How To: Perform system recovery - Windows 7



Document ID: 4010364

 

Posted Date: 2016-09-09

 

Distribution: View Public Website

 

Information

The following article will show you how to perform a system recovery. To Recover or perform a system recovery means to take the laptop back to factory settings (default settings). System restore means to go back to an earlier point in time on the computer.

 

There are two methods to perform a system recovery:

  • Using Partitioned Recovery Method (Free Recovery)
  • Using Recovery CDs / DVDs / Media

The recovery process deletes all applications not included with the laptop when new. This includes but is not limited to pictures, music, programs, application data, personal data, and documents. It is highly recommended that before performing a recovery, save the files you want to keep to an external source, because after the recovery is complete, there will be no way to get them back.

 

During the recovery process it is strongly recommended that your computer be connected to an external power source via the AC adaptor.

 

IMPORTANT: You machine may be different in procedures than below. For specific instructions, it is your responsibility to view the "Recovering the Internal Storage Drive" section in the Owner's Manual for your particular laptop. To locate and view the owner's manual, go to support.toshiba.com, select PRODUCT SUPPORT, find your laptop and view the User's Guide tab. The owner's manual will display in PDF.

 

As you use the recovery process you will have several options. When in doubt, it's usually best to accept the default, or pre-selected option.

 

When performing a system recovery you can:

  • Recover to out-of-box state (recommended recovery method) — If you want to recover the original factory image.
  • Recovery of factory default software with user’s data — If you want to the recovery the factory default software, while the computer attempts to back up all data from C:\Users
  • Recover without changing the hard drive partitions — If you want to recover the C: partition only, leaving other partitions you have created intact
  • Recover to a custom size partition — If you want to recover the C: drive to its out-of-box state and specify a custom size for the C: drive. Note: This option deletes all other partitions from the drive.

Please note that the process may vary slightly from machine to machine, that you may be asked to insert disks (multi-disk packages) and that the process may take one to two hours to complete.  The recovery process will require restarting the computer several times.

 

After the recovery process is complete, be sure to perform Windows update to get your operating system current as well as run Toshiba service station to download and install any updates as well.

 

Purchase Recovery Media

 

To purchase recovery media CLICK HERE.

 

Using Partitioned Recovery Method (Free Recovery)

 

Most Toshiba laptops with come with the factory software recovery image stored in a special hidden partition on the hard drive of the laptop. The factory software recovery image allows the user to recover the laptop to its factory fresh condition as when it was new.
This partition may also be referred to as the Partitioned Recovery Method or Free Recovery option.

 

IMPORTANT: The recovery process deletes information stored on the internal storage drive. Be sure to save your work to external media before executing the recovery.

 

  1. Make sure the computer is turned off ("Shut-down" from the Windows Start menu)
  2. Remove any peripherals such an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB flash drive etc.
  3. Make sure the AC Adapter is plugged in and working.
  4. On machines with the F key numbers on the top edge of the keys and in White:
    • Press and hold the 0 (zero) key and power up the laptop.
    • Release the 0 (zero) key when the recovery warning screen appears.
    On machines with the F key numbers on the bottom edge of the keys and in Gray:
    • Power up the laptop.
    • When the initial TOSHIBA screen displays, press the F12 key to enter the boot menu.
    • Use the arrow keys to select the HDD Recovery option and press the enter key to begin.
  5. The TOSHIBA recovery wizard warning screen appears stating that when the recovery is executed all data will be deleted and the original factory software image will be rewritten. If the recovery process offers a choice of Operating Systems, select the appropriate one for you.
  6. After you are sure you have everything you want from the laptop saved, click Yes.
  7. When the Toshiba Recovery Wizard opens, the default and recommended option is "Recovery of Factory Default Software".
  8. After selecting your desired recovery method, select Next.
  9. On the next screen you may have recovery method options. The default and recommended method is to Recover to Out of Box state.
  10. Select next to continue.
  11. Follow the on screen instructions as you navigate through the system recovery steps.
  12. The laptop will restart multiple times and install the needed components.

Using Recovery CDs / DVDs / Media

 

If you have created recovery DVDs/media for your system, you can restore your system from such media, if necessary. For example, if your original internal storage drive fails, you can restore your system to a new internal storage drive from your recovery DVDs/media.

 

IMPORTANT: The recovery process deletes information stored on the internal storage drive. Be sure to save your work to external media before executing the recovery.

 

To recover your internal storage drive from recovery DVDs/media:

  1. Make sure your computer is turned off.
  2. Do one of the following: If your recovery files are on DVDs, insert the first recovery DVD into your optical disc drive. If your recovery files are on a USB flash drive, connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
  3. Turn on your computer. When the initial TOSHIBA screen displays, press the F12 key on your keyboard. The boot menu displays.
  4. Using the arrow keys, select the DVD option or the USB Flash option, depending on which type of media you are using, and then press the Enter key.
  5. A warning screen appears, stating that when the recovery is executed all data on your internal storage drive will be deleted and rewritten unless the “Recovery of Factory Default Software with user’s data” option is selected. Click Yes to continue.
  6. When the Toshiba Recovery Wizard opens and the “Selecting a process” screen displays, select Recovery of Factory Default Software, and then click Next.
  7. On the next screen you may have recovery method options. The default and recommended method is to Recover to Out of Box state.
  8. Follow the on screen instructions as you navigate through the system recovery steps.
  9. The laptop will restart multiple times and install the needed components.
Export Control and EULA
Use of any software made available for download from this system constitutes your acceptance of the Export Control Terms and the terms in the Dynabook end-user license agreement both of which you can view before downloading any such software.