Member Avatar for zalax

My daughter's laptop hung up during a Win 8 update, unfortunately she turned it off.
Upon rebooting, got Flash BIOs screen, and it showed same message (Preparing to configure Windows, do not turn your computer off).
It stayed that way for about 8 hours, so I inserted a linux (unbuntu live) disk, and booted successfully. I couldn't access the main C drive so I powered down (per the Unbuntu instructions), took out the DVD, and then attempted to reboot, now when I hit the power button, the front power indicator just blinks. Nothing.
I researched this, and several articles said to unplug the power adaptor, remove the battery, hold down the power button for 30 seconds, etc. The problem is that the battery is not accessible, have to take back cover off. I am prepared to do this (computer is out of warranty) just wondered if there is an easier solution, and possibly why its doing this.

Toshiba Satellite P55t-A5202, Windows 8, 8 gigs of RAM, 1TB HD

Zalax

  • 5 Contributors
  • 5 Replies
  • 311 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by XP78USER

Dani AI

Generated

Short, practical checklist and next steps for ’s Toshiba after the interrupted update and the subsequent "no power" symptom. Two things need to be treated separately: getting the machine to show signs of life again (power/firmware level), and, once it will power, repairing Windows or recovering data.

Basic, non-destructive triage (try these first):

  • Remove any USB devices, SD cards and the DVD; try powering with the AC adapter only (no peripherals).
  • Do a capacitor discharge: unplug AC, press and hold the power button for 30–60 seconds, then plug AC back in and try power-on.
  • Check the AC adapter and jack (adapter LED, firm connection) and try a different known-good adapter if available.
  • If nothing changes, open the case (since the battery is internal): disconnect the internal battery connector, press-and-hold power 30–60 seconds, then reconnect. While inside, reseat the RAM and the drive connector and look for obvious damage. Photograph connections before disconnecting. Use basic ESD caution.

If the laptop powers but Windows won’t boot:

  • Boot to UEFI/BIOS first to confirm POST. If you can reach recovery media or a Windows Recovery USB, run Startup Repair and then run these (from an elevated command prompt in the recovery environment):
    chkdsk C: /f
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • If a Linux live disk boots but cannot mount C:, consider BitLocker or a "dirty" NTFS volume (fast-startup/hibernate left a lock file). Avoid writing to the partition; image or copy important files first.

Data-first option if hardware issues persist: remove the 2.5" drive and attach it to another PC via a USB-SATA adapter/enclosure to copy files or run vendor diagnostics. If the drive is healthy you can repair Windows afterward; if the drive shows hardware failure, stop and consult data-recovery pros.

Notes: ’s and ’s suggestions about restore/reinstall and recovery media are valid once hardware responds; ’s reset idea is an example of a power-reset sequence. If disassembly is uncomfortable, a local repair shop can do the battery disconnect and diagnostics without risking damage.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for Slavi

She could've stopped it while updating some critical system files/booting related maybe and that could be causing the problem. Did you try to recover an earlier snapshop of it? I can't remember how to access the menu on win8 but you should be able to find it easily on google. If that doesn't go well I would personally just go for reinstall

Member Avatar for zalax

The problem now is, it won't power on
Zalax

Member Avatar for cgeier

Found the following, which may be of use:
Toshiba black screen won't start

..."This is WORKED FOR ME!--->I turned off my computer than unplugged cable and took out battery, held down power button for 1-2mins and than put everything back in (battery and charger) and tried to start it...the screen was still black. I than turned it off again, than pressed ESC, while holding down ESC I pressed and held power button until it briefly turned on and back off. Than I let go of both the buttons and pressed power back on and VOILA the screen came back on. Make sure your charger isn't loose, and than you're aren't surging too much power through the outlets-sometimes these can make the screen black too"...

Edited by cgeier
Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

You can download Windows install/repair images here. Note - you must have a valid Windows registration number which you should be able to get from the sticker on your computer. You can find detailed instructions here.

Edited by Reverend Jim
Member Avatar for XP78USER

Any tool to create a USB installation for Windows is fine.

RUFUS or Novicorp WinTo flash would do.

Novicorp however was detected as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) but is a False Positive.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.