Answer

There may come a time when you would either need or simply want to "start over" with the software image on your computer. This "start over" (or "Recovery") will restore the software on your computer back to its original factory condition. The down side of this process is that you will LOSE ALL DATA and programs that were not preinstalled at the factory.

There are several ways to perform the recovery process.

The easiest method is to use the your free recovery options.

Most in- warranty Toshiba computers have a special hidden recovery image containing everything needed to restore your software to its factory-fresh state. Click here for instructions on using this FREE option.

** If your Toshiba laptop does not have the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator application your only option to create free recovery media is to visit this link from Microsoft on How to Create a Recover Drive

The next method is to use CD or DVD disks created especially for this purpose. You can make recovery disks, with blank CD or DVD disks that you provide, using the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator utility. You can make as many "sets" of the disks as you like (please note that the disk sets are specific to YOUR machine and cannot be used to "recover" other computers.) Toshiba recommends you keep at least one set of disks to use in case of an emergency.

You can also create recovery media on USB media.

NOTE: Not all machines offer both CD and DVD options. DVDs provide much larger storage capacity thus requiring fewer disks to make up the set.

For additional information about the TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator, CLICK HERE.

Create Recovery Media:

USB MEDIA

CLICK HERE to watch a video that walks you through step-by step how to create recovery media on USB media.

DVD MEDIA

CLICK HERE to watch a video that walks you through step-by step how to create recovery media on DVD's.

1. To use the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator click on the START button in the lower left hand portion of the screen.
2. Type "recovery" in to the Search bar. As you type results will start populating the menu. The more you type the more "refined" the list will become, giving fewer and fewer options as you "narrow" the search.
   Note: If the results do not include the "Recovery Media Creator" utility, type "Toshiba recovery" in the search bar and try again.
3. Next, select RECOVERY MEDIA CREATOR from the options presented to you.
   Note: The option may also be "Toshiba Recovery Media Creator", "Toshiba Recovery Disck Creator" or "Recovery Disk Creator".
4. Select YES when prompted with the dialoge box stating, "Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to your computer?"
5. The TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator window will open.
   
6. Within the MEDIA SELECTION area place checkmarks in the boxes next to the options you desire. The "System Recovery Media" option will make a disk set that will perform a complete recovery of your software.
   Note: Some models include the option to create "Application Disks". This option will allow you to create a disk set you can use to reinstall programs you specifically select from a list of applications originally shipped with the computer.
   Note: The "Media Set" section allows you to select the type of media you prefer, the example shows the default selection; DVDs.
7. The INFORMATION box indicates what type of disks, and how many of them, you will need in order to create the disk sets you’ve selected.
   Note: Take the time to label the disks as you create them in order to avoid confusion later.
8. Checking the VERIFY box on the lower Left will allow the program to check the data as it is being written to the disks. Selecting this option will take longer for the application to create the disks but will ensure the disks are in good working order when completed.
9. Place a blank disk into your CD-ROM/DVD drive then select the CREATE button on the lower Right of the page. Follow the on-screen instructions as you move through the process inserting new disks as the program requests them. Note: It may take several moments for the disk to become available after you close the drive.

Additional Information:

1. The path to the Toshiba Media Creator Utility is not identical on each machine. If you want to locate      the specific location of the application you can use:
   • Start menu > All Programs > Toshiba > Utilities > Toshiba Recovery Media Creator
   • Start menu > All Programs > CD & DVD Applications > Toshiba Recovery Media Creator
2. On some machines the application can be found by using "Toshiba recovery" in the search bar while others use simply "recovery".
3. On some machines the application is called the "Toshiba Recovery Disk Creator" utility as opposed to the "Toshiba Recovery Media Creator".

Purchase Recovery Media:

Before you order Recovery Media, please make sure you have exhausted your free recovery options.

Most in- warranty Toshiba computers have a special hidden recovery image containing everything needed to restore your software to its factory-fresh state. Click here for instructions on using this FREE option.

To purchase recovery media, click here.

Performing System Recovery:

The linked article will detail how to perform system recovery using the Free Recovery option or CD, DVD or USB media.

CLICK HERE for system recovery instructions.