Help with System wipe clean - F11?

Hi there, I just did a system recovery on my HP/Compaq desktop. It restored it to 'like new' and removed some virus I couldn't get rid of. So other than having to re-install some programs, it seemed to work great. I'd like to do the same with my toshiba laptop but the F11 key doesn't do the same thing. Obviously I'm not very computer literate, I guess companies don't have the same recovery process and what I want to know is if any of you know how I can achicve the same results with my satellite laptop. It's so slow I can't even bear the wait of booting up/opening a program etc....I've tried the reg cleaner and it's still so bad, I just want to wipe it and start fresh. Any ideas for me ...I'd really appreciate it!

 

This is a generic option as you didn't provide model:
Using Startup options to fix problems​

If the operating system fails to start properly, you may have to
change your system’s configuration or verify the startup
procedure to fix the problem. To do this, use the options in
the Startup menu. This section describes each option and
when to use the procedure.
To open the Startup menu:​

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Restart your computer.​

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Press F8 when your computer starts.
The Windows Advanced Options menu displays these
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Safe Mode​

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Safe Mode (with Networking)​

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Enable Boot Logging​

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Enable VGA Mode​

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Last known good configuration (your most recent
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Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain
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Debugging Mode​

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Start Windows normally​

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Reboot​

❖ Return to OS Choices (menu)

 

Ok...those are my choices...now which one do I pick to restore/wipe clean? When I used the up arrow to 'last known good conf.' it didn't give me any dates such as the HP restore did (although I did not use restore, that was one of the methods I tried before doing the full recovery). So I highlighted it anyway, and it basically took me back to the log in welcome and it's now been 10 mins. booting up and so obviously didn't work.
My model is a M35X-S111 toshiba laptop purchased around feb. 05. As I said, I tried numerous methods to fix, I would just like to wipe it clean. Don't want to go through the highjack log, just would like to know if there is a way to do a system recovery as I did with my HP that doesn't require a recovery disk.
Thanks for any help.

 

If you want to restore your PC to factory condition the best way is to use your OS disks.
First back up anything you want to save to an external source.
Insert the first OS disk (if you have 2 or more) then re-Boot your PC and it will start the re-format procedure and all you need to do is follow the instructions.

 

I forgot to mention that I don't have O/S disk nor the system recovery disk. I have ordered it from Toshiba and the tell me it's on back order for 3-4 weeks. That's why I was hoping there was a way to do it w/o disks. The HP/Compaq has that feature built right into their system, the F11 key is the system recovery tool. I was hoping there was a similar thing for my notebook. I tried system restore. I got to the calendar and it wouldn't give me any restore dates prior to yesterday! The back < button on the calendar wouldn't move prior to Jan 09. Very frustrating.
Thanks for the response though :/

 

Help with HP Recovery disks issues

I sold my HP Pavilion DV5213 laptop recently, so I used Deriks Ban and Nuke (DBAN) to completely format it securely. I had to reinstall Win XP Pro to factory settings for the new owner.

Upon startup, the system wouldnt load into the Recovery program.. I then thought my Recovery partition was GONE, but luckily I was able to overcome and used my HP Recovery set to reinstall to Win XP Pro factory settings.

Before you consider reinstalling to Factory settings, try to find a complete set. Otherwise you realise 1 disk is even corrupt, it does not help! :cry

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The HP Recovery Disc Creator program does create 1 set once only. However, for people that live outside the US or simply cannot get access to the Recovery Disks. It is possible to recreate a new set.

When a set of Recovery disks are created, a system file log is kept on the Recovery and HDD partitions.

The file is usually HPCD.SYS, depending on the HP model. The files are read only system hidden files that are not displayed with Windows Explorer or many other programs.

Firstly, Windows Explorer will not display ALLSYSTEM files even though you have selected Show All. I'm sure they don't want novices to access all files just in case

This is bcoz of File Attributes. The File Attributes determine whether one can read/write/del or even view.

To VIEW/DELETE these "hidden" files is to use the Command Prompt - a slim down DOS enviroment.

I recall my DOS years, where I did everything plus more in DOS and XTREEGOLD. Man, I learnt alot!

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To find the hidden HPCD.SYS files in the RECOVERY partition and HDD is to:

1. Access Command Prompt
2. D:
3. DIR /AH - This displays ALL files with Hidden Attributes.
You should see the HPCD.SYS file.
4. Next you have to remove the Read Only System and Hidden Attributes in
order to delete.
5. type ATTRIB -R -A -S -H HPCD.SYS (This removes the required attributes
so you can delete or make changes.)
6. DEL HPCD.SYS

HARD DRIVE HPCD.SYS is the same.

1. C:
2. CD WINDOWS\SMINST
3. ATTRIB -R -A -S -H HPCD.SYS
4. DEL HPCD.SYS

KACHOW! You should be able to sucessfully create a set of HP Recovery Disks!

Hope this helps!

 

Alternative option for non-savy people is to remove the "Hide protected operating system files"

Then manually changing the File Attributes by Properties and deleting the HPCD.SYS files one at a time.