Can not restore a CF 28

I have a Toughbook CF 28 MK3 (1.0 processor) that has Win XP pro.
Do to some operating issues I decided to to restore it using the OEM disks That came with it.

When it starts to boot I get a message that says this model is not supported.

The restore disks say MK3 XP1 and are original.

What could be the problem?

I cant find any similar problems using search.

The COA is for XP pro It is currently running the OEM Panasonic version of XP Pro.

Thanks in advance.

 

Question 1: Did you purchase this unit new?

Step 1: Post the complete Model Number; such as CF-28Sxxxxxx.

 

If this is what you get using this restore disks then you are using the wrong one. As topcop said we need your full model number and the numbers on your restore disk.

 

model number is CF-28STJGZDM

Disk # is MK3-XP1AM-TWS

I bought it used from an auction. The restore disks came with it.

 

CF-28STJGZDM Original Configuration:

S = Mk3, 1GHz Pentium III

T = 13.3" XGA Touch Screen w/Standard Keyboard

J = 30GB HDD - 256MB RAM

G = Floppy Disk Drive - Modem - Ethernet

Z = 802.11b WLAN

D = Windows 2000

M = North American Destination

 

When you say The COA is for XP pro do you mean the COA on the bottom of the 28 ?? Have you checked to see if the model numbers are the same in the BIOS. The last owner might of changed the base....maybe. Hit F2 on start up.

 

No
Wrong disk , you have a COA for W2000 as all D units
The K models restore with XP disks
Check your COA and look for the word Panasonic on it
It would have been upgraded and loaded using an OEM disk and the drivers loaded separately

 

The COA is for XP pro and W2000.

The model does match in Bios.

I should have noticed the dual COA it makes since now why it wont work.
This was a Dept of transportation Laptop I am sure they had more than one so the disks we most likely mixed up.

Thanks to every body for your help!

 

So what model shows in the BIOS ?

 

CF-28STJGZDM

I did not know there were COA's with XP and W2000 Keys.
It says one time choice.

I used magicjellybean to get the key and it does not match the key on the COA for XP pro. It does pass Microsoft's WGA.

Could someone have cloned the hard drive or replaced it from an XP toughbook?

 

Sure ,anything is possible

Check your COA and look for the word Panasonic on it

 

It's a Panasonic COA.Attach

 

Passing M$ WGA doesn't mean much; all it means is that the OS installed on the laptop matches an OEM install of Windows XP. You can install from any OEM Windows XP disk and it will validate; I used a Dell OEM install disk on my Toughbooks.

Depending on the OEM disc you use to install, it may not even ask you to activate; and if that particular install generates a valid Product Key that's never been used before, or has been used on a Panasonic product, it will validate.

The third option is that a seller did in fact simply get one set of XP Restore Disks and used them on all his ToughBooks of that model; or that he got one laptop configured properly and activated, then used that install to create an image he used for subsequent laptops of the same Model/Mark. The cloned laptops wouldn't fail WGA because to M$ they are the same laptop, and they are legally entitled to use the XP OS because of the dual COA.

Meh. It's a grey area.

If you can't find a set of XP restore disks for your Model/Mk; you CAN use any OEM install disk to get XP onto your laptop. from there, it's just a matter of finding and installing the drivers as outlined in the CF-28 FAQ.

mnem
Drivered-out.

 

Big Thanks to everybody!!!!!

I have XP up and running!!!!! Would have never thought to try a OEM Dell disk.

I have been lost with out my toughbook.

Thanks again.

 

Thats great
The OEM load using the COA and downloading and upgrading drivers is a slower way, but not to bad with your model as there is not too many drivers needed

 

Glad I could help! The tip jar is on the left under my avatar; it looks like a tiny scale. :wink:

mnem
Dumb looks are still free.