CF-74 mk4 windows 7 install

hello. just received cf-74 mk4. got it from ebay for 110 bucks.
good deal i thought but then i realized that it comes with no adapter so
i had to fork over another 40 bucks. money pit it is...

anyways, i want to install windows 7 and i have some questions.

1. i located windows 7 drivers from panasonic website. but they don't say whether they are for 32-bit or 64-bit version. given the age of cf-74, are they all 32-bit version drivers? i suppose
windows 7 64-bit is not supported?

2. never used windows 7 in 1024x768 LCD. how's the usability of windows 7 on such a low-density LCD?

3. the drivers at the official panasonic website, are they complete? or are they missing some softwares and/or functionalities from factory recovery? since they never sold cf-74 with w7 pre-installed, i suppose theres no windows 7 factory recovery?

that's it for now. depending on the answer i get from here, i will buy either 32 or 64-bit version of windows 7 and go from there...

many thanks in advance

 

It's best to go with W7 32bit since 4gb is the max memory you can install. You would need at least 8gb memory to run 64bit. The 74 should run W7 no problem at all.

 

I have done several CF-74's with Windows 7 32 bit,just download the driver bundle and run that after you install. If you really want it to go,get an SSD. $40 is way too much for a power adapter,even a factory one.

 

I have done more but have two Mk4's with windows 7 on them. Yep 32 bit is going to be your best bet, but if you want 64 bit will work as well. You will just have to search for some compatible drivers for your hardware.

For the Mk4 Panasonic does offer "upgrade" drivers for your toughbook for windows 7.

http://pc-dl.panasonic.co.jp/itn/support/win7info3_5274.html

At that link you can find windows 7 drivers for your 74 model, BUT it's not all that you need. For example if you want battery calibration program you will have to download the vista driver and use it. You will have to get that drivers and more like it from the regular panasonic links.

I have used some of these drivers on other toughbooks with success. Say you are putting windows 7 on a CF-50 and need the misc driver. The xp one for that model won't work, but from that link above the windows 7 one will.

 

many thanks guys. thanks for being generous to this newb

 

just to add ...
the OP appears to be from across the big pond .
i have noticed that things tend to be a bit pricier over there .
that VAT they have makes any state side sales tax we have here look reasonable .