[SteveK]

have 2 Hitachi Visionbook Pro laptops, both models 7630, however one is labelled 7630W98 and the other is 7630. They have the same configuration from what I can tell, CPU size and speed, RAM, features. The only difference that I can see that matters here is the BIOS versions. I upgraded the BIOS from the Hitachi site while it existed for both of them. The W98 is Phoenix BIOS Release 4.0 v6.0.4 with the name 1.03MB; the other one is Phoenix BIOS Release 4.0 v6.0 with the name 1.03MC.
Having said all that, I am trying to upgrade the OS to WinXP using a new HD (40GB) and fresh full install. It works and the HD boots both laptops with no issues. When I do so on the W98 the fan stops running when XP is loaded and starts when it is unloaded. On the 7630, the fan starts and stops normally whether the OS is loaded or not.
My question, therefore, is can I do the BIOS update on the W98 model to use the MC BIOS without causing problems?

 

[speedster123]

Steve, are you installing the same op system (1 key) on 2 different computers?

 

[SteveK]

nope

Actually, I am moving the 40GB XP hard drive between the 2 machines. Since they are 400 miles apart, I can configure the HD on one machine and send it to the other. It is put into that machine and works.

 

[twajetmech]

You cannot swap a HD with XP on it between machines....the OS will not correctly identify the hardware on any machine other than the one it was loaded on...MS would also consider this circumventing their EULA unless you plan on purchasing another HD for the other machine and another copy of XP, and the forum cannot offer any assistance in circumventing the MS EULA....if that is not your intent then please reply.

 

[SteveK]

reply

Thanks for the response, I posted this question elsewhere in TSF and no one even answered. In reply to you--
1. As I stated I am configuring the HD in one machine for use in another, which is the same make and model. The reason is that the two machines are 400 miles apart and this allows me to work on it and then take it there for use.
2. There is no intention of violating any licensing here at all. The intent is above.
3. The HD actually does work properly in both machines and all hardware works, maybe because they are the same model and make???
4. I will not be using the same HD in two machines for anything other configuration as above.
5. If I upgrade the other machine to XP, it will be on a new HD with a new installation with a new key.
6. So what about the BIOS question???
Hope this clears up any concerns you had earlier.

 

[dai]

no they look different and do not match up from what you have posted

 

[twajetmech]

It does...and yes you are correct, it works only because the two machines are the same. As for the bios update, I could find no real info on those laptops, other than for a lot of accessories. I would hesitate to say you can use a different model's bios in the other computer, while they may both have the same specs, it is possible that they have different motherboards/chipsets. Nor could I find anything on Hitachi's website other than "Hitachi no longer sells or markets Notebook PCs in the United States. Support for existing notebooks can be obtained through the Hitachi PC Corporation web site or by contacting [email protected]. The Hitachi PC web site will serve as a service/support site for Hitachi PC notebook and desktop computer products through December 31, 2002."
So it looks as though all support for Hitachi laptops have been discontiued as of 2002. I would not risk playing with bios versions, since if you mess up or it doesn't work, you'll have no ability to get a new cmoss chip. Best Bet would then be to just get another HD and copy of XP and/or an external HD that you can use to xfer large files with back and forth. Wish I had better news to report.