pdragonfly,

GO: Control Panel>Folder Options>View and INSURE NO FILES ARE HIDDEN by checking and unchecking the correct boxes.

Reboot.

The Boot.ini file is in the root directory of C: Partition.

Click on file and open it up in Notepad. There is a different way but this is faster.

I know you have no floppy, just using the table above as an example.

Also realize you will have a second partition as XP only formats up to 32 Gig (Built in Problem). That is why I was thinking of using a Utility to format the complete 40 Gig drive as (1) partition and then installing XP.

However, continue on and once you get your system going and understand it, we will deal with other issues.

Also realize you are operating in XP Theme and not Classic Theme so things are hard to find and navigate around to.

This is my fault as my systems are configured in Classic Theme for speed and efficiency and (NOT) for "eye candy" XP Theme so be patient. What I see is not exactly what you see so I have to think first.

Thanks,
Rick P.

This is where it gets "Dicey" as I don't know the extras you purchased in your machine.

=====If your restore DVDs have Drivers on them, load those=======.

I would rather you get a LAN connection to the net first on the Tosiba before we just start throwing driver updates in and BEFORE trying to update the Bios.

Your Mother Board Chipset is:

Ali M1672 + M1535 Chipset

Now you must install 2.07 MB driver.

I don't see it on the Toshiba site but it might be included in the display driver.

I did find it here:

http://www.opendrivers.com/dri.....nload.html

Have you gone to Device Manager and checked the devices that have a RED X OR YELLOW ! marks ??

I KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO BUT I DON'T WANT TO MESS YOUR INSTALLATION UP BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SOFTWARE TOOLS AND OTHER HARDWARE RESOURCES WHICH I HAVE TO RECOVER THE INSTALLATION.

DID YOU DOWNLOAD THE MANUAL AND SPECS ON ANOTHER MACHINE ??

Post Back.

Rick P.

pdragonfly,

Thought you had left us.

Glad you are back.

I assume you downloaded driver files for the Toshiba.

Just need to transfer them over to Toshiba on USB memory stick and install them.

Reboot.

Then look in Toshiba Device manager for more Red X and Question ? marks.

If USB on Toshiba is not working, will have to put drivers on CD to transfer them.

That is why it is so important to establish an Ethernet Controller (Lan) or USB connection to net.

Then you can use Toshiba to get what you need.

By chance, do you have Wifi card for the Toshiba with a driver for it and a router ??

Once you get some devices working, then it will be easier to figure out the rest.

I still think you may need main board chipset driver.

My E-mail address is on my web page in my profile. I can transfer files.

Click on Member under my icon.

Regards,
Rick P.

pdragonfly,

I do like to watch the old X-files on TV. I want to believe (LOL) (LOL).

Even though I'm disabled (Agent Orange Internal Cancer), I am mobile and do get about well with a cane.

The only issue I have is they won't renew my Pilot's License any more so I can't fly.

Will be here if you need futher assistance.

Regards,
Rick P.

HI, still having fun with this. Installed Intervideo v 4, but not getting very far with sound and video.
Annoying windows activation window kept popping up so I tried to activate it and its NOT recognizing my key!!!
Its the same key on the bottom of the computer, so not sure why they fussing.

Somewhere out there in geek land I saw a way to change or manage or view the key. But I'm tired. And will get back to this later.

Carol Ann

Hi,
I had this driver downloaded already, but took a chance and downloaded and installed it again.

Still getting ??? in Other Devices>?Yellow ? on:
Device Manager > Other Devices >
? Ethernet Controller
? PCI Modem
? Video Controller (VGA Compatable)

Thunderstorms with high winds and hail still in the area.

Hi, I did that. Long and very very time consuming.

pdragonfly,

Lets try:

Go Here:

Download and install (Integrated207.exe)

That is suppose to be the Main Board chipset driver for ALI boards ????
======================================
DO NOT GET IN A LOOP OF LETTING WEBSITE TRY TO DOWNLOAD THEIR FILE UPDATE PROGRAM.
SITE IS VERY AGGRAVATING BUT I DID FINALLY GET THE 207 FILE TO DOWNLOAD.
MAY HAVE TO CLEAR COOKIES SEVERAL TIMES.
======================================
http://www.opendrivers.com/dri.....nload.html

Post Back.

Rick P.

pdragonfly,

I have racked my brain and don't know what else you can load in to the Toshiba as you say you have installed every file available plus have the manual and machine specs. I really hate to give up but at this point, I think I would call Toshiba and try to demand some help even though your machine is out of warranty. Another in our group gave up on a newer Toshiba this afternoon and he is much more knowledgeable than I am.

What do you think ??

Regards,
Rick P.

pdragonfly,

OK that sounds Great !!

Make another Clean Install of XP on C: Partition with new formating so you can start off without all the garbage we installed in the machine.

Post a NEW Topic "How to Fix a Toshiba Satellite A20 Laptop".

Let's see if other members on the HTG Forum might give us some assistance.

I will monitor but won't post until I see others posting.

I will keep this thread book marked so I can pull off info if needed.

I think it is a Great Idea to NEVER Give Up.

Would you like to try this procedure ??

Kindest Regards,
Rick P.