Kelsey, if you do not have the “disc(s)”, then you should not format it yourself. Are you asking why? Well, because, as you know, formatting will erase all your data, including your operating system (Vista). And since you do not have the “disc(s)”, you will not be able to reinstall the operatng system after you do the format. A computer with no operating system serves absolutely no purpose, except for decoration.
If you want to be able to use the laptop after you format it, FIRST & FOREMOST, you need to get the “disc(s)”.
Now, what are your options?
1- Take it to Tech.support place & they will do the job(formatting plus reinstalltion of Vista/XP) for you. Of course, this will cost!
2- You may be able to download the “disc(s)” you need from the web.
Search google for “toshiba ——- manufacturer discs” or “toshiba—– recovery discs”.
you have to fill “——-” with the exact series name of the laptop. Toshiba has so many laptop series, you should specify the series that your laptop belongs to. One Toshiba series , for example, is the Satellite Series.
This info should be clearly written somewhere near the keyboard or on the lid.
After you download the “disc(s)”, you may then burn them into a CD or DVD.
then you are ready to format & reinstall/recover your opertaing system from the CD or DVD you just burnt.
Now, once u have the “disc(s)”, how can you format/install?
Simple & Easy.
Use google to search for “step by step to install Vista/XP”
OR “step by step to do system recovery for toshiba —-”
You will find pages with detailed steps & snapshots telling you how to perform the operation.
P.S: you may need to print out the detailed steps for you will have no access to the web as you are formatting/installing.
All the best!