Toshiba L300 problem Pls Help!

Kaybenson

Hi Folks,

I have problem in accessing my laptop for 2 days now. On switching it on, the will be like a -(minus sign) on the screen. I have tried few things;
1) On trying F8, it will take me to a page that says 'Toshiba Leading Innovation' which will then ask me to press F2 to go to set up OR F12 to go to system set up. I choose F12.

Do i press and hold or presss intermitently.

Any other options expert?

Thanks

xyz123

what operating system are you running?

Try to get into safe mode by quick and repeated pressing of F8 as soon as you hit the power on button.

Kaybenson

xyz123 wrote: »

what operating system are you running?

Try to get into safe mode by quick and repeated pressing of F8 as soon as you hit the power on button.

Window vista

For how long can i do this.

At the moment, i nearly use my finger to break the computer through consistent pressing of that key

xyz123

Kaybenson wrote: »

Window vista

For how long can i do this.

At the moment, i nearly use my finger to break the computer through consistent pressing of that key

It shouldnt take that long, perhaps a few seconds. what happens when you keep pressing F8? Does it take you to the screen with two options as described in first post.

Do you have the recovery CD that came with laptop?

Did you get any Blue Screen errors prior to this. am thinking there may be a possibility of corrupt windows installation or corrupt hard drive.

Knarf44

This is usually a sign that your Operating System (OS) has lost it's boot sector or your hard disk has failed. The first problem would require a reinstall of the OS, unless you have a recent image/backup of your system. The second problem means replacing the hard drive and then reinstalling the OS to the new hard drive.

There is a method for repairing the Boot sector but you'll need a Vista disc. Do you have access to one or can you borrow one? If so, instructions are here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392

If you don't have access to a Vista CD then you can download it as an iso file which you then burn to DVD using freeware such as Image Burn. The links to the iso downloads are here:

http://downloadsnfix.blogspot.com.br/2012/08/microsoft-windows-vista-official-iso.html

The first file left hand side is the 32bit version and on the right hand side is the 64bit version.

If the Bootrec doesn't work and get you access to the hard disk then that would strongly suggest you need a new hard disk. You can use the downloaded image of Vista to reinstall it to your new hard disk and use the existing Vista license on your laptop. You may have to go through telephone activation though.

Once you have a working system again you could download a file recovery utility such as Fabs auto backup free and follow the procedure shown in this Youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp1PIg-_9TQ

Post back if you have any questions.

NiftyDigits

Of course if you made recovery discs, you can use them to reinstall Vista.

What if the full model number? PS****-*******? Perhaps I have the recovery discs somewhere.

NiftyDigits

Knarf44 wrote: »

This is usually a sign that your Operating System (OS) has lost it's boot sector or your hard disk has failed. The first problem would require a reinstall of the OS, unless you have a recent image/backup of your system. The second problem means replacing the hard drive and then reinstalling the OS to the new hard drive.

There is a method for repairing the Boot sector but you'll need a Vista disc. Do you have access to one or can you borrow one? If so, instructions are here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392

If you don't have access to a Vista CD then you can download it as an iso file which you then burn to DVD using freeware such as Image Burn. The links to the iso downloads are here:

http://downloadsnfix.blogspot.com.br/2012/08/microsoft-windows-vista-official-iso.html

The first file left hand side is the 32bit version and on the right hand side is the 64bit version.

If the Bootrec doesn't work and get you access to the hard disk then that would strongly suggest you need a new hard disk. You can use the downloaded image of Vista to reinstall it to your new hard disk and use the existing Vista license on your laptop. You may have to go through telephone activation though.

Once you have a working system again you could download a file recovery utility such as Fabs auto backup free and follow the procedure shown in this Youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp1PIg-_9TQ

Post back if you have any questions.

Those are not images. In addition they are without Service Packs. I wouldn't bother with such a palaver when there are direct links to actual images.

Knarf44

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Those are not images. In addition they are without Service Packs. I wouldn't bother with such a palaver when there are direct links to actual images.

The Vista files I linked to are setup files to create iso images. Initially it includes SP1 but there is a link further down the page to download SP2.

Following the links are clear instructions with pictures on how to use the setup files to create the iso image. The instructions also state clearly that it is recommended that SP2 is installed as soon as the OS is installed.

Whether the OP chooses to follow these instructions is up to him/her but if not, others on here might find them useful.