So I got a new CF-M34 Mk1 and cant install windows xp/98

[MasterBlaster2039]

I got another toughbook this week. This time its a

CF-M34 mk1 (Celeron 300Mhz)

I want to install windows xp or win 98se, tried a lot of things, but everytime the CF-M34 gives me the

Missing NTLDR error, or just no operating system message.

I have no CD-rom and also NO diskdrive. I do have the docking base.

I tried the following things:

- updated the BIOS to the latest version:cfm34_mk1_w2k_v151l15
- updated the EC with Version L0111120 - cfm34_mk1_w2k_ecupdate

- Installing Windows 98SE on another laptop and then re-insert the harddrive into the CF-MK34 = result : no OS found or a blinking cursor in the top left screen
- Installing Windows XP sp1 on another laptop and then re-insert the harddrive in the CF-mk34 = result: also no os/ or a blinking cursor in the top left screen
- formatting the harddrive on another laptop by using the Windows 98SE cd-rom, and then Format C:/S
after trying this on the CF-mk34 = result = damn no os found.

as i have no diskdrive, nor a cd-rom drive, i hope that some folks on this forum know the magic trick to get my CF-MK34 mk1 the ability to run Windows XP.

PS: I am looking the internet / google for 3 days, read forums etc for more as 50 hours. tried the above methods , and still no result.

As i am not even able to get to the DOS-prompt of Windows 98 when the harddrive is inside the M34, i am not even able to do an install from a D: partition with a copy of windows xp on it.
( yeah , life sucks sometimes....)


I hope that anybody knows the solution to this.

[paddydazzer]

Try this...
Install MS dos on another laptop, once installed copy the i386 folder off the OS you want to install. Move the HDD to the m34, boot ms dos and execute setup from the i386 folder..

It does work,, hope this helps and u are successful..

[Shawn]

Is the hard drive set to master?
Does the bios recognize the hard drive at all?
Will the hard drive boot to a DOS prompt? (Stand alone version such as 5 or 6)
What is the boot sequence set to in the bios?

[MasterBlaster2039]

I have about 20 difrent harddrives around. The harddrive is recognised in the BIOS. The boot sequence is C: / A:

harddisk is master.

I now am working on it, and got a 6 gig harddrive boot into DOS.

It seems, that if i use only 1 huge partition, that that the MK34 recognises it and boots to DOS.

If i make 2 DOS-partitions, where C: is also bootable into dos-prompt, the CF-34 doesnt boot the harddrive.

All times i use FAT32

I have now format a 6 gig harddrive, made 1 partition of 4 Gig, while not paritioning the remaining 2 gig. Used Sys C:/S

now copying windows XP onto the C: partition using the hard-drive in another laptop (Compaq Armada 1700).

Will check it out. And keep you informed if it works.

In the end we might have a working tutorial how to install Windows XP on a MK34 that doesnt have diskdrive or CD-rom.

-Update: After copying windows XP on the only partition of 4 gigabyte, and re-inserting the HD into the CF-MK34, the laptop only shows:
no valid operating system / or operating system missing.

[interestingfellow]

do you have external cd rom? if you do, check out smart boot manager on sourceforge. it should let you boot from floppy and then use the cd rom.

otherwise: partition the whole drive as 1 partition, format (make bootable), copy i386 folder (the whole folder, not just the files) over and try again.

I had a fujitsu point 1600 that did this very same thing,and never did figure out why. It would only boot if I used the recovery cd's. what a pita!

[MasterBlaster2039]

It seems that my MK34 doesnt like multiple partitions. It wont boot. But if I format the whole harddrive into one partition, then my MK34 does boot.

Now i am following your advice "partition the whole drive as 1 partition, format (make bootable), copy i386 folder (the whole folder, not just the files) over and try again."

i prefer to have a 2nd partition to keep my important files. But anyway, if the install only works with 1 partition , then i just have to use a micro-USB memory stick for my important files.

[ADOR]

I just started messing with this model myself. I have a CF-17 (same as CF-m34 just black) 300mhz with dock, floppy and few other accessories. I also got this eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices If I didn't miss read here on the forum I think this is the non-panasonic branded CD drive that will work on the CF-17/M34. It may be worth checking into. I haven't tested mine out yet, but can check it or the floppy out if needed for testing booting combos.

[MasterBlaster2039]

Thanks for the hint ADOR, about the USB CD-rom drive. I suppose, that the CF-M34 was installed in the factory, or so, by using an USB CD-rom drive ?

So, if i have a USB CD-rom drive for my MK34 (Mk1 - celeron 300Mhz), then it boots ? or not ? In the BIOS there are only these boot options:

A:
C: / A:

(there is no USB-cd rom or lan boot option available)

[MasterBlaster2039]

interestingfellow, i did what you told, and windows XP installed for the 1st part.

Then a message came on the screen after copying 100% of the files to the HD (i started the install on the MK34 from the HD copy of Windows XP) , that part 1 of the MS-DOS install was finished, press enter (or whatever) to reboot.

I did, the MK34 rebooted and what happens ?

The unforgiven black screen with the message

"MISSING NTLDR", so no continueing of the XP install.....

yeps.

now i am trying your routine again , interestingfellow, but this time with Windows 98SE.

i keep you updated.

anyhow, if other members have a solution for this install problem, please comment.

[ADOR]

Thanks for the hint ADOR, about the USB CD-rom drive. I suppose, that the CF-M34 was installed in the factory, or so, by using an USB CD-rom drive ?

So, if i have a USB CD-rom drive for my MK34 (Mk1 - celeron 300Mhz), then it boots ? or not ? In the BIOS there are only these boot options:

A:
C: / A:

(there is no USB-cd rom or lan boot option available)

I will have this netbook I am replacing the screen on off the work bench soon. I will see if I can get it to boot from a cd on my CF-17 if not cd I will see if I can find one of my boot floppys and go from there at least we will know the floppy works.