How do I reset my computer back to factory default state (System Recovery)?

4:20:00 PM | , ,

Computers manufactured from mid 2007 are no longer provided with recovery disks for your operating system. To make your recovery data easier to access Toshiba are now providing your recovery media via a hidden partition that is built into your Hard Disk Drive. You can access this following the instructions below. 

You may still use your Recovery Disks to reinstall your computer back to your Factory Default Settings. Instructions are provided.

System Recovery from Hard Disk Drive
System Recovery from Disk


System Recovery from Hard Disk Drive 
For Windows 8.0 and 8.1 instructions please click here.

NOTE: Please ensure you have backed up all important information from your system before proceeding with this process. 

ALL DATA WILL BE ERASED ON YOUR HARD DRIVE IF YOU PROCEED. YOU WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE POWER ADAPTER PLUGGED IN. DO NOT SWITCH OFF OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER DURING THIS PROCESS.

1. Hold down the power button for 10 (ten) seconds to switch off your machine.

Please note: Holding down the power button on the machine forces it to switch off. Any unsaved data will be lost. 

2. Press and hold the 0 (zero) key on top of the keyboard (not the zero key on the numeric keypad) and at the same time, press the power button once to switch on your notebook. 

3. When the Toshiba screen appears; release the 0 key.

4. If prompted select 32bit or 64bit operating system; click Next. 

For more information on the differences between 32bit or 64bit operating systems click here.

5. When prompted by the warning screen; click Yes to continue with the system recovery. 



6. Select Recovery of Factory Default Software; click Next. 



7. Select Recover to out-of-box state; Click Next again. 



8. Please read and acknowledge this last warning screen. 



9. Click Next to start recovery

Please note: Recovery times can vary depending on the model of computer and can take up to 2 1/2 hours to complete. During the recovery process your computer will display a screen saying “Preparing/Configuring your System, please wait” and will restart several times. This is all a normal part of the process and should not be interrupted.



System Recovery from Disk

NOTE: Please ensure you have backed up all important information from your system before proceeding with this process. 

ALL DATA WILL BE ERASED ON YOUR HARD DRIVE IF YOU PROCEED. YOU WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE POWER ADAPTER PLUGGED IN. DO NOT SWITCH OFF OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER DURING THIS PROCESS.

1. Insert Recovery Disk 1 into CD/DVD Drive

2. Hold down the power button for 10 (ten) seconds to switch off your machine.

Please note: Holding down the power button on the machine forces it to switch off. Any unsaved data will be lost. 

3. Press and hold the C key and at the same time, tap the power button once to switch on your notebook. 

4. When the Toshiba screen appears; release the C key.

5. If prompted select 32bit or 64bit operating system; click Next. 

For more information on the differences between 32bit or 64bit operating systems click here.

6. When prompted by the warning screen; click Yes to continue with the system recovery.

7. Select Recovery of Factory Default Software; click Next.

8. Select Recover to out-of-box state; Click Next again.

9. Please read and acknowledge this last warning screen.

10. Click Next to start recovery.

Please note: If your computer requires more than one recovery disk you will be prompted to insert these as the computer needs them. When prompted insert the requested recovery disk and select Ok.

Recovery times can vary depending on the model of computer and can take up to 2 1/2 hours to complete. During the recovery process your computer will display a screen saying “Preparing/Configuring your System, please wait” and will restart several times. This is all a normal part of the process and should not be interrupted.