Hello I was able to install MS-DOS 6.0 on the ESXi server and was able to install 3.11 windows, but when I try to start windows for the first time the mouse and keyboard dont work. I can see the cursor blinking on the password prompt so it doesnt look like it froze but I cant do anything. Any thoughts ? Thanks
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3+1 for stupidity! Why ever would you do that? I salute your foolishness! – geoffc Jun 04 '09 at 20:37
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2Same reason some people like to get their system to dual boot 20 different operating systems :) – Kevin Kuphal Jun 04 '09 at 20:42
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2Not Stupidity, we have a need to Windows 3.11 for workgroups, its a MS supported OS, and still hasnt reach EOL. – user8210 Jun 04 '09 at 20:58
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2geoffc: Having a Windows 1.03 virtual machine, I hereby punch you in the face. – user1686 Jun 04 '09 at 21:22
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1@user8210 You may indeed have a need for it, but I can assure you that it is not a Microsoft Supported OS. Support has long since expired... And if you have a legitimate need for Windows 3.11, you're probably (doing whatever it is that you're doing) wrong. – gWaldo Oct 12 '10 at 18:34
5 Answers
Windows 3.1x is supported under ESX 4.0
Also see the known issues section

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3Just because you need it doesn't make it possible. It's possible the virtual hardware support isn't present in 3.5 to make it work. – Kevin Kuphal Jun 04 '09 at 21:46
I tried a WFW 3.11 VM I had created under Vmware workstation 4.x on an ESX 3.5i server and it worked for me. I have no idea why it wouldn't be working for you. Perhaps the virtual hardware that is selected for a new VM is different then what I got from the imported VM.
You might want to try creating a VM in an older version Vmware and then importing it.

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I`m going to try that right now. I have VMworkstation 6.5 where it works fine, I did import it from there but it was created with 5 settings let me try. – user8210 Jun 05 '09 at 13:23
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Nope same thing, mouse and keyboard are not working.... Can you run thru your settings please? I created in VMware workstation 6.5 with 4 settings, selected windows 3.1 as the OS and all the other defaults. Then used VMware Vcenter standalone converter and took all the defaults. – user8210 Jun 05 '09 at 13:35
Perhaps ESX only emulates USB keyboards and mice? just an idea - not sure but it would explain it.

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1I thought of it, but it looks like its PS/2 as in windows XP on that same box in device manager it shows PS/2 – user8210 Jun 04 '09 at 20:54
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When you're in the MS-DOS prompt, switch to the \windows folder and run SETUP. Check to see if the installtion options (particularly the keyboard) match your real-life setup.
(Man this is bringing back memories of the old days)

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Just stay in MSDOS and run DoomSweeper and you will be fine. You don't need any Windows.