Toshiba Ghost Errors

Using a recovery CD is sometimes the only way to reinstall a computer's operating system.

Some types of Toshiba computers encounter a ghost error when you use the recovery CD to reinstall the operating system. The restoration begins OK, but later installation errors appear. The program creates the pop-up error message “OUTPUT A:\GHOST.ERR? [YES][NO]” when it encounters an error. The error occurs because the program is trying to write an error log to the A: drive.

Error Loop

When you click “Yes” in the error window, the computer says that it “Cannot open GHOST.ERR—insert diskette.” It then repeats the ghost.err message. When you click “No” an “Application Error 437” message appears and the program says “Cannot read from file. If this problem persists, please contact TOSHIBA support center or contact Symantec support [OK].” The “OK” button takes the user to a black DOS screen with the announcement that the program cannot read the file, and the computer restarts.

Cause

The ghost.err error appears because the restore software is programmed to write an error log. The Norton Ghost software, which produced the image of the operating system and factory settings, is looking for the A: drive. The problem is that modern laptops do not have an A: drive, which is the old 3 1/2-inch floppy drive. The Norton Ghost program on some recovery CDs uses old technology parameters.

Cleaning

The first step in solving the ghost error is to clean the disk and the CD drive. Use rubbing alcohol, which evaporates without leaving any residue behind. Cover the back of the disk with the alcohol and start polishing it with a soft cloth. Look for any scratches and remove any smudges. Use a can of compressed air to blow any dust out of the CD drive. The goal is to remove anything from the disk and drive that will cause a disk-reading error, which will trigger the writing of the error log.

Cool Down

If the ghost error occurs after cleaning, something else is causing an installation error. Remove the power cord from the wall and take out the battery. Blow any dust out of the vents on the laptop with the compressed air. Let the Toshiba computer cool down for at least an hour. You want the bottom of the laptop to be cold to the touch. Replace the battery and power cord after the laptop is cool. Restart the installation process. The cooling down of the computer eliminates any overheating errors that might occur.

New Disk

If the error persists, contact the Toshiba Company either by phone or using another computer to chat. Tell the representative about the problem, which is a recognized issue. Explain that you do not have an A: drive and that you need the company to send you a new recovery CD that does not look for the A: drive.