System Recovery and Recovery Media

[james_97223]

Hello Everyone,

I would be grateful for any help. My drive can read the recovery disc, asks if i want to recover drivers or out of box install.  I always choose out of box.  Screen says it will shut down...leave disc in drive....  The computer restarts and returns to normal desktop function, as if I didn't ask for a recovery.  Something is preventing the recovery process from continuing.

Here's why I want to do a clean install recovery.  (I've done them before when I picked up viruses/worms or something.  Although a pain, it's often the only and best way to fix the problem.)

Yesterday, I picked up something that hijacked web links and open many web tabs to bogus sites.  I installed Hijack This got a list of everything, most stuff I recognized from task processes.  But I didn't do anything.  Now my system is haywire all over the place, saying this and that need to close. 

I would be very grateful for any help.  Is the hard drive beyond my recovery and I need to send it in?

Sincerely,

jim calloway

ps I read the post guidelines and hope that this post winds up in the correct listing.  Please excuse me if I have erred.

[Jerry_Lippey]

Satellite A105-S2091 

James, I just wonder if maybe that virus changed your master boot record.

To repair that, you will need either to boot into the Recovery Console or from a floppy drive. If you have a Windows XP installation disc handy, then the first one is easy. Likewise, it's easy to fix from a floppy drive. Which do you prefer?

[james_97223]

Thanks for your reply Jerry,

I have the orig recovery disc.   This is what happens when I use it.  The recovery disc program asks me if I want to recover drivers or out of box recovery.  (I've tried both).  What happens next is:  I get a box saying system must shut down and restart, which it does.  Then I get my desktop back and executabilty.  Nothing further happens.  I don't get what's supposed to be the next sceen with it's progress bar.   It's as if I never tried recovery function.  I've done several recoveries and know the procedures and what to expect. 

This is what leads me to drive breakdown.  It's my first assumption and I'm likely wrong.  The problem you mentioned, can you tell me more? 

Thank you again, jim

[Jerry_Lippey]

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I get my desktop back..

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I missed this before, Jim. If the desktop is accessible, then the master boot record is not to blame.

And it doesn't sound like hardware is responsible either.

Possibly, the recovery disc is bad. You can order another by calling Toshiba Customer Service at 800-457-7777. They will want your computer's serial number and a credit card number.

[james_97223]

Thank you very much for your help Jerry; I appreciate it immensely. - jim

[Jerry_Lippey]

Happy to help.