CF 29 cd to dvd upgrade

Ok... Yes I read the FAQ thread. Im aware of the soldering that would need to be done..

However, my question.

I Bought this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350314746147&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Shouldnt this be a simple swap?

With the new dvd drive installed, it takes a while for boot up to exit the "panasonic" screen and the light below the touch pad, "MP" stays on till it does get off the blue screen. With the drive removed, boot up is normal.

Im assuming I need to do the solder modification....

 

If the drive is as advertised it should not need the mod, it is possible the drive is defective, or not exactly what is advertised

 

Ill send the seller a message then, thanks.

 

If you pop in the CDD caddy when windoze is up, it will detect the drive, shown in "My Computer" and accessible BUT it will not be listed in the USB "Safely Remove Hardware".

If booting up and pressing F2 to get into the BIOS, and the CD drive is not listed as Secondary Master, then YES, you'd need to do the solder mod... and if a klutz like me can do it, so can you (just be very very careful)

 

Yes... You shouldn't have to do the mod....

Toughnut.... Mine show up and the green eject arrow shows up in the system tray... Is that what you are talking about?

 

The drive showed up.. works after I installed a DVD decoder... The functionality of it is fine. Its just impacted boot up time.

Also... It messes with the calibration of my touch screen. Mainly the upper right corner. Weird but after I calibrate, eventually a touch on the screen put the pointer about 1" above the point of contact. This fades as I move away from the top of the screen. With the drive removed... everything is kosher again.

I think I got a bum drive.

 

Do you have a DVD in there when you are trying to boot up? Depending on how your system is configured, that can increase your boot time.

 

Nope.......

 

yeah, Rick. While the drive will show in "my computer", that green eject doesn't list the drive nor will it be bootable without the mod At least that's the case for my UJ-851 pulls from HP.

Ron in SG

 

Check the bios to see if the drive shows up there
Long boot times mean the solder mod is needed, even though the drive will be seen in windows fine



Alex

 

How is your list of boot devices configured in the BIOS?

If you place the DVD drive ahead of the hard-disk then the BIOShas to query the drive every time you boot to check if there's a DVD in there. This will slow down the boot time.

 

Ill check the BIOS...

It did have the HD listed second under the floppy drive I believe...Now to see if that makes a difference.

 

Nope, didnt make a difference.

 

There is a "CD/DVD" listed in the boot menu.

 

You are good then
If it shows in bios it will be bootable, and no mod needed
Any issues on slow boot speed will be driver related



Alex

 

So wouldnt that mean the driver for the drive isnt compatible with the cf 29?

Sorry for all the ignorant questions, Im not all that computer savvy.

 

LIke I said, it does boot up and is operable. The drive is functional. It just seriously slogs down initial boot up of the OS, when I first turn the cf 29 on.

And what does "MP" stand for?

 

Measure boot times and report
First no drive in the MP (Multimedia pocket)
Second dvd drive in place with no disk


Alex

 

OK, will do.

I can say right now that with the drive installed, boot up takes about 1 minute longer than without. Thats from pushing the power switch to steady pointer on the desktop.

multimedia pocket.. thank you.

 

One thing you may want to check on is the boot order. Make the hard drive priority on boot and that may speed you up. If the BIOS knows it doesn't have to address the floppy or DVD then it may boot faster. But it will always boot a little slower as the BIOS DOES have to address it to see that it is there. If that make sense.....

 

OK, here are some times...

Without the drive installed...

11 seconds on the "panasonic" screen
40 seconds till I see the "welcome" screen.
1:08 seconds till desktop with no hourglass.

With the drive installed...

1:24 on the "panasonic" screen
2:02 till I get the "welcome" screen
2:40 till desktop with no hourglass.


Tough, I rearranged the order of boot-up under several configurations. It doesnt matter if the floppy or CD/DVD drive comes right after the HD.

 

The seller has agreed to take the drive back...

From reading the other thread about a slot load DVD player.. Will this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-Optiarc-AD..._Storage_Internal?hash=item335af55cd6&afsrc=1

be plug and play? If Im reading right, then Im assuming so. Just want to make sure.

 

Yes, the drive is hanging on boot, which is unacceptable

Interesting that it shows in bios, that has not been my experience in dozens of drive upgrades,as the hanging is caused by the bios not detecting it ,which causes a bootup slowdown

I have not used that new drive ,so I cannot comment on the mod for it

Alex

 

The Sony Optiarc (Whether regular or Slot-Load) will require you to solder R2 on the mini pc board inside the caddy. This is one of the easiest mods and was one of the first tutorials that I posted years ago. If it's not on the front page it is only on the 2nd or 3rd.... A VERY easy mod... But you'll need a soldering iron or know someone that does.

The Sony is a great drive. Boots quick, is VERY quiet and runs strong! I've never had a single problem with them. (Or that seller!)

 

Allright... thanks for all the help.