What are some ways around Toshiba's "Wrong Machine" error

[LABachlr]

I have a client who has a Toshiba tablet PC (not sure of the model number) who wants to upgrade their hard drive to a larger hard drive.

When I upgraded my hard drive on my Toshiba, it gave me the Wrong Machine error message. I tried using the DMI update tool, but it gave me a choice between 2 model number series, both of which were not the series of my laptop. I tried updating each one, but neither update worked. So eventually I had to use a retail XP CD to install the OS.

So, the first question is do Toshiba laptops always give the "Wrong Machine" error message when you replace the hard drive with a larger one?

And the second question is, if so, how do you get around that if the DMI update does not work and you do not want to go out and spend money on a new OS CD?

 

[Old Hippie]

You tried to reinstall with the recovery discs, after changing the HDD? You need to clone the replacement HDD, before installing it in the laptop. Use Acronic TI to clone, or buy an upgrade kit.

 

[LABachlr]

Actually, I misspoke. He already upgraded his HD to a larger one, but wants to back up his info and do a fresh install. So, unfortunately, cloning wouldn't work in this situation. Any other advice?

 

[montag451]

I think what the hippie means is that on the original hdd that came with the comp, there is a 'hidden' partition with lots of bloat and the os.
This is so that in the event of problems, you can shove in the cd that came with the comp, and tell it to set the computer back to how it was when it left the shop.

This partition must be cloned if you want to use this facility.
Re-backing up the data, I presume he can use USB flash drive/DVDrw etc?