Shponglefan wrote on 2024-03-26, 16:48:
That's an intriguing idea. I hadn't considered trying an earlier version of NT, since I wasn't sure how compatibility would work with the processor or even graphics.
I did have to use a modified SVGA driver to get 256 colors in Windows 3.11. Would the same driver likely work under NT 3.1?
Windows 3.x drivers don't work in Windows NT. Fortunately, Bearwindows developed the VBEMP generic VESA driver for NT-based operating systems:
https://bearwindows.zcm.com.au/vbe9x.htm
I've had good experience with this driver on Windows 3.51 with integrated Intel graphics. It can handle any VESA-mode resolution and color-depth your card offers including widescreen modes if available. Unfortunately, I haven't had as much luck on NT 3.1 with Intel graphics. I suppose I could try again using an AGP FX 5200 as a stand-in for your 4000-series card if I have time.
Bearwindows also has installation guides for various versions of NT to get around some of the installation bugs such as CPU identification errors on processors newer than an original Pentium. It's a bit of prep work, but the instructions create a near-universal installation package.
NT 3.1: https://bearwindows.zcm.com.au/winnt31x.htm
NT 3.51: https://bearwindows.zcm.com.au/winnt351.htm
Be aware that NT 3.1 doesn't have a built-in ATAPI driver for drives. It can only handle IDE drives up to 8GB in size. I don't know what the implications might be for your partition scheme. You can get a NT 3.1-compatible ATAPI CD-ROM driver from here: http://files.mpoli.fi/hardware/CDROM/AZTECH/IDE-NT.ZIP . Note that this ATAPI driver only works with optical drives (and no other kinds of drives). The optical drive(s) must be on a separate IDE channel from other types of ATAPI drives such as hard drives, tape drives, Zip drives, etc.
NT 3.51 has an ATAPI driver, but you'll want to replace it with the one from NT 4.0 SP6 or UNIATA for large drive support (greater than 8GB and 128GB respectively).
I don't know how your Orpheus II will fair. If it's truly SB Pro compatible, then you could try the NT Sound Blaster drivers that come with the OS. I don't know how they will work with a Plug 'n Play card, though. Good luck.