Thinkpads Forum

Hi All,

I just received a 4.3GB HD which I want to use to upgrade my 701C's 795(?)MB original.

Can anyone point me to a "how-to" that shows the upgrade process? I know I need a small fat16 partition for something. Also, I plan on loading 98SE. Would SE lite be better?

Thanks for the help!

Upgrading your 701 depends on several factors...
Does your 701 have a pcmia CD drive?
Do you have access to a 3.5" to 2.5" IDE adapter for
an existing desktop? or an external USB 2.5" case for laptop HD.
Do you have a floppy drive for your 701c?

The easiest would be 3.5" to 2.5" adapter... basiclly after formating
your drive, and making it bootable you would create a directory (folder) with all the install files from your Win 98 CD version on the new drive and run (win32.exe or winnt.exe... one installs 32 bit
the 16bit fat)

Also the install will go faster if you load smartdrive (disk caching pgm)

Thanks for the response.

I do have a 3.5" to 2.5" IDE adaptor (to load programs via my pc IDE) and floppy drive for the 701, but no CD drive.

Understand your good idea on loading the win98 files to a folder from my pc before installing in the 701.

I also have Partition Magic 7 to make a fat 16 partition. But how big, and where does it go, and what is it called? The current drive (installed in the machine) only shows C: drive?

Also, don't I have to load a bunch of 701C specific drivers (sound, modem, etc.) and software? Where can I find them? Does the fat 16 get something loaded into that section?

Sorry for the "101" level questions and thanks again for any help!

Several years ago I upgraded a TP701 with a 6.4 gig hdd. I copied the Windows 98 cd onto the hard drive and installed with that. As I recall, Windows 98 has the modem, video and audio drivers that are compatible to the 701. Try it and see. If you will need anything, it shouldn't be a problem finding it.

My understanding of the need for 16bit partition is that if you
use any of the original power saving applications (hiberbate battery meter etc.) they need to run from it.

If you load WIN 98 SE you'll get most of functions offered...
I upgraded a 701c to 8 gig HD without the 16bit partition... all
32 bit and had no problems also Office 97 runs fine on it
as long as you have max memory 40MB. I don't know if the
modem will be worthwhile in a Highspeed world I believe its
less than 14.4K ? If you have cable network available a pcmia
card (16bit) would be a good choice... Orinco cards work great
at top speeds. USB is out because of its need for 32 bit.