Reinstall Preinstalled Windows 7 on a Toshiba Laptop

Solution 1:

Here are instructions (found here) for going back to factory fresh software instance for Toshiba laptops:

To restore the original factory software image on your computer follow these steps:

  • Make sure the computer is turned off ("Shut-down" from the Windows Start menu)
  • Remove any peripherals such an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB flash drive etc.
  • Make sure the AC Adapter is plugged in and working.
  • Press and hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard while powering on the computer.
  • Release it when the recovery warning screen appears.
  • If the recovery process offers a choice of Operating Systems, select the appropriate one for you.
  • A warning screen appears, stating that when the recovery is executed all data will be deleted and rewritten.
  • Click Yes to continue.
  • When the Toshiba Recovery Wizard opens select "Recovery of Factory Software" or the appropriate option for your needs.
  • Continue to follow the directions restarting as necessary.

Solution 2:

But there's no disk because windows came preinstalled.

You are expected to make your own recovery discs with the supplied "Toshiba Recovery Media Creator" utility.

I've also read online that a lot of times preinstalled windows will have a recovery partition that you can access by holding down Alt+F10 but this doesn't seem to be working.

The Toshiba User's Guide says:

While powering on your computer, press the F12 key when the initial TOSHIBA screen displays.

The boot menu appears.

Using the arrow keys to scroll down, select the HDD Recovery option, and then press the ENTER key.

A warning screen should appear.

If you type "yes", then you should get to the Toshiba Recovery Wizard screen.