CF-52 MK2 upgrade from xp to windows 7

I have a 2008 CF-52 MK2 running on 32 bit xp pro.

I have bought a 500GB Sata hard drive (old one died) what I want to know is can I install windows 7 on the new drive and will be be compatible with my model which is, CF-52GCMBVAM.

Any advice and install instructions will be greatly appreciated.

 

I have a 52D (Mk. 1 base model) which had W7 Ultimate x64 installed by the previous owner but with lots of stuff not working. Had to use some drivers from different TB's & some from later 52 versions, also had to do the pin 20 mod. on a wi-fi card but now it runs great.

Sorry I can't remember details. I rely on picking everyone else's brains... and when I don't understand, trial & error.

Yours is newer so hopefully should be easier than mine though? Definitely worthwhile putting the effort in, I love the thing.

 

My MK2 has W7 on it and runs no problem at all...used a few Vista drivers 32bit.

 

I can also testify to this. I have a MK1 and two MK2s that all have Win 7 Pro running with absolutely no problems. In fact, one of them is the exact model you have.

 

When I install windows 7 should I install the 64 bit version ???? I called Panasonic tech support on a few occasions and one tech guy says I should install the 64 bit version, then on another occasion a different tech guy says install the 32 bit version ?????

 

It doesn't really matter. I run both versions and really see no difference in performance. I don't even see 64 bit drivers until you get up into the high MK3s and up. That is nothing OFFICIALLY listed. I have run Win 7 Pro from MK1 and MK2 both 32 and 64 bit. Windows 7 does an amazingly good job at loading most of the drivers. There are a few it doesn't but with just a bit of work, the drivers can be found and loaded.

 

The touchscreen mark 2 52 came with 7 pro and I actually just got a disc burned for $40.00 from Rugged Depot in Magnolia Tx. Just need a key and your good to go...everything works!

 

Recovery disks are available here, it doesn't seem to say if you have to provide you serial
number or whatever to get them:
Panasonic Mobile Computing DVD Requests

You say you just need a key, what is the least expensive legal way to get a key?
Can they be bought from Microsoft?

 

All restore disk can be bought at Heartlands. If you are using a restore disk for your Toughbook that matches the OS that came with it then you do not need the COA serial numbers. When you install the OS it will put the numbers in for you. This is stored on/in your motherboard.

 

Thanks, is it possible to use the Win 7 restore disk as a means to upgrade?
I'd think then an upgrade key would be needed, or? I'm thinking that the
restore disk will have the correct drivers whereas a retail Win 7 upgrade
might not.

 

Your not going to find a W7 restore disk for a 52MK2 . I have asked Heartlands and it was never offered for the MK2...I was told. That said you will need to buy a W7 upgrade cd . It's not hard to install it and W7 will load alot of the drivers for you and the ones it don't just use the vista drivers. My 52MK2 runs great with it ...also look into getting a SSD and then it will fly.

 

Some of the mk3 win7 drivers load and work fine.