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Question

Boot menu for a Toshiba Satellite C655

Aug 11, 2016 10:42AM PDT

I am not able to get to the boot menu for my Toshiba laptop. I have tried just about every F key while starting to no avail. (esc key too)
Also, it does not actually go to the windows 7 log in. It never gets to the windows screen. It goes to what looks like a DOS log in. The only option is a password and since I don't know the password, I can't get past it.
My goal is to get to a boot menu so I can load different software, maybe a new OS.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: DOS log in
Aug 11, 2016 10:51AM PDT

DOS login's didn't exist. MS DOS didn't have userid's and passwords. You booted, the autoexec.bat was executed and you were in. So whatever it looks like, it isn't a DOS login.

Could it be the password protected BIOS setup? In certain error cases the PC boots into the BIOS setup, giving you the opportunity to correct the error. But if that's password protected, it could be that this happens.

Find out how to reset the BIOS to default values. That's in some tech manual, probably, and certainly Toshiba customer service can tell you also.

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Answer
DOS login
Aug 11, 2016 10:59AM PDT

Yes, DOS login is not correct. But you are right, it does look like a BIOS login of some sort.
Since there is no other option than just the log in, I can't seem to get anywhere. I will look for some Toshiba manuals to see if I can find something. Thanks!

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update
Aug 15, 2016 12:56PM PDT

Still no luck. I found the manual and it recommends function F5 key to get to the BIOS menu. But I still can't get past the log in.
Are there any other ways to get past the log in prompt?

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Toshiba was among the first to implement BIOS locks.
Aug 15, 2016 1:02PM PDT

It helped a lot with stifling the theft and profit from a stolen laptop. To unlock this, they had a lot of various methods but most of the time you call up Toshiba support and they walk you through the unlock if the serial number is not reported stolen. If stolen, they won't help.

A few folk are upset about all that but I think it's a good idea.

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still no luck
Aug 17, 2016 12:16PM PDT

If you can believe it, Toshiba is saying the only way to fix it is to install a new hard drive.
It is crazy that if you forget your password, you have to install new hardware. I am going to do more research but if this is true, I will never buy another Toshiba product.

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Hard drives are cheap now.
Aug 17, 2016 12:41PM PDT

And cheaper than the fee to unlock the BIOS.

You've been given a gift and feel badly. I see this as really good news!

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PS. Hard drive locks are nasty.
Aug 17, 2016 12:43PM PDT

You can find prior discussions about this but it's all about security. That lock is so secure on some models that you have to change the drive out. I did not bother to research if there was a way because I don't see the drive make and model here.

Drives are CHEAP here. Cheaper than a repair counter.