Toshiba Satellite L35-S2171 reformatting help!

My laptop won't open Windows (as it begins to load I get a blue error screen and it shuts the computer down. if you know how I can get around that, that would be more helpful than answering my next question.)

Anyway, since I can't seem to get into Windows to at least back up my files, I guess I have to just reformat and start from scratch ( ). I have the recovery disc but can't seem to reformat the thing. I've tried all the 'F' keys as well as some others that have been suggested (C and zero), but nothing will get me into the reformatting setup. I think I've reformatted this computer before, but a long time ago (though, that could be my previous computer.. it's been awhile). I may be missing something obvious, but this is becoming a frustrating experience. Any help would be much appreciated. If you need more info just ask.

Thanks

 

Are you trying to reformat from the boot splash screen? Those F keys are just for entering the BIOS.

The recovery disc automatically will reformat as part of the recovery process... If you feel the need to delete the partitions with something other than what is included during the recovery process, you can use GParted. It's not really necessary or beneficial though.

 

the recovery disc isn't doing anything 'automatically'

 

Every time Window is installed, the hard drive is formated. It is part of the process. The recovery disc will either do everything automatically or prompt you on screen telling you which keys to press.

Unless you're saying the recovery disc is damaged, it will reformat the drive automatically.

 

It's never been like that on other computers.. hmm.. oh well i guess.

 

Yeah it actually does vary a small bit. I've installed Windows or various OS's hundreds of times on dozens or hundreds of computers. With Windows there are two flavors. Retail & OEM. During a retail installation the first thing you do is select which partition you want Windows to reside on. During that selection process it provides you with limited access to deleting & creating new partitions. The partition you chose is automatically reformatted, unless you specify otherwise. With OEM recovery discs, the process will vary depending on the manufacturer. Every Toshiba recovery disc I've ever used would automatically reformat the partition without even prompting you that it is doing so. Some will actually wipe out the other partitions (to restore the whole disc to the original state) without telling you as well. <-- That is aggravating when it happens .

If you are used to installing older versions of Windows, you may recall the process of typing 'format c:' into a DOS prompt. That isn't necessary anymore.