laboye

If you have your Toshiba Configuration Builder CD (comes with stock PCs) use that to recover. The newwer ones usually come on 3 CDs. The first CD either contains the stockload of drivers, or the OS. The second one is what the first one is not. The 3rd CD contains a bunch of optional software. Format and reinstall windows accordingly and install all of the drivers. Upgrade to Service Pack 2 and perform a Windows Update as many times as needed until your computer is 100% up-to-date. Install the remaining software and data last. SP2 generally has problems when anti-virus software is running, particularly Norton when it is being strict. Ironically, it won't let you run SP2 install in safe mode, so run it as soon as the drivers are installed, if not before.

As far as data recovery is concerned, try booting up with an XP CD (maybe the Toshiba CD) and run a repair. Insert and startup off of the CD like you are doing a format. After you agree to the EULA, it should scan the hard drive for Windows installations. It should then present you with a list of OSs. Select yours and press "R" to repair. It will get rid of the existing installation and resinstall Windows without deeting data or programs. When it is finished, it should run well, with all applications and documents intact.

The best of luck to ya!