error #86

[hacktorious]

OK, I have been getting error #86 for a few days when I try to record a show. I tried clear and reset all, and running the Tivo scandisk utility (hold pause on remote, unplug tivo, plug tivo back in, when two orange/yellow lights come on release pause button and type 57 on the remote, one yellow light and one green light will remain on, then the green screen comes on).

Error #86 is caused from bad sectors on the drive.

I can now record a live show, but none of the other recording options work. For example, if I select "search by title", the tivo beeps and never enters the option screen. Tivo support said they will replace the DVR for $145 and allow me to keep my lifetime service. I have only had this tivo for a little over a year. I would prefer a less expensive option.

My thinking is that I upgrade the hard-drive and run the reset and delete everything on the new drive. Upgrading the drives could replicate the issue, but the reset and delete might fix the issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks. :(

[HomeUser]

Look at the stickys in the TiVo Upgrade Center (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25) there are several options over there depending on how comfortable you are around the inside of PC's

[hacktorious]

I did the following on a Series 2 Tivo and it got rid of error #86. This error is caused from problems with the hard-disk in the Tivo.

Phase 1:
1) Unplug the Tivo power cable.
2) Hold the pause button on the remote.
3) Plug the Tivo power cable back in; while continuing to hold the pause button on the remote.
4) When two yellow/orange lights on the front of the Tivo light up (may take several minutes), release the pause button and type 57 on the remote (you only have a couple seconds to enter 57 so hurry).
5) The machine will boot and eventually enter a green screen. While in this screen the Tivo will run a scandisk utility and fix any bad sectors on the hard-disk. This can take several hours (3 hrs or so). Do not unplug or power down the Tivo until it has completed.

If after 3 hours it is still on the green screen you can either wait a bit longer, or try the steps above a second time. My suggestion is to wait a bit longer.

Before completing phase 2, run the guided setup and test to make sure you still get error #86. If you don't get the error, great, your problem is fixed. If you still get the error continue on to phase 2.

Phase 2:
1) Enter messages & settings from the main tivo screen.
2) Select Restart or Reset System.
3) Select Clear & Delete everything.
- WARNING: This will erase all your recordings and settings on the tivo box.
The Tivo will do a low-level format on the disk, which may take several hours. Do not power the Tivo down during this time.
4) After the Tivo reboots complete the guided setup and test to ensure the problem has been resolved.

If you have completed both phases and your Tivo still has error #86 you may have to replace the hard-disk, or the entire Tivo box. Tivo support offers an option to transfer your lifetime service to a new box for a nominal fee.

Good Luck!!! :)

[stannc]

I just got the 7.3 upgrade tonight on my Series 2 (240) and for the first time I saw "Error 86" when attempting to read the "You have a service upgrade" message.

I'm going to try the scandisk route to see if I can clear that message before doing anything rash. :(