/1 series computer can be configured to boot either from system ROMs or the hard drive. For Windows to load HIMEM.SYS and function correctly, the computer must boot from the hard drive.

There are two ways to make the PS/1 boot from drive D so that HIMEM.SYS is loaded.
  • Customize the boot process:

    1. From the PS/1 main menu, choose the IBM DOS option.
    2. Select "Customize how the system starts from the DOS Shell."

      When you select this option, the PS/1 does not boot directly from drive C, and the default PS/1 menu no longer appears. (See the next section of this article for information about this menu.)
    3. Press ENTER to save changes and restart the PS/1.
    NOTE: In some cases, disabling the ROMs and booting from the hard drive may not work. (This problem is usually caused by a bad or missing COMMAND.COM file.) If the system doesn't restart, hold down both mouse buttons to force the machine to boot from the ROM again.

    For more information, refer to pages 78-81 in the "IBM PS/1 User's Reference for the PS/1 Computer."
  • Press ALT+PRINT SCREEN. This forces the computer to restart using drive C. This is a short-term solution; as soon as the computer is turned off and back on again, it starts from the ROMs again.
If you are installing Windows 3.1 to a PS/1 started from ROMs, you may receive an error message about not being able to update your system files. To correct this problem:
  1. Configure the PS/1 to boot from the hard drive.
  2. Update the system files used to boot, using the COPY command by typing the following at the MS-DOS command prompt (press ENTER after each line):

    copy c:\windows\config.win c:\config.sys
    copy c:\windows\autoexec.win c:\autoexec.bat

Windows Should Not Be Started from SHELLSTB.COM Menu

When you boot from a PS/1 hard drive, many PS/1s load a terminate-and-stay- resident (TSR) menu program called SHELLSTB.COM. Microsoft does not recommend that you operate Windows from this menu.

This file can be installed in CONFIG.SYS or loaded in AUTOEXEC.BAT. Be sure to remark out SHELLSTB.COM from both files, and then restart your computer.

NOTE: If you don't disable this line before starting Windows, Windows operates from the IBM PS/1 menu. To confirm this, exit Windows to PC-DOS, and then type exit and pressing ENTER. You are then in the PS/1 menu.

Configuring the PS/1 Printer (model 2205) in Windows 3.0, 3.0a

Windows versions 3.0 and 3.0a do not come with a driver for the PS/1 printer. This printer should be set up as an IBM Proprinter X24E in Windows. Windows 3.1 does come with a driver for the PS/1 printer.

MSD.EXE and the PS/1

MSD.EXE may stop responding (hang) when run on a PS/1 that is running LAN Manager 2.1. The IBM products included here are manufactured by IBM, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/7/2005
Keywords:KB88661
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.