CF-M34 BIOS: Floppy Configuration Error - Device Disable

Hi all,
I've had to put up with this for a while...

PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
BIOS Version 2.02-L14

CPU = IntelMobile Pentium III processor 400E MHz
640K System RAM Passed
255M Extended RAM Passed

Mouse initialized
Fixed Disk 0: TOSHIBA MK4025GAS

ERROR
Floppy Configuration Error - Device Disable
Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to Setup

Within the BIOS/Advanced;
Legacy USB Support : [Enabled]
Floppy Drive Type : [CF-VFDU03 (USB)]
I use the USB drive to boot, this can't be wrong either.

IIRC, it has been so since I got it, using the F1 to resume even after Win2kPro re-install, although I know it has nothing to do with the OS. Could the previous owner flashed a wrong BIOS version for this CF-M34JA2BEMCDP? Any ideas?

Regards,
Ron in SG

 

I suspected maybe, just maybe, a faulty keyboard. Removed it, cleaned the contacts and made sure it was re-seated properly. Rebooted and still get the error message.

Ya, the thought of bios flashing did cross my mind but since I've not done that in a long time, heh, I'll leave that as a last resort.

 

Have you checked the BIOS to make sure that you have the correct one installed? You could try flashing it again.

1. Do you have the floppy hooked up via USB?
2. Do you have a port replicator?

Thanks!

 

Rick,
I have the replicator, both USB & serial floppy drive but not connected.

Also double-checked BIOS versions at panasonic.ca and my 34's version is the last release. Have thought of flashing it again but I'm jittery because I have only one 34.

Could you guide me through the flashing procedure? I made a bootable start-up floppy, extracted the BIOS to another folder but uncertain whether to add the extracted files to floppy. Can't remember much since the last time I did that was during Pentium 133 to 233MMX.

Thanks,
Ron in SG

 

Ron, Ideally it wouldn't be good to run the flash file via floppy, but to make a bootable floppy that has the ability to load drivers for the CD-ROM drive and run the flash file from the CD-ROM... This is risky none the less + like you said, you only have 1 M34. I wouldn't flash the bios, as I don't think that that will fix it... I think it has more to do with the port replicator. does it give that error when you don't have the port replicator hooked up? Also if you just hit F1 does it just go through and book fine? Also if the last answer was yes, can you then hook the floppy up once you load into XP and does it work?

~Rob~

 

Hi Rob,
Personally, I would not complicate things further with a CDD but instead, have the BIOS file in the HDD's logical partition (I *think* that's how I used to do it).

Boot up from floppy and access that file directly from HDD, lest the CDD gets cranky (I've learnt that if things can go wrong, it usually does and at the worst possible moments). I'm not sure if the eeprom is socket-type or hardwired but a bricked 34 isn't much fun.

For the F1 error, it shows up regardless whether it's docked or not, with or without the FDD connected. It does, after you press F1, boot into Win2kPro without issues and yes, from there, it's able to access all connected devices (FDD, CDD, etc). It's more an annoyance than anything else and probably why I disregarded that till now. Nice if could resolve it though.

I realized that the F1 key is not responsive at times, so perhaps it might actually be a hardware fault. May be time to replace one from a fellow forumer or epay!

As an aside, I visited your network link and will PM you regarding linking two wifi routers wirelessly. I know it isn't toughbook related but my knowledge in that area is rather limited.

Regards,
Ron in SG

 

Ron,

If you’re thinking about changing your m34 you just missed out on a deal.

Panasonic toughbook CF-M34,PIII866Mhz,40ghd,Touchscreen

For $415

Real cheap for a stunning top condition custom m34
Seller : one of our gurus here

ohlip


Alex

 

Heh Alex, don't remind me... I was watching that auction too Seriously considering, but not now. Unlike the 28, the 34 means less toll on the shoulders if I have to lug it around all day (but typing with stubby fingers is a pain!)

Ron in SG
*flips through epay for a qwerty US m34 keyboard*

 

I was gonna work a deal with him on a trade but I don't think he wants my 700mhz M34 lol