Windows NT 3.1 build 297

Windows NT 3.1 build 297 is the official July 1992 "Preliminary Release for Developers" release of Windows NT 3.1, distributed to developers for evaluation. KenOath first claimed to have this build, then it was shared in April 2011, along with the October 1991 and December 1991 builds.
== New features and changes ==
=== Setup ===
* The Windows NT setup has been massively overhauled and no longer boots directly into a GUI. Instead, a minimal text environment is used for the first part. After copying files (by default now into "WINNT" instead of "NT"), the GUI will start immediately, in a similar manner to Windows 3.x. In the second part, many aspects already resemble the RTM, including network setup. The latter now also allows to create a workgroup instead of joining a domain.
* This build adds support for more devices, including XGA and Dell OEM display drivers, Adaptec AHA-174x and Future Domain SCSI adapters, and keyboard layouts other than US English.
WindowsNT31-297-Setup1.png|Welcome to setup
WindowsNT31-297-Setup2.png|Setup options
WindowsNT31-297-Setup3.png|Partition selection
WindowsNT31-297-Setup4.png|Installation directory
WindowsNT31-297-Setup5.png|Copying files
WindowsNT31-297-Setup6.png|Enter name
WindowsNT31-297-Setup7.png|Configure settings
WindowsNT31-297-Setup8.png|Optional tasks
WindowsNT31-297-Setup9.png|Virtual memory
WindowsNT31-297-Setup10.png|Enter username and computer name
WindowsNT31-297-Setup11.png|Enter password
WindowsNT31-297-Setup12.png|Copying files
WindowsNT31-297-Setup13.png|Finish installation
===Miscellaneous===
* This build introduces the winnt bitmap used in later NT versions, although with the text "PRELIMINARY RELEASE FOR DEVELOPERS" on top of the "Version 3.1" text and the copyright date being 1992 instead of 1985-1993. It is also named prelim
*The developer apps are no longer installed by default, as they are moved to a separate application development disk.
*This build can now properly shut down and introduces the safe to shutdown dialog that would be kept until Windows 2000 build 1738.
*The Sound Blaster driver now allows configuring the card IRQ and I/O address instead of relying on hardcoded values.
*Most of the Windows 3.0 MME sounds were removed and replaced with the sounds that are used in Windows 3.1.
*This build has an option to format the system partition with NTFS during setup, but it doesn't work since it's still just a placeholder.
*NTLDR has been updated to version 2.10.
*This is the earliest available build to include the Windows Registry as well as the Registry Editor.
*This is the first build to include a functional NTVDM (NT virtual DOS machine).
*This is the earliest dumped build with support for the G364 video adapter on MIPS systems.
*Reversi has been removed and FreeCell has been added from Microsoft Entertainment Pack Vol. 2.
*Pressing will no longer restart the computer, but instead opens the Windows NT security options.
*This build adds the "Administrative Tools" to the Program Manager.
*The OS/2 subsystem has been readded after being removed in the October 1991 build.
*Print Manager has been updated and resembles the final release.
*Command Prompt has been renamed MS-DOS Prompt.
== Fixes ==
===Sound Blaster configuration===
Due to there being no UI for modifying drivers in this build, you must go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Sndblst\Device in the registry and change Interrupt to the card's IRQ.
==File differences==
==Gallery ==
===PC/AT compatible version===
WindowsNT3.1-1.0.297-Boot.png|Boot screen
WindowsNT31-297-regedit.png|Registry Editor
WindowsNT3.1-3.1.297-Demo.png|Demo
WindowsNT3.1-1.0.297-Safe.png|Safe to shutdown screen
===MIPS R4x00 Jazz compatible version===
WindowsNT_3.10.297.1_MIPS_Boot.png|Boot screen
WindowsNT_3.10.297.1-MIPS_Wks_Demo.png|Demo
===Miscellaneous===
WindowsNT-July-1992-CD.jpg|x86 English CD
WindowsNT-July-1992-SDK-CD.jpg|x86 and MIPS English SDK CD
WindowsNT-July-1992-SDK-Coverback.jpg|Back insert
WindowsNT-July-1992-Bootdisk.jpg|x86 English boot floppy (5.25" 1.2MB)
Category:Windows NT 3.1 builds