View Full Version : Wiping system
IntermixDesigns
Aug 20, 2008, 02:19 PM
I want to know how to my wipe my system clean and get it to its original state. I already have everything backed up, but the problem is I don't remember installing anything from a CD when I got my computer. My computer is two years old and it's a Toshiba laptop. I've kept everything from when I first bought it and I don't remember installing anything. I just remember getting a paper that gave me a product key which was for the trial version of Microsoft Office.
When I first got it which was at Best Buy, they offered to install everything for me and set it up, so I wonder if they installed anything from a CD and just tossed the CD when they gave me the computer. Right now I have a virus that I just can't get rid of and I hope that wiping my system will get rid of it. That and my computer runs a little slower than I would like. If anyone can help me out on this I would really appreciate it.
JBeaucaire
Aug 20, 2008, 05:20 PM
Please look under your laptop, find the exact/full model # and post it here.
Most laptops have a secret partition on the hard drive called a RECOVERY PARTITION that is designed to help restore the operating system or do a FACTORY RESTORE back the way it was when it first came out of the box. I think that's what you're looking for.
On my laptop, when I first turn it on, of I start pressing F11 right away, it brings up the Recovery Console where I can accomplish this restore/recovery. I'm sure your laptop has something similar.
IntermixDesigns
Aug 20, 2008, 09:17 PM
Please look under your laptop, find the exact/full model # and post it here.
Most laptops have a secret partition on the hard drive called a RECOVERY PARTITION that is designed to help restore the operating system or do a FACTORY RESTORE back the way it was when it first came out of the box. I think that's what you're looking for.
On my laptop, when I first turn it on, of I start pressing F11 right away, it brings up the Recovery Console where I can accomplish this restore/recovery. I'm sure your laptop has something similar.
My model #: PSMB0U-015007
seahwk83
Aug 20, 2008, 11:06 PM
Toshiba PSMB0U-015007 Model M115-S3094 Notebook
Product Specs
Toshiba Support - (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_outFrm.jsp?moid=1468771&rpn=PSMB0U&ct=DS&soid=1525082&BV_SessionID=@@@@0286204532.1219296434@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadeemfhlfehcgfkceghdgngdgnn.0)
Users Guide
Toshiba Support - (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_docTOC.jsp?moid=1468771&rpn=PSMB0U&ct=UG&soid=1524529&BV_SessionID=@@@@0286204532.1219296434@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadeemfhlfehcgfkceghdgngdgnn.0)
There was no information on how to do a system restore in the users guide above and also a resource guide I found
Now I would think there would be a hidden partition, if not an XP disc
If you go to Start and then progrms, are there any Toshiba Utility folders there with programs that may assist you in making restore disks. If this is the case, it would not help if you would have to make one now with a possible virus.
I would contact support - either through e-mail or online support
Toshiba Support
Toshiba Support - Model Landing (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_modelLanding.jsp?moid=1468771&rpn=PSMB0U&ct=MH&soid=1525082&ignore_sn=true&BV_SessionID=@@@@0286204532.1219296434@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadeemfhlfehcgfkceghdgngdgnn.0)
For reference, if needed
Laptop was shipped with XP and Vista, don't know what you have
How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
http://askiris.toshiba.com/ToshibaSupportSite/dynamickc.do?externalId=defaultaspxkbid307654html5&sliceId=&command=show&forward=nonthreadedKC&kcId=defaultaspxkbid307654html5
Keep this site handy for future if needed - Ask Iris
http://askiris.toshiba.com/ToshibaSupportSite/supportcentral/supportcentral.do?id=m1
Hopefully JBeaucaire may have some better luck with finding out about restore factory settings, I gave it a shot
JBeaucaire
Aug 21, 2008, 06:22 AM
It doesn't appear that model had a recovery partition or a recovery disk creator, so it likely came with recovery disk(s) that have been, ah, misplaced.
Call Toshiba Customer Support and order a set of replacement disk(s).
Customer Service: (800) 457-7777
I believe they will need the notebook serial number and a credit card for the $40 charge. Don't lose the disks after you get them!
ScottGem
Aug 21, 2008, 06:26 AM
Toshibas did routinely come with a Recovery CD during the time you cite. Best Buy should have included that in the box. If you can't find it, then contact Toshiba support as advised. You will probably have to pay a nominal fee fdor a new disk.