In 1996 I wrote a Dissertation in Word on a 386 base unit running M/S 3.1 SOFTWARE (predating Windows 95) and which I still posess. I have recently moved house and all hard copy of my work (discs and paper) has been lost. When I boot up the 386 and enter the M/S software my work is nowhere to be seen.

I have been advised that it may be accessed via DOS? I have no expertise in this area and need to be provided with a guide(lines) is there anybody out there how can help?1996 is a LONG time ago, how good is your memory?
I used to have 3.11 and I can't remember 'word' being in it... I may be wrong.
With 'works for windows' the text files were .wps files.
If 3.1 has a search facility you could try searching for any likely file extensions using the '*' wildcard.
Search *.txt *.wps etc.
If the files are there, 3.1 should be able to 'see' them without having to resort to DOS.
Not much help but it's a start.
As a sideline... I still use 'works for windows' on my w2k and xp machines, it runs like a bullet.
I believe Notepad was installed by default.Type winfile at the A:\>.. just reboot pc.........are they in there!.....the ball is now in your court.....so to speak!

or just win.......this will bring 3.1 back........Quote

1996 is a long time ago, how good is your memory?
I used to have 3.11 and I can't remember 'word' being in it... I may be wrong....

...When I boot up the 386 and enter the M/S software my work is nowhere to be seen. I have been advised that it may be accessed via DOS?