That is pretty good. Do a simple happy dance... but don't get carried
away yet...

>
> Here's something different. When I boot into v5.04, the CD-ROM shows
> up on the desk top. If I click on it, the various files (from v7.04)
> are there. I don't suppose it is as simple as picking one of those
> files to install v7.04 while in v5.04???

no, but I like your thinking!

>
> I guess I will burn one more copy of the disk, and see if a real slow
> burn might not clean things up. I am ready to try most anything, now.
> I may even go so far as to buy a bootable CD (horrors).

I don't think it is the CD... you can boot to the CD and it checks...
So it may be your toshiba... What kind of Laptop is it?

Did you back up your files from 5.04 yet? I hope so because, and it
was suggested by someone earlier, you really should be wiping your
drive and doing a fresh install... if we can even get that far... Did
you try the "Install In Text Mode"?

also, this is a great resource for getting help with laptops...
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/toshiba.html