I’m researching an upcoming story and need to see the original end user license agreements for MS-DOS (preferably versions 5 and 6) and Windows 3.1.
I have copies of the floppy disks, and the agreements are not on those disks nor are they invoked as part of the setup process. My dim memory of those days is that the licenses were of the “if you break the shrinkwrap on this box you accept our terms” variety.
Anyone got those moldy oldies hanging around?
Ed Bott 
My copies of DOS and Windows have long been separated from the packaging. I might have boxes in the loft but my chances of finding them are slim to none (and then I’d have to clear out the loft … 🙂
Last time I looked though, there were some for sale on eBay for next to nothing.
The funny thing is, I have unopened shrink-wrapped copies of every Windows version from Windows 95 on. But not from those early days.
I have an unopened box of Windows 3.x at home on a shelf. Don’t ask me why. I can not recall at this time if it’s 3.1 or WFW 3.11. I think it’s 3.1.
Microsoft, MS Dos 6 upgrade Software license says:
“BY OPENING THE SEALED SOFTWARE PACKAGES AND/OR USING THE SOFTWARE YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT”
Caps are quoted from license. I have entire license a inside User’s guide –wow only 321 + pages.
The license is 321 pages? Seriously? Or did you mean the user guide is 321 pages?
The user guide is 321 pages.
The license is only one page! Inside front cover of User guide. Sorry, typical Microsoft overlook!!
My 3.1 version of Users guide has no license agreement inside anywhere. Will look elsewhere.
My 3.1 Users Guide cites the license agreement: …described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement… But not the actual license.
I thought I had a new box with 3.1 on floppies, but it turned out to be 95. I even had a set of beta disks of 3.1 (5.25″) marked “Microsoft Confidential” but no license agreements that I could find.
I want to thank you, Ed, for helping me find out that my attic is a lot messier than I thought it was.
I actually have a sealed Windows 3.1 right here in my office. Someone was going to toss it and I just could not let that happen! LOL! There is no shrink wrap agreement on the package, so it is probably on the envelope for the diskettes.
I’ll take a look through my shelf of Antiquated Software Documentation after work today and see what I come up with.
Found 3.1 Microsoft License agreement on OUTSIDE white envelope the disks came in.
It says: (Top of envelope) Big White lettering font in black box
“IMPORTANT–READ BEFORE OPENING. By opening the sealed packet(s) containing the software, you indicate your acceptance of the following Microsoft License Agreement.”
(below in Black letting is:)
(Large Font) Microsoft License Agrement
(Then really smallfont) “This is a legal agreement between yor the end user and Microsoft Corporation. By opening the sealed software packet(s) you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this agreement.” etc.
Cool. If anyone has access to a scanner and can send me a copy of the license agreement, it would be a big help.
Scanner not operational, (font size way to small) but can send either hard copy (boring but best quality) or can try to send digital camera pics (maybe several to cover agreement ?
You can advise me either way.