can't install win7 from previously made recovery disks

Did you use a Download manager as I don't think Digital River has one to allow you to continue downloading in parts?

Easiest is to let it download overnight with Sleep turned off.

No, I used firefox, and paused the download. In fact, the installation didn't work, although I didn't get any evident error message...it seemed to go fine, went thru its 5or6 steps, checking them off, but when it was 'done', it just sat there, and when I tried to reboot, got the same message " boot failed". So, I thought I'd try again, and this time, when asked "where do you want to install windows", (there are 3 choices, partion 1-system, part 2-windows,part 3- data.)Windows was highlighted by default, and this time, this message appears: "Win cannot be installed to this disk. This computer's hardware may not support booting to this disk. Ensure that the disk's controller is enabled in the computer's bios menu." THen...".Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The disk may fail soon, If other hard disks are available, install win to another location." So, what is up? I just found out that this computer was having boot up issues for a month or so, and the owner would pull the battery(!)to get it to turn off. Could all these problems (esp. the initial booting problem), have been caused by an insipient hardware failure? Or do you think is it just a bad download of the OS? Can't download such big files with the internet contract that I have.(limited to 3GB a month) But, I'll work it out if I have to do a new download.

Firefox will not pause downloads and continue them leaving ISO intact without a Download Manager added on. So that has to be the first suspect.

You can check the ISO HASH using HASHtab against the official ISO download on the Technet Win7 OS Downloads webpage, under the Details tab for your ISO.

I'd also wipe the HD first with Diskpart Clean All command as the error can mean you have a Dynamic disk instead of Basic: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

If install with confirmed ISO and wiped HD fails, test the HD with maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan. You can do this first and use Wipe HD feature on the CD after checking the HD.

Well, I did a fresh download of win 7 during the night, no apparent glitches. Yesterday I did a Diskpart clean all as you suggested. (I couldn't understand how to do a hash tag test on the dvd, so I made the new one). But, when I put in the new win7 dvd, after " loading files" and language choice, and choosing fresh installation, I still get the message that win can't be installed on this disk.(by the way, there is only one disk shown, 298.1GB free space) Get the same message, about hardware not supporting windows,etc) I tried to create a partition, but that didn't impress it either. I decieded to try and test the hard drive, but the hdtune iso download seems to be faulty, as the iso burner says "not a valid iso file" Did the download 3 times, but no go...So, what next? What about 'see set up log files for more info' Where would I find those. THis is getting more and more ridiculous. Thanks again, and if I can get this computer running with your help, I'll build a monument!

Are you trying the HD Diagnostic listed for you HD make?

Try resetting BIOS to defaults in BIOS setup.

Test your RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Is it possible your laptop doesn't support 64 bit as you say in your System Specs, but had 32 bit on it originally? How much RAM does it have? You might want to try 32 bit if its less than 4gb.

Please try again and post back the exact error message verbatim at failure point.

As I mentioned in my last message, I was reinstalling win 7 from the recovery disks after having cleaned and reformated according to the directions on the diskpart site. The win 7 installation disk didn't work, so I decided to try the recovery disks. They went thru to 100%, but the machine would not boot (got the same screen that started this whole falderal...'boot failed'.) So I tried 'startup repair', ..no go, then ran the win 7 installation disk 'repair win' and that said couldn't repair, because the hard disk was bad. I then noticed that in the bios boot page, at the bottom, it too said 'hdd xxxxxxx is failed'. So, I think it was a hardware problem after all, and I was beating a dead horse! THe computer is still under warrenty, so that is the end of the story. Thank you all very much for your help, and I learned a lot from this experience, and all things considered, figured out what was up. You are really clever,and may the surf always be up!

This is why I suggested running HD diagnostics (twice).

But if BIOS says it's failed, then it needs replacing.

You can mark the thread Solved at top.

There are no hd diagnostic tools for toshiba. They suggested using hitachi, but it was a mess. (I ran it on my computer,booting with windows, that worked ok, but as a bootable iso disk, wasn't so great). So, thanks again, until next disaster
I know you think Im incredibly dumb, but I can't find the check to 'mark this thread as solved.' Sorry!

I certainly don't think you're dumb if you can run Repairs then go into BIOS setup to learn your HD isn't recognized and failing. There should be a button at the top near Thread Tools to Mark Solved.

Sorry about the Hitachi Drive Test not being helpful. Sometimes Seatools or WD Data Lifeguard disks will work for it. There are also drive tests on the Ultimate Boot Disk and Hiren's Boot CD.

Thanks again, found it. Alla prossima! C.