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    MK3 swap

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by r.wyll, Nov 3, 2014.

  1. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    I just procured a MK3 CF-30 from the bay. I am awaiting arrival. Supposed to have a gps, 2gb of ram, and wwan capable. No hdd, caddy, dvd, or wwan sled. Can I use these items from my MK1? I will get an exact model number shortly.
     
    r.wyll, Nov 3, 2014
    #1
  2. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Yes you can swap those over
     
    Shawn, Nov 3, 2014
    #2
  3. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    I have done the same thing twice...from the MK1 to the MK2 and then from the MK2 to the MK3
     
    toughasnails, Nov 3, 2014
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  4. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Will this unit theoretically be faster? I was told I could install 64 bit win 7 and could run 8gb of memory. Is this true? And what are my options with upgrading the WWAN?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    r.wyll, Nov 3, 2014
    #4
  5. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    Yes it has been done but to get all the drivers working is not fun sometimes and you really don't need 64bit on it...32bit works great with W7, 4GB and a SSD. It's all you need
     
    toughasnails, Nov 3, 2014
    #5
  6. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    ^^^THIS^^^

    Exactly what you need to do! It will only be faster (in my opinion) if you added an SSD for the hard drive. The prices are so low these days you are crazy if you don't!
     
    Toughbook, Nov 3, 2014
    #6
  7. CWB32

    CWB32 Need parts for my flying saucer.

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    i agree ... the difference in boot times , program execution and "screen rendering" is well worth the investment .
    (not to mention all those updates when reloading an OS !)
    Computer Hardware, SSDs, Internal SSDs, SAMSUNG - Newegg.com
    samsung has pretty much become the "base" when it comes to a simple straight-forward upgrade :
    good ratings
    good value
    good performance
     
    CWB32, Nov 4, 2014
    #7
  8. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    What about the WWAN. I think I have a gobi 1000. How can I tell and what are my upgrade options?


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    r.wyll, Nov 4, 2014
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  9. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    You should be able to upgrade to the Gobi 2000 I think... If you don't already have that installed. But unless you need the WWAN to be protected at all costs I think you would be much better off either buying a hotspot or upgrading your cell phone to tether wifi. Personally I use a Verizon 4G hotspot that is attached to the side of my CF-31 with industrial strength Velcro. (On the DVD cover) I can tether other things like iPads or a friends laptop if they want/need the Internet at the same time.

    I have had this setup for 3+ years and have used it all day, every day and the hotspot will not fall off. The only pain (if you can call it that) is that I need to recharge it separately... But then I carry a USB to Micro USB adapter in my bag for times I need it.
     
    Toughbook, Nov 4, 2014
    #9
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  10. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Is there a 4G/LTE wireless card compatible with a CF-30?


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    r.wyll, Nov 4, 2014
    #10
  11. capt.dogfish

    capt.dogfish The Curmudgeon

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    I'm with Rick. I'm currently with AT&T and my wireless hotspot only costs me $10 a month. When Verisuck/FIOS acts up at home Mrs. Dogfish just connects to the hotspot and I don't have to listen to her problems. Just look at the number of threads on this forum dealing with getting the accursed WWAN cards to work. One little hotspot works with every computer you, your family, and your friends have. The internals just aren't worth the hassle.
    CAP
     
    capt.dogfish, Nov 4, 2014
    #11
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  12. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Anyone tried a CF-31 wwan card with the 4g lte coverage?
     
    r.wyll, Nov 4, 2014
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  13. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Shawn, Nov 4, 2014
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  14. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Got the mk3 in. CF-30KCP542M


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    r.wyll, Nov 7, 2014
    #14
  15. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Put in caddy with XP. Would not boot up. Didn't have time to fiddle with it. My lady was waiting to be taken to dinner.


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    r.wyll, Nov 7, 2014
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  16. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    It has a vista COA , Boots to bios


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    r.wyll, Nov 7, 2014
    #16
  17. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    This is what you have...

    Model Number : CF-30KCP542M
    Status : DISCONTINUED
    MSRP : $2,200


    Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo SL9300 1.60GHz (Centrino2), vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, TPM1.2, Bluetooth, GPS, Dual Pass (Upper:WWAN/Lower:GPS), Gobi, Emissive Backlit Keyboard, No Drive, Toughbook Preferred
     
    toughasnails, Nov 8, 2014
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  18. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415448935.538432.jpg

    Without hdd


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    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  19. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Is it a China made caddy?....
    Try a booting a Linux live cd...I like Zorin..... Zorin OS - Free editions

    Can you post a photo of the first page of the BIOS?
     
    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
    #19
  20. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415449190.615504.jpg
    With caddy . No problems using caddy in mk1



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    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  21. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415449330.539974.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415449349.155585.jpg


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  22. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    That means Windows XP is having driver problems going from a Mk1 to a Mk3..
    Win7 will repair itself and work, but Win XP is not able to repair itself enough to work.

    Sometimes I have been lucky and did a repair reinstall of XP and it worked, saving all of my setup...Other times a complete format and reload was needed...
     
    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
    #22
  23. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Starts loading up at XP screen and then flashes and reboots to Panasonic screen.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  24. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    When you first ask about swapping everything, we all figured that you knew that you would have to reinstall Windows...

    Our response to the original question should have been "Yes the hardware will swap and work, but the Windows needs to be reinstalled."
    You will not get Win XP to work in the Mk3 without reinstalling it....You will just get errors and bluescreens....
     
    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
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  25. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Should I order a mk3 xp disc or should I just go ahead and get win 7?


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    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  26. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    I would go with Win7 32bit..

    Win7 64 bit works on a mk3, but the drivers can be a hassle because Panasonic never installed 64bit.

    Win XP mk3 recovery disk from Panasonic will install a perfect working drive in 15 minutes..
     
    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
    #26
  27. CWB32

    CWB32 Need parts for my flying saucer.

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    CWB32, Nov 8, 2014
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  28. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    Install W7 Pro... It is easy and the process is documented in several areas around here.
     
    Toughbook, Nov 8, 2014
    #28
  29. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    I found a site online that has the download and key for $72.99 but no coa. Do any of you know where I can get a win 7 pro download with key and coa? I'm really wanting to get this set up this weekend so I can use it for work next week.
    Is it really that important to have a coa?
     
    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
    #29
  30. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  31. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Well they do give phone number contact information and will mail a COA....

    I personally try to find sites that give a real mailing address or site location...
     
    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
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  32. CWB32

    CWB32 Need parts for my flying saucer.

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    most all of the downloadable OSes do not have a little piece of paper with the key and a MS originated blurb about authenticity (did you ever notice how all of the different manufacturer COAs look the same ?) .
    a COA is not really needed ... just the key .
    yeah , if you read the installation instructions for a hard copy you can buy off the shelf it will tell you to affix the COA and key combo sticker to the machine ... this is only because both items are printed on the same piece of paper (call it consumer confidence/selling point) .
     
    CWB32, Nov 8, 2014
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  33. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    Toughbook, Nov 8, 2014
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  34. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    This is a subject that will cause interpretation arguments that will never end..

    The official MSoft document is here... http://oem.microsoft.com/public/worldwide/refurb/microsoft_refurbished_pc_licensing_guidelines.pdf

    That being said....If I use the recovery media to restore the original shipped version of Win anything on my Toughbook, I guarantee you the installed key will not match the COA on the base..They don't match from the factory. :rolleyes:

    To make it even more confusing..Panasonic sold a lot of Toughbooks with a different COA than the installed Windows version..XP installed with a Vista or even Win7 COA..

    If I "refurbish" one of these and use the XP oem recovery disk, I won't have a XP COA on it, but with the original motherboard and case, it's legal........ :rolleyes:

    According to the MS document, you will need the COA sticker for a RETAIL version...
    Do I agree with the 1984 "doublespeak". :rolleyes: :rolleyes:...That's a topic for another forum with looser policies...
     
    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
    #34
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  35. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Where can I find instructions specific to the mk3 CF-30 for win 7 install?


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    r.wyll, Nov 8, 2014
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  36. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Shawn, Nov 8, 2014
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  37. CWB32

    CWB32 Need parts for my flying saucer.

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    the link to "project_contact" ...
    i have ordered from this chap in the past and it is legit .
    both disks will come in the same pack .
     
    CWB32, Nov 8, 2014
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  38. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    So far so good. All drivers installed in correct order. Only problem is I lost the password for the Mobilink modem for AT&T. Gonna have to sit on the phone with them Monday. Where can I get the newest version of Mobilink? I have only found 2. Looking for 3.


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    r.wyll, Nov 9, 2014
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  39. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Shawn, Nov 9, 2014
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  40. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    All was good until earlier. Win 7 went through all its updates. I installed streets and trips. I installed open office. Used streets with gps on the way to New Orleans. Powered down. Tried to power up, but can't get past blue opening "panasonic" screen. Not even giving the F2 option. Just stuck like that.
     
    r.wyll, Nov 10, 2014
    #40
  41. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    Try booting without the caddy in. Let's see if you can get the "F2" then
     
    toughasnails, Nov 10, 2014
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  42. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Same


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    r.wyll, Nov 10, 2014
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  43. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    pull the WWAN card and boot
     
    Shawn, Nov 10, 2014
    #43
  44. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Pulled WWAN sled. Pulled multi-drive. Pulled caddy. Pulled battery. Same


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    r.wyll, Nov 10, 2014
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  45. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    pull ram also ....

    unplug ac

    remove battery

    cycle power switch several times..holding it in the on position for 5 to 10 seconds each time

    reinstall 1 ram stick and see if it boots without drives
     
    Shawn, Nov 10, 2014
    #45
  46. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    Same


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    r.wyll, Nov 10, 2014
    #46
  47. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    well it's obviously a hardware issue....
    The thing is hanging on POST....

    Pause to rant....The fact we can't turn off that *%^#)(@% blue screen and see the verbose POST text, that tells us what's wrong, *@(%#* me off to no end.

    Getting more involved, you can continue to remove hardware items. WIFI card, modem, GPS, bluetooth, .....even the keyboard...
    Any sd cards or PCMCIA cards in those slots...Any USB devices..

    Strip it down as much as possible and see if it will get past POST..

    POST= Power On Self Test

    Oh ya....try both ram sticks individually..
     
    Shawn, Nov 10, 2014
    #47
  48. r.wyll

    r.wyll Notebook Geek

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    What if not....worse case scenario?


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    r.wyll, Nov 10, 2014
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  49. Shawn

    Shawn Crackpot Search Ninja and Options Whore

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    Motherboard went south is worst case possibility.....
     
    Shawn, Nov 10, 2014
    #49
  50. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    Let's not think about that :eek: . Something like that happen to me a while back and it was the memory. Try one at a time then do what Shawn said if it does not work.
     
    toughasnails, Nov 10, 2014
    #50
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