Help with CF19 K Bios problem

Hi out there,

Just wanted to know how to access the bios on my newly purchased CF 19, Panasonic says press F2 on boot when the panasonic logo screen appears, but nothing happens? the machine has had a new rebuild to windows 7, but as yet i have had not managed to get into the bios? Am i doing something wrong?

your help and wisdom is greatly appreciated.

cheers

 

That's how you access the BIOS. As soon as the blue Panasonic screen appears, press F2 continually and either a password screen (if password protected) or the BIOS should open.

 

thats what i thought....does nothing? i thought i would also state pres F2 at the bottom on boot, but ot doesnt? could the windows 7 format have taken something out?

 

Windows 7 won't affect the BIOS. There is a way to hide the F2 prompt on the blue Panasonic screen but, it doesn't disable the F2 prompt.

If you boot into Windows, do the FN+F1-F2 keys brighten and dim the display?

Did you purchase the unit new or used?

What is the full model number?

 

Do not hesitate!

From the black (system is "OFF") display, the moment you see the blue "P anasonic" screen, press the [F2] key.

If you see any screen other than the blue " Panasonic" screen, you're already too late to access the BIOS.

 

OK,

to be honest im still working out the spec...few driver errors in windows 7 qualcomm hs usb driver, and no wirless lan activation (hence bios i think)...but that can wait

Bought used from our online auction site....unit has been win 7 updated, but think previous owner didnt fully understand what he was doing, have contacted him but no joy.

Full model number is CF 19KDR0ACE (any spec confimation would be great)

fn+F1-F2 does nothing within windows.

hope this helps

Cheers

 

been trying this, finger is now getting a bit tender
F2 just aint working, but to add in windows the fn keys dont seem to be working either? is this connected?

 

Possibly could be a bad keyboard or the connector(s) may not be seated properly. Do all the other keys work correctly?

CF-19KDR0ACE

K=Mk3
D= Dual Touch
R=160Gb HDD + 2Gb Memory
0=?
A=?
C=WinXP Tablet (Vista COA)
E=UK

Qualcomm hs usb driver should be Gobi WWAN. Pinecone, a forum member in the UK? can help you with that.

 

OK; let's try this (I tried it on my Toughbook and it works!):

With Windows shut down (not "Hibernate" or "Standby": OFF!) and the unit shut down, press the [F2] key before you press the System ON switch: it will immediately boot into the BIOS.

As to Windows: Windows® 7 Upgrade Step-by-Step Guide For CF-19K, CF-19L, CF-30K, and CF30L series

See also: Windows® 7 Upgrade Support Module (For CF-19K/L, CF-30K/L Series)

The answer to your issue with [Fn] keys in Windows may lie ↑there ↑.

 

OK, managed to get the Fn keys working in windows7, bonus, bios thing, still no joy, doesnt even show the option to press F2 on boot? bizzare..

I am trying to get the Wlan working, using PC Info view i can see that it is enabled just doesnt want to see any networks? think this has something to do with the qualcomm (3g) driver error? do these things work topgether? do they switch? if i can get the wireless lan working i can at least access the web to start downloading files etc...instead of using my usb stick....

so in summary.
Fn Keys now work
still no access to bios via F2
no wlan networks visable
Qualcomm HS Usb driver missing (need uk version Gobi?)

thanks agin for all your help really appreciate it

 

Did you do as I wrote?:

"With Windows shut down (not "Hibernate" or "Standby": OFF!) and the unit shut down, press the [F2] key before you press the System ON switch: it will immediately boot into the BIOS"

You will note no mention of looking for a "Prompt" screen.

If this does not work, I am out of ideas.

 

Yes, Machine off, no lights on, F2 held, switch on, boots to win7 diag screen for memory test etc?
still no bios? driving me mad now

 

I am at a loss here, as the CF-19 Operating Instructions reads:

Turn on or restart the computer, and press F2 while [Panasonic] boot screen is displayed.
The Setup Utility starts up.
● If the password is requested, enter the Supervisor Password.

And:

Turn on the computer, and press F2 several times while [Panasonic] boot screen is displayed.
The Setup Utility starts up.
● If the password is requested, enter the Supervisor Password.

And:

Press <F2> to Setup

And:

■ To start the Setup Utility
(1) Restart the computer.
(2) Press F2 several times while [Panasonic] boot screen is displayed

Well, you get the picture.

My only other thought here is to remove the main and CMOS batteries, let it sit while the CMOS drains (hours? days?), thereby resetting the BIOS to factory settings, reassembling, then trying again.

"Nothing that's difficult is ever easy."

 

Hi all - been out and about with work. Am sorting out Gobi 1000 drivers to put online, will put the connection manager online as well. All you need to do is stick your SIM card in, boot up and configure the connection manager with your network details - Vodafone's APN is "internet" with web//web as the username/pass.

Something else to bear in mind. That model number denotes a specific customer unit, and a CF-19K is not exactly an old unit - 1 year roughly probably. There is a chance that the unit may be stolen, did you buy it off ebay, or a private sale?

 

As a sidenote, CF-19/30mk3 devices converted to EFI, not using BIOS/CMOS any more. The data is stored in non-volatile memory now, so removing the battery/letting it run out shouldn't reset the data.

As for getting in to the BIOS, do not just blindly hold down F2, I don't think that often works. My tactic would be (from power off) turn on the device and then repeatedly press F2 until you either see the EFI setup screen or see Windows booting. If Windows still persists to boot, then something is wrong, probably with the keyboard. The fact the FN keys weren't working originally in Win7 means it's not a Panasonic image installed, and sounds like a half job. Maybe the keyboard has been damaged at some point.

 

Good to know (that's why we come to the Forum to exchange ideas/information ).

He stated that the [Fn] keys are now working under Win7. He needs to follow the Windows® 7 Upgrade Step-by-Step Guide I referenced and install the Hotkey Driver. the Tablet Buttons Driver and the Tablet Button Manager. This will help determine if the [F2] key is actually working or not.

 

Indeed - my comment about the Fn keys formerly not working is that the guy who sold it was probably not too IT-literate, which lends credence to the stolen unit possibility.

Anygreg: when in Win7, do the Fn-F1 and Fn-F2 buttons work to decrease and increase the screen brightness?

 

'bought it on eBay' am now lost and a bit worried....can't afford to get my fingers burnt on this one guys!

 

yes, all function keys wrk correctly now, installed and followed the Panasonic windows 7 guide.

 

Time to "make the call":

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/516877-stolen-not-stolen-question.html

 

European helpdesk number for UK is 08709 079 079 - if I were you I'd ring the helpdesk, supply the model number & serial number and ask. Actually I'd email so it is in "writing" ([email protected]).

If they say nothing you're in the clear. If a year later you have any problems saying it is stolen you can point back to the email and you'd be fine.

 

Try pressing "Del" at the blue Panasonic screen.

 

Have you tried a external keyboard yet?

 

Just contacted panasonic, although they cannot release any info of previous owner etc due to data protection (also explained the warranty is with the original owner as well), they did state that the item was not of concern or on any lists, but did not expand on that, so i guess thats all good. Still had me worried, having parted with my hard earned cash!
Lesson learn't always check BEFORE purchase!

 

Ran a keyboard test app, all working correct....just seems like the bios function has been disabled, gonna do some more digging and see what i can come up with, just relieved the thing is legit

 

Did you try the "Del" key?

Quote from the CF-19K Reference Manual:

Starting the Setup Utility

1 Turn on or restart the computer.

2 Press F2 or Del while [Panasonic] boot screen is displayed soon after the computer starts
the startup procedure.
When [Enter Password] is displayed, enter your password.
When you start the Setup Utility with Supervisor Password
􀁺 You can make the settings of all items of the Setup Utility.
When you start the Setup Utility with User Password
􀁺 Note the following:
• In the [Advanced] and [Boot] menus, you cannot make the settings of all items.
• In the [Security] menu, you can change only the User Password when [User Password Protection] is set to
[No Protection]. You cannot delete the User Password.
• In the [Exit] menu, you cannot make the setting of [Load Default Values] and [Boot Override].
• F9 (Setup Defaults) does not function.

 

I have exactly the same toughbook, same model no. & to access the bios on mine it's F10. Give that a try

 

You could also try removing the hard drive and boot it up that way and pressing either F2 or "del" to access the BIOS. It might be worth a shot.

 

And then you could post on here who the seller was so that we are warned

Where are we at with it? Did you try F10?