Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280 With Windows 8.1 Boot from CD

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So, I need to make the computer *unbootable* from its normal hard drive OS. Is that right?
And, the ability to both reach the controls to change it back will still be there, right?
And, once switched back, it will boot from the GPT drive once more, right?

This isn't my computer and I don't want to break it!!

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I've been pursuing an alternate approach as well: Boot from USB that works with EFI. But I'm having trouble making it work on this Toshiba. I can build USB flash drives using Sardu, which is somehow supposed to work with EFI using some version of Grub but the Toshiba doesn't respond to them. Older computers do.

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Yes, there is much written about such things to install Windows.
What I was focusing on were the more generic .iso images for testing HDs, AV, cloning, etc.

you could also use an external cd drive - they are cheap :
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-External-DVD-Drives/zgbs/electronics/1292113011

For linux based iso's, it depends on the distro. many support both, UEFI and conventional BIOS, while some only support conventional BIOS. for things like the UBCD only conventional BIOS.

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Fred, it seems i misread your question, sorry for that
i would test first if you can boot from a known good bootable cd - as i answered in your other question about this problem

ASKER

nobus: Sure. But still in CSM mode, right?

what is CSM mode ?

ASKER

CSM = Legacy BIOS boot mode if you like.

i know bios mode - just wondering what CSM means; maybe cmos mode?
i must say the systems i've seen work as well in both modes - when safe boot is turned off in the uefi mode

ASKER

CSM=Compatibility Support Module providing legacy BIOS compatibility.
I tend to avoid saying "BIOS" when possible because the UEFI is also a BIOS in some sense. They are both firmware but written to different standards. In that sense, they provide the same type of function but with different capabilities, features, etc.

i agree there is often confusion in the terms cmos - bios - uefi
tx for the info - another one to remember