The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    WTB/B USB Floppy Drive

    Discussion in 'ToughBook Buy Sell and Trade Forum' started by TopCop1988, Sep 19, 2011.

  1. TopCop1988

    TopCop1988 Toughbook Aficionado

    Reputations:
    456
    Messages:
    1,786
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Want to Buy or Borrow:

    I find myself needing a USB floppy drive in order to repair a Windows 98 installation in my Mk2 CF-M34.

    Unfortunately, this unit requires the use of one of two specific Panasonic USB drives:

    CF-VFDU01 or CF-VFDU03

    Since I need this drive primarily for this specific usage, I would prefer to either buy one at a reasonable price, or borrow one just long enough to effect the repair.

    If "The Price Is Right" ;) I am willing to buy one outright.

    However, if you really want to keep yours, I would return it as soon as the repair is completed.

    If you have one of these you want to sell or are willing to loan, either PM or e-mail me.

    Thanks.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    TopCop1988, Sep 19, 2011
    #1
  2. TopCop1988

    TopCop1988 Toughbook Aficionado

    Reputations:
    456
    Messages:
    1,786
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Don't know: the Model Numbers CF-VFDU01 & CF-VFDU03 show up in the BIOS as the only two USB floppy drives identified by the BIOS.

    The CF-M34 doesn't have a port like that; so, I doubt it (haven't seen one of the correct ones yet).
     
    TopCop1988, Sep 19, 2011
    #1
  3. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    4,081
    Messages:
    4,293
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    106
    That plug on the end fits into the docking station btw
     
    Alex, Sep 19, 2011
    #2
  4. boomtown

    boomtown Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    203
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hello. The drive on the picture connects to older docking stations. You can't connect it directly to the computer. TopCop, I have CF-VFDU03 floppy drive. Have no problem lending it to you. You will have to pay postage from Canada.
    Regards, Voytek. PS, I will trade it for tested memory module for CF-28 MKIII.
    Crucial or Kingston 512MB.
     
    boomtown, Sep 19, 2011
    #3
  5. TopCop1988

    TopCop1988 Toughbook Aficionado

    Reputations:
    456
    Messages:
    1,786
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Let me work on that trade. :)

    Along with Kingston and Crucial, how about Axiom (Panasonic's OEM supplier) or Samsung? :confused:
     
    TopCop1988, Sep 20, 2011
    #4
  6. Springfield

    Springfield Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    507
    Messages:
    942
    Likes Received:
    127
    Trophy Points:
    56
    If it helps, I've also seen "Buffalo" brand ram in some CF-28 Mk3's that looked like OEM.

    I've also read the old Toughbooks would recognize some Sony and IBM brand USB drives.
     
    Springfield, Sep 20, 2011
    #5
  7. TopCop1988

    TopCop1988 Toughbook Aficionado

    Reputations:
    456
    Messages:
    1,786
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Good to know. :)
    Well, it sure didn't see the Dəll/NEC FDDM-101 USB drive I have. :(
     
    TopCop1988, Sep 20, 2011
    #6
  8. Springfield

    Springfield Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    507
    Messages:
    942
    Likes Received:
    127
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Small world, I have an ex-SAPD too!

    Let me know if things don't work out, I have a CF-VFD01 to loan but you need the dock for it. Also have a CF-VDRRT3 external USB CD/DVD that should work on any/most CF-M34 -- have used it on 700 MHz and up but forgot if I tried it on the older ones ....
     
    Springfield, Sep 20, 2011
    #7
  9. TopCop1988

    TopCop1988 Toughbook Aficionado

    Reputations:
    456
    Messages:
    1,786
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    FOLLOWUP:

    Project is currently On Hold.

    I disassembled one of my CF-29 floppy drives to get its drive's Model Number ( Teac FD-05HG 8833-U), then located a universal USB floppy drive containing the Teac drive Model Number on ebaY™ and bought it.

    If, when it comes in, it does not do the job, I'll get back to those who've responded so helpfully here and move forth from there.

    Until then, I've got my fingers crossed. ;) :)

    Thanks for the assistance! :notworthy:

    Update:

    The USB floppy drive I bought off ebaY™ came in; it's an HP/Teac FD-05PUB.

    With the Mk2 M-34's BIOS set to use a Panasonic CF-VFDU03 drive, the unit recognized the HP drive just fine. :)

    I am in the process of repairing the Mk2's original Win98SE installation; so "All's Well That Ends Well."
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    TopCop1988, Sep 22, 2011
    #8
  10. TopCop1988

    TopCop1988 Toughbook Aficionado

    Reputations:
    456
    Messages:
    1,786
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Final followup:

    HP USB floppy drive worked like a charm and Win98SE installation repaired.

    Thanks for the help.     :)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    TopCop1988, Oct 12, 2011
    #9