[Nutloaf]

Fine thanks busy, busy, busy Take a breather and read this before you go o.k.
If you have decided to replace the Hard Drive then there is no point in running the last fix as you will be starting over.

The 3 minute black screen again could be a number of issues an outdated graphics drivers for one, startup errors or a failing Hard Drive.

If you like before buying the Hard Drive, we could finish up here and I could ask one of our Tech guys to double check your drive. This would mean of course leaving that purchase for a few more days.

If you are buying today then take your current Hard Drive specs take a look here http://www.crucial.c...tml]Crucial.com[/url] Does this match your specs? Get advice from a salesperson there.

You do not need memory you have 4 gig on a 64 bit system which is perfect (most come with 3 gig which is O.K but 4 gig and 64 bit is cool beans).

Another thing to think about is your Operating System. Have you a Windows 7 installation disk and is it an OEM copy. You can tell the difference as an OEM will be a disk that installs to your Laptop model only, this type of disk may have to be activated over the phone after installation.

Have a think first show this to your Father and put a hold on those Dishes

Edited by Nutloaf, 30 May 2013 - 06:15 PM.

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Hi there Neinei,

If you are having problems with the OS disks then here is a link where you can order Recovery Disks for your Model

Order a Recovery Disk The link will take you to the Virtual Help Desk at Toshiba.

Click Yes and you will be directed to a link to order recovery media.

[Nutloaf]

Hi there Neinei,

If you are having problems with the OS disks then here is a link where you can order Recovery Disks for your Model

Order a Recovery Disk The link will take you to the Virtual Help Desk at Toshiba.

Click Yes and you will be directed to a link to order recovery media.

[Neinei]

Hi Nutloaf!
Sorry I hadn't responded sooner, the site kept giving me a weird error when I tried to access my thread.
Anyway, I got a Seagate internal HDD from TigerDirect computer store which is 750gb .
Thanks for the suggestions! I downloaded a legal copy of Win7 Home Premium from their site, and burned it to a disc with their iso downloader.
I already have the product key from when I bought the computer, so it's like I basically have a store-bought DVD. Yeah I do need the recovery disc. Toshiba suggested that to me before I posted on G2G. REALLY didn't want to spend money on it, but it looks like that'll be a must now.

Note that I have not installed the HDD yet, but it will be installed tonight. I am still open to your suggestions and tips until we've finished up here. Yes my product key that I have kept with my computer is definitely an OEM key.

If you are buying today then take your current Hard Drive specs take a look here http://www.crucial.c...tml]Crucial.com[/url]

The link did not work for me.

[Nutloaf]

Hi Neinei

Anyway, I got a Seagate internal HDD from TigerDirect computer store which is 750gb .Thanks for the suggestions! I downloaded a legal copy of Win7 Home Premium from their site, and burned it to a disc with their iso downloader. I already have the product key from when I bought the computer, so it's like I basically have a store-bought DVD. Yeah I do need the recovery disc. Toshiba suggested that to me before I posted on G2G. REALLY didn't want to spend money on it, but it looks like that'll be a must now.

I am having a little trouble getting this straight, so I will ask you a question before you install the hard drive ok.
You have Downloaded Windows 7 from Tiger Direct, burned to disk. Did you pay for this copy of Windows 7? If so you should have had an Activation key with this copy. You won't need the Recovery Disk if this is the case.

You only need the recovery disks from Toshiba if you weren't supplied with one or didn't make a Recovery Disk when you Purchased it.

I am just a bit confused as to what you have actually purchased which is why I tried to stall you in my last post You only needed to buy a hard drive and a recovery disk from Toshiba.

[Neinei]

I downloaded a legal copy of Win7 Home Premium from their site

Ah yes, this must have confused you. I wasn't specific when I said "Their".

I downloaded a legal .iso Windows 7 Home Premium copy from the Microsoft
website, and used their .iso disc burner that came with it to burn Win 7 Home Premium to the blank DVD I had. They give you the full, bootable .iso (that you burn to a disc first) for free. This, of course, means you have to have a product key, or Windows will be inactive after 30 days by doing this. But I used a valid, genuine product key that came with my computer when I first bought it.

Tiger Direct only provided me with the HDD that is now installed on my computer. As for a Toshiba Recovery disk, I will be purchasing that soon.
No other purchases were made other than buying the HDD tonight.

Here is the link I learned I could download win 7 for free from Microsoft with a limited trial from them: <3

By the way, My father installed the HDD already. I just got it back from him while I took a snooze. My back is seriously killing me at the moment, so I may not respond too much tomorrow if I'm bed-bound....

[Nutloaf]

Hi Neinei. I am pleased the Hard Drive is installed. Here is a video clip of the Hard Drive being installed. Your father can check if what he did is correct. Not that I doubt his abilities but I haven't had any interaction with him and want to reassure myself that this was successful.

Hard Drive Installation

As for a Toshiba Recovery disk, I will be purchasing that soon.

This is where things are a little sketchy. I have been informed by Microsoft that you can't do certain things when it comes to using installation disks. Example - I wouldn't be able to use my upgrade Windows 7 disk to re-install the OS if I format my hard drive....Well I've done it and here I am typing. I was also informed that I couldn't activate an OEM key with a download which doesn't match the OEM install disk. Had to leave this one as it wasn't my laptop and they manged to find the disk anyway.

SO

• Did you download the 64 bit version of Windows 7?
• If yes then install that and try to activate over the phone with your OEM product key. You will be able to speak to a Microsoft adviser and explain what has happened.
• If that fails then you will indeed have to order the recovery disks from Toshiba.
• Fingers crossed for the iso download activation success

Any help needed with the above then please let me know.

My back is seriously killing me at the moment, so I may not respond too much tomorrow if I'm bed-bound....

Sorry to hear this, hope you are feeling better soon. I will be keeping this post open until the PC is up and running and you are happy

[Neinei]

Thank you for the video clip and your concern. ^^

Hmm. I didn't think an OEM product key would have issues being accepted as a valid product key with this download.
I did nothing else other than download from Microsoft, accept the download, open the .iso in their .iso burner, burn the disk to a DVD, run it after wiping (with the Clean All command in CMD), and run it like a normal installation of windows with my product key. Also, I did indeed activate my product key with an over-the-phone automated verification system that directs you to read off 10 sets of numbers. Then the automated system gives you numbers to enter under 10 sets of boxes that have letters that appear above them.

I passed the verification and activated windows like this the last time I wiped my computer, so I'm sure it won't fail or anything. But it is quite confusing how an OEM isn't something that gets verified, apparently.

Did you download the 64 bit version of Windows 7?

Yes, I downloaded the 64-bit version of Win 7 Home Premium, which matches my OS from when it was first bought.

Good news:

I actually downloaded a free program (with limits) named Driver Easy. Since no drives were recognized (such as wifi) when I first entered my desktop again, I went to my bigger Toshiba, used a flash drive to transfer a drive named Intel Wifi Wireless Driver (from a driver site named HelpJet)and got my wifi adapter back. The hardware wasn't being recognized. I also this the last time I re-installed windows and before I joined G2G. Now, I have many of the drives I had before when I bought this computer- without the Toshiba Recovery Disc. I will go to their site and look for maybe... the Function Key drive or so. Other Toshiba services if it isn't already detected by Driver Easy. I don't care for many Toshiba services, just maybe the Function Key Drive and eco utility. But I'll look around. I always use my model to search for the drives more accurately.

I don't believe I need a Toshiba Recovery Disc now that I could just get some of these drives manually, and I am currently installing my Realtek HQ audio driver. ^^ Also, I'm updating windows and about to activate my Product Key.

P.S My back feels a bit better- I'm on my laptop from my bed adorned in pillows...!

My computer is running fast, and hasn't slowed at all.

Oh and by the way, may I have some suggestions on what programs to install in order to boost performance? I'm still unsure about Iolo, I don't know about Ccleaner... what Anti-Viruses should I use?

Edit: Activated my Product Key with the Automated service from Microsoft. I am now rebooting to install updates.

Edited by Neinei, 01 June 2013 - 08:23 AM.

[Nutloaf]

I am so pleased and all for the cost of the Hard Drive which is for me the cherry on top of the cake.

I am getting my next post ready so hang on with the installs. I will recommend some programs for you including a choice of Antivirus and an additional scanner to run once a week.

In the meantime go to Toshiba Support and install the Drivers you need from there, they should be free please do not use Driver Easy

[Nutloaf]

Hello Neinei.

We have arrived at the end! It has been a good experience for me and I hope you also. Now for some important steps to take and points to read in order to keep your Laptop and sanity healthy

1. ENSURE AUTOMATIC UPDATES ARE ENABLED
All security updates released by Microsoft must be Automatically Installed.

• Click Start and in the search box type windows update and press ENTER.
• Click Change Settings and make sure the Install updates automatically (recommended) option is selected, if not select it and click O.K to save settings.

2. INSTALL ANTIVIRUS

• IMPORTANT Use only one Antivirus and one Firewall. Running more than one causes conflicts and instabillity. Like your first OTL scan indicated to me.
• Antivirus - Avast! Select Free Antivirus Download then select No thanks, I want free protection
• OR - Microsoft Security Essentials
• The Windows Firewall from Vista onwards is safe to use and does a really good job, so switch it on Click Start - Control Panel - System and Security - Check Firewall Status and use Recommended.

3. DOWNLOAD and INSTALL MALWAREBYTES
This is meant as an additional scanner to update and run a scan only. Your Antivirus and firewall cover the rest of your protection

• Using this link Download and Install Malwarebytes
• Before clicking Finish Uncheck the Start Free Trial checkbox and Select the Update and Launch Checkboxes. Click Finish
• Any updates found will now be installed and the main screen loads. Now close Malwarebytes
• No need to perform a scan now. I want you to open Malwarebytes once a week or fortnight and perform the following:
• Click the Updates Tab - Check for Updates then press O.K when complete.
• Then click Scanner Tab - Perform quick scan
• The scan will take a few minutes. Once complete click O.K and Show Results
• Make sure anything found is checked and click Remove Selected
• A reboot may be needed please proceed if asked.
• and thats it, close Malwarebytes. See you next week MBAM

4. UPDATE PROGRAMS

• Download and Install Filehippo Update Checker
• Run once a month to check that programmes are up to date, therefore more secure.

For Future Reference

Mabinogi
I researched Mabinogi as it didn't appear in the first OTL scan you provided, I knew that you had downloaded it and the game itself is fine. A heads-up as it were for you - I noticed there were a lot of complaints about Customer Service and was wondering if you were aware of this? If not it may be something you could look into yourself as you are the one spending money and playing the game. I did notice that users who were praising the game were also in agreement with the Customer Service issues.

Avoid the following

• Torrent downloaders, Torrent files and Torrent sites. - Otherwise known as P2P. The files are mainly illegal, contain malware and\or adult material. Steer clear of P2P programs and files..
• Registry Cleaners - They can clean a little too much and remove needed entries. The best thing to do with the registry is leave it be. Changing the registry can have unpredictable results especially if your running them on an infected machine.
• PC Performance Boosters. - Programs that promise to speed up your PC. These are more than often useless and\or come packed with Toolbars and other uneeded software that runs in the background causing, you guessed it Performance Issues! Problem performance can be down to a number of issues, best to seek advice first, you are a member now so POST for a solution.
• Not Checking Install Screens - Dont just click next, next, next and Install when installing programs. Some of the screens may contain Browsers or Toolbars. Check each screen and uncheck any other installs before clicking next.

The main thing is to Keep On Top Of Your Updates and run Weekly Scans with Malwarebytes and the AV you have Chosen. I supplied you with the tools, so use them

Select the following link and add it to your Favourites or Bookmark for future use. The answers to the majority of PC problems.

P.S I will keep this post open for 24 hours if you need assistance with the above or the new OS install. If after that you need help then please start a new Topic in the appropriate forum.

Many thanks and best wishes. Nutloaf

[Neinei]

Ahhh yes. This was a VERY nice experience for me and I even told my lover that if he has any computer situations, he will need to come to Geeks2Go. We're both geeks in training, and this site basically took the cake. I hope we could even join GeekU one day, and I hope he'll make an account here expand his knowledge with me. This was a very big experience for me! PS: Thanks for taking my back pains into account and extending my 25hrs. I really appreciate that.

What I did:

-Installed MBAM as directed and ran the Quick Scan
-Installed FileHippo
-Checked my Windows Updates and Firewall options to see if anything was off: Everything was active.
-Downloaded and installed MSE again and ran a scan

Dont just click next, next, next and Install when installing programs. Some of the screens may contain Browsers or Toolbars. Check each screen and uncheck any other installs before clicking next.

Yes, this is something I pay much attention to now that I have more knowledge of computers. I did indeed do the "Next, Next, Next..." method when I was younger. Huge mistake, I always thought I was being "hacked" when the web browser would change, or weird toolbars would appear- or even if Bing became the default search engine LOL. I look back on that and say- I was too young to know.
Now, I always read each page of the installation and uncheck anything that has been automatically checked for promotion.

Avoid the following
Torrent downloaders, Torrent files and Torrent sites. - Otherwise known as P2P. The files are mainly illegal, contain malware and\or adult material. Steer clear of P2P programs and files..
Registry Cleaners - They can clean a little too much and remove needed entries. The best thing to do with the registry is leave it be. Changing the registry can have unpredictable results especially if your running them on an infected machine.
PC Performance Boosters. - Programs that promise to speed up your PC. These are more than often useless and\or come packed with Toolbars and other uneeded software that runs in the background causing, you guessed it Performance Issues! Problem performance can be down to a number of issues, best to seek advice first, you are a member now so POST for a solution.
Not Checking Install Screens - Dont just click next, next, next and Install when installing programs. Some of the screens may contain Browsers or Toolbars. Check each screen and uncheck any other installs before clicking next.

^^^^ All taken into account and I won't forget how much you've helped me. My computer is running smoothly, browsing is better than when I bought it, and
I've learned a lesson or two.

Spoiler

Another REP point for you, Nutloaf! You've done great!

[Nutloaf]

Your reply is really appreciated Neinei. You have helped me get one step closer to my goal - Trusted Helper

Click to Join GeekU If you have some time to spare.

[Dakeyras]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.

Everyone else please begin a New Topic.