CF-18 disk drive error?

I am no N00B to computers but this is the first time I've dealt with a ToughBook.
I have a CF-18BDAZXMM that I picked up for $30!

60GB HD
edit: The hard drive isn't showing up in the BIOS, V1.00L13A
The light on the front is lit though.
I tried another 40GB drive and the same thing.
Primary Master: None
I tried re-seating both and they aren't recognized.
They show up using an external IDE cable and appear to be good drives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFcWc22SshU

It keeps giving me this error when trying to boot:
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM
Operating System not found
(I assume I need to reinstall Windoze)

In the BIOS Boot i have:
Hard Drive
Floppy Drive
CD Drive
LAN

I would like to reinstall Windoze:
There is no place to select USB though.
Do i need to update the BIOS?

I have a copy of Windoze XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 MSDN DVD SP3
or XP SP 2.

What's my best route to go with this?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

This is what your 18 had when it left the factory

Configuration Results
Model Number : CF-18BDAZXMM
Status : DISCONTINUED
MSRP : $3,911

Description: Pentium M 900MHz(Centrino), 10.4" XGA Transmissive with Digitizer, 40GB HDD, 256 MB RAM, WLAN, Dual pass through antenna, Win XP Tablet PC

If the BIOS is not seeing the hard drive then you will not be able to install Win XP Tablet . It needs to see the drive. Does you caddy look the same as the one in the video, is the foam the same color ? Why I ask is there is a lot of them cheap china caddies around and this is one of the known problems you see with them.

No need for a update, just plug in a usb cd-rom and you are good to go... once you find out my the BIOS is not seeing the drive

 

The PXE errors are the network (LAN) boot errors, i.e. no network server found….

I just got through with a similar (but, sadly, different) problem.

Got a good deal on a MK1 with a "corrupted" XP install, but, after trying several times with the factory restore discs, ended up replacing the hard drive, which fixed the problem.

The CD ROM will pick up a USB drive (my setup), no need to specify USB, so not a big problem there.

I was reading other posts earlier, and one person had an issue booting from a USB thumb drive, and could only get it to boot by first removing the hard drive, then boot, then (shut down) and plug the hard drive back in, and reboot. All was good then, not sure why, but it might be worth a shot.

Lacking any resolution with this, you may have a defective IDE controller……

Best of luck, and please keep us updated…

Brian

 

Hey guys, thanks so much for the help BUT still nothing.
After resetting the BIOS it's now saying "Starting Windows 98"
Type the name of the command interpreter...
External USB CD drive selected in BIOS Windows XP disk in.

 

Ok ?? Well it sounds like maybe the HDD has W98 on it or the cd is...unless I am missing some thing here there is no other way W98 can be showing out of the blue

 

The cheap caddies are tricky, I have used a bunch of them. Format the drive outside the 18 with an ide /usb cable. I have had a drive pop up the windows 98 thing, it was supposed to be wiped.

It was crazy, I had to format it first and delete the partitions. It wouldn't overwrite and install xp. If you get the caddy in(gently) and get xp installed, leave it alone, don't try to remove it again as you will just be looking for trouble.

Of course that assumes you have a China caddy.

 

Remembering that computers are logical.

Check the cable.

This is the cable in the caddy and the connections that are inside the computer. I pulled a cute trick one time...tired eyes...I seated the drive with one set of pins outside the connector...put the caddy together and luckily it didn't let any smoke out.

Carefully inspect the connector inside the computer with a strong light. Look for a bent pin, that failing pull the bottom and check connections.

People on here have pieces laying around. I have a parts only 18KD2 etc. sitting right here. All or some. I peeked in there and the connector is intact and an easy item to change.

That Win98 thing does confuse the logic a little.

Hmmm, you said external ide drive worked? Was that done on this unit? So a good mobo.

Good luck.

J'd

 

I could use the usb out of that parts 18, a ford dealer here uses one in the shop and a usb port went bad.

 

safn1949 Talk to me PM for clarification. I could send the unit to you less big doors. heh! as long as OP gets the connector if he/she wants it.

Slightly OT ....I'm no big dealer but I have a 72 hour limit on my offers. I can NOT count the GOOD offers I have made only to be ignored. Time marches on and for the lurkers...folks...if you ask a question on THIS forum...please check back and at least say Nah! changed my mind. End OT (BTW OT means off topic...,BTW means By The Way)......I'm considering a glossary of terms.....

 

Done deal, thanks.

 

I wasn't talking to you BTW. More of the occasional or one time posters. You've been good.