CF28 Mk1, OS re install, specs, miniXP, more!

Hi everyone,, just got a cf28, think its a mark 1, its 600mhz, 128mb, excellent condition, inside and out. The model is cf29mcfaze9- can't find any reference to that on the web. However, its on 98se, I need to get it on xp (or minixp- anyone care to share thoughts on that one?), but it has no optical drive, so how do I get it on there? I only have floppy, and have tried PLOP boot manager to boot from usb, with a memory stick or a remote dvd, none will work. Also, where can drivers for xp on a mk1 be had- panasonic.ca and others have only mk3 xp drivers. Also I am going to put a bigger hdd in, I have a few ide's from 20-120gb. One thing I note when its running on 98, is double tapping shortcut icons on the desktop does not open the program; sometimes using right click function then 'open' in popup menu on touchscreen will, but not always. I have calibrated the screen, checked for errant mouse drivers etc, but all is ok. I have the option to return it to the seller, and have already had a refund (how about that!), but in view of its condition, I would like to get it done and keep it. Sorry for long post, hope I have got it in the right place, too! Thanks in advance.

 

Random thoughts:
If you need XP, recommend returning that one and get a 800 MHz or 1 GHz model. (Both of the faster models have silver handles.) Should be able to put a 256M memory stick in the Mk1 for 384M total. A very minimal version of XP like WinFLP would run but not much room for applications. You can load XP using an external USB adapter for the hard drive to another PC, format it bootable, transfer the i386 folder & other files to the HD, then pop it back into the 28 and self-install XP. Look around, member Mnementh has written this up a few times.

 

I used to run xp (no sp) on an amd k62-450mhz with 384mb ram.
It can be done, but don't expect too much.

Look into "windows for leagcy pcs". It's designed to run on old hardware and thin clients. First install is less than 300mb.
Google it (there is also a thread or two here that mention it).

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.....

 

Here are the Tinker Dwagon's instructions for installing without a CD drive:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/pan...g-cf-29-os-w-o-cd-dvd-floppy.html#post5799463

 

Thanks for all the quick replies, pretty much what I expected. I bought a 2.5 -> 3.5 ide adaptor off ebay; it doesn't work! Its not even worth sending it back. Bah. I have tried 4 hhd's in 2 pc's, all the same, 'no drive detected'. Its too much bother, and what with the small RAM and slo-pro, I think I'll just send it back. Its only for car diagnostics,obd and such, so didn't need massive spec and speed, but am having doubts that it will run renault dealer level stuff ('can-clip' its called), so back to a 'regular' lappy. I have just rebuilt a dud acer aspire dual core, now it looks like it will find a job! Good idea while it lasted! Your info has helped me make a decision, and, excellent condition it may be, if it won't work, then thats that. I could just ebay it, but I have already been sent my money back via paypal. At least the seller was a good guy indeed. Cheers and beers folks!

 

check the jumpers on the ide 2.5-3.5 adapter, if there are any.
also, make sure you're using a good ol' hdd cable and not some fancy super fast one. I've had issues with that in the past as well.


and JSYK, if progs won't open from double click, you can adjust and check proper operation that in mouse properties.

 

Hi Interestingfellow,,, well, I didn't notice any jumpers on the convertor, I will check one last time, just to be sure. I am using a regular (cheapo, lol) hdd cable that came with desktop mobo some years ago. Also, have had a play around with the screen/ mouse properties, and indeed got it working -mostly- for a short spell, but after it's next re-boot, back to not working. Touchy would have been very useful. Maybe I might see if I can get an 18 cheaply. Thanks.