Reinstalling OS on unbootable laptop

Azaran on 13/3/2016 at 23:53

So a friend of mine gave me his old laptop, a Toshiba with Windows Vista on it. Except that the OS files in it are corrupted, and I can't get past a warning screen that says something like 'Windows could not restore your system'. I have an XP CD, but it simply will not boot from it, even after I played around with bios settings. I created a bootable USB key with Dos, but all I can access is C:. Is there a way for me to either access the DVD drive through DOS (so I can install XP), or to access the files in the USB key itself? I was thinking of copying XP onto the USB key itself, but all it accesses is C:

voodoo47 on 14/3/2016 at 12:05

ultimate boot cd comes to mind.

Niborius on 14/3/2016 at 16:44

Most likely you have already tried this, but in the BIOS, have you changed the boot priority so that the Disc Drive boots before the Hard Disk Drive?

Al_B on 14/3/2016 at 20:26

I've had a similar issue before where I had to use the boot menu rather than the bios setting. Not sure for Toshiba but may be F10 or F12 (or (http://www.tomsguide.com/answers/id-1676457/boot-toshiba-laptop-f12-ect-working.html) weirdly 0?)

Azaran on 14/3/2016 at 22:56

Thanks everyone. I finally got it started off a USB key, but it just hangs saying it's unable to copy files (some kind of RAM issue?). I played around with the boot order, but it only works from USB or the HDD.
I'll try Ultimate boot; if it still doesn't work, maybe I'll format the drive as Fat 32, and try installing Win 98, lol

voodoo47 on 15/3/2016 at 07:05

Quote Posted by Azaran

maybe I'll format the drive as Fat 32, and try installing Win 98, lol

I actually did that few days ago. funny how I didn't really remember what to do, but my fingers did everything no problem. looks like they have their own memory or something.

Thelvyn on 15/3/2016 at 22:23

Have you considered the possibility that the hdd is bad and that's why you could not install?
Format and check for errors while you do it. Walk away and check back.tomorrow.
That woild explain everything.

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Thelvyn on 28/3/2016 at 03:30

Did you ever get it working ?

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Azaran on 28/3/2016 at 04:31

Haven't had much time lately, but I'll have another go at it in the next couple weeks

bikerdude on 28/3/2016 at 16:08

There should be a Microsoft windows vista key on the underside of the laptop or under the battery, if you find it PM me which version of vista the laptop came with and I probaly have a copy of the vanilla iso.