Toshiba laptop recovery without original CD's

[Arcadio]

A client sent me a Toshiba Satellite A215-S5849 to format and reinstall OS, but the recovery cd's are unavailable, and as far as I know, this laptop doesn't include the option to create a recovery CD. The OS is Vista 'ome Basic.

Can I use any Vista CD and use the key on the sticker under the laptop? I've done that with XP countless times, and usually with Vista laptops there is an option to create recovery CD's or reinstall the OS from a recovery partition, but Toshiba doesn't seem to provide either option..

 

[NYJimbo]

<BastardMode>
What you should be asking is why didn't your idea work. What I mean is, if you already have the machine and the Vista discs and the machine has a key sticker then why not just strip down to your underwear, put on some cartoons on the TV, grab a couple of beers and try your theory out. You've got nothing to lose and you would learn alot about this process trying it out on your own. Its likely you will have problems with drivers but you will probably be able to sort them out, providing you can do the install at all.
</BastardMode>

 

[Arcadio]

<BastardMode>
What you should be asking is why didn't your idea work. What I mean is, if you already have the machine and the Vista discs and the machine has a key sticker then why not just strip down to your underwear, put on some cartoons on the TV, grab a couple of beers and try your theory out. You've got nothing to lose and you would learn alot about this process trying it out on your own. Its likely you will have problems with drivers but you will probably be able to sort them out, providing you can do the install at all.
</BastardMode>

I would gladly try that if I 'ad time and underwear on. I got the beer, though.

 

[NYJimbo]

I would gladly try that if I 'ad time and underwear on. I got the beer, though.

Perhaps, but if you started right now and either failed or succeeded you would have a result before anyone here could give you a response with 100% assurance.

 

[MrUnknown]

You can use a regular Vista disk, any disk, retail also to install Vista again. You will have to do phone activation and deal with driver issues if any.

However, you will deprive your client of all the useless software Toshiba had originally installed for them. Only thing somewhat useful but not included would be Works.

 

[Arcadio]

Perhaps, but if you started right now and either failed or succeeded you would have a result before anyone here could give you a response with 100% assurance.

Ok, I will just use my Windows Vista CD. If it works, great! If it doesn't work, then it would not be great.

Let's pretend this thread never existed. And **** Toshiba.

 

[computergeek1]

<BastardMode>
What you should be asking is why didn't your idea work. What I mean is, if you already have the machine and the Vista discs and the machine has a key sticker then why not just strip down to your underwear, put on some cartoons on the TV, grab a couple of beers and try your theory out. You've got nothing to lose and you would learn alot about this process trying it out on your own. Its likely you will have problems with drivers but you will probably be able to sort them out, providing you can do the install at all.
</BastardMode>

Nice one NYJimbo, that was very funny. LOL

 

[Arcadio]

You can use a regular Vista disk, any disk, retail also to install Vista again. You will have to do phone activation and deal with driver issues if any.

However, you will deprive your client of all the useless software Toshiba had originally installed for them. Only thing somewhat useful but not included would be Works.

Thanks for that. The Toshiba extra software wouldn't be a big deal.. I will start looking for drivers while Vista installs.

 

[Larry Sabo]

My suggestion is to throw it against the wall a few times, so you have something specific to fix, or can write it off with a clear conscience.

 

[lawson_jl]

You guys threw out all the good comments before I could post my own. Oh well I'll do the serious comment then.

In all seriousness this is basic computer repair 101. Any tech who is charging money to fix PCs should know which disc(s) they can use in reinstalling Windows. If you don't the basics you shouldn't be charging for your services. A Google search is always a wealth of information on any topic.

 

[MrUnknown]

While I would also consider it 101, most techs know that each XP disk is different, the switch to one CD for everything is new and it is assumed that Vista is like XP.

In my case, I just went ahead and gave it a shot and found out it worked.

 

[Doctor Micro]

I start a fire, dance around it, toss some sage into the fire and chant some incantations before passing the peace pipe around. I then prepare for the sacrifice to the Great White Box Buffalo by cursing the name Toshiba before completing the sacrifice by tossing the laptop into the fire.

Problem solved.

I've usually resorted to throwing bones in the air and reading the entrails of goats, but I think I like your solution better.

Back on topic for a sec. Unlike HP and some Dells, most Toshiba laptops I've run across do not have a recovery partition that you can access at boot. They do have a 1,4GB diagnostic partition, but it's only accessed from a working OS or by booting from the first recovery CD. Because Toshiba's are such a PITA, I make a copy of every Toshiba Recovery CD sets that cross my desk. If time is not an issue, there are a number of sites on eBay that sell Toshiba Recovery CD sets for various models.

 

[joydivision]

It must be great testiment to Vista that my Vista CDs have been gathering dust for months. I have both OEM Vista Premium and a Dell Vista one.

Just had to install Vista Basic on a Toshiba tonight, no problems at all. There is one issue though, its full of Dell branding but I spoke to Microsofot about this and they did not have an issue with the media used as longs as the COA was valid. I will just replace the Dell branding with my own.

 

[ITMAN]

jumping in on this guys, sorry

I have Toshiba L300 on the bench, and they didnt create recovery DVD, vista wont run startup repair, or HDD recovery and it wont boot in to any / startup mode

I can browse the drive, and see the recovery partition. My question is, before I do format with Vista home disc, IS there a way to create the boot CD's from the recovery partition?

IE i have all the files, and access the disc creation program, but it doesnt work

Thanks

 

[MM PC Solutions]

I am feeling generous at the moment so here go's...

Esc-F1

Install Vista

Toshiba site for drivers

Voila!

A nice clean install with none of the crap!

£50 please.

 

[JW The Computer Guy]

It works but...

Your method will work, but vista will think your product key is not valid (it's a bug) and a window will appear prompting you to enter a different key, just reenter the same one used to install and it will activate, not sure if this bug has been fixed yet.

 

[ell]

Thanks for that. The Toshiba extra software wouldn't be a big deal.. I will start looking for drivers while Vista installs.

boot with ubcd4win and use the driver backup program to backup to a flash drive. Makes it easier.

 

[atlanticjim]

I can browse the drive, and see the recovery partition. My question is, before I do format with Vista home disc, IS there a way to create the boot CD's from the recovery partition?
Thanks

Press 0 (zero) while powering up to access the Toshiba Recovery Wizard and the Restore Partition. You can then restore the computer to OOB state although you may have to load the drivers. In that case there will be a shortcut on the desktop for driver installation.

More detail here.

I hate/love Toshiba laptops. They are always such a challenge because they configure things oddly and add all sort of additional security. Bypassing the BioMetric lock is probably my favorite.

 

[ITMAN]

Cheers guys,

none of those worked, so ordered a new recovery CD for £30 (client paid)

https://backupmedia.toshiba.eu/

cheers