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View Full Version : Dead T60, suggestions?

oldskoolboarder
07-06-2006, 01:03 PM
My Sat T60 HDD is finally biting the dust. Currently, I'm running Spinrite, though it does report a failing drive and I can only do data recovery. I'm gonna let it run and hope that the failure is only on a program and not the OS/boot partition.

I need to decide whether to get a replacement T60 or just replace the drive. I only want a temporary solution because my goal is to move the the Series 3 when it's available. Couple of questions:

1) If I replace the T60 with an entirely different one, will DirecTV make me sign up for another 2 year commitment? They wanted me to do this when trying to activate a 2nd HDTivo and that was not OK w/ me.

2) Are these the most simplest instructions on formatting a new drive? I'm a Linux newbie and more interested in just getting this resurrected for minimal cost/time. The $149 weaknees option seems a bit steep for me now. I have a new, bare drive that I'm willing to format, but trying to figure out the easiest way to do this.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...ad.php?t=141538
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...ad.php?t=198444

3) Do I need the original image? I don't have it.
litzdog911
07-06-2006, 01:12 PM
1) Not sure

2) Your easiest option since you don't have a working original image file would be PTVUpgrade's InstantCake software ....
http://www.ptvupgrade.com/products/instantcake/

3) Yes, you need an image file. But InstantCake includes what you need in an all-in-one upgrade utility.
mr.unnatural
07-06-2006, 01:25 PM
1) If you're replacing an existing receiver that has died they shouldn't make you extend your commitment. If they say you must adhere to an extension, hang up and get with a different CSR.

2) The links you provided aren't working for me. Do a google search for Hinsdale's How To. You'll find links there for a free downloadable version of MFSTools that will work with S1 DTivos. The process for restoring a backup image is not difficult to learn and you don't have to be an expert in Linux to master the process.

3) You can try downloading an image from Stan Simmons here in these forums. He can hook you up with an FTP site that contains backup images. You can also get a copy of Instantcake from PTVUpgrade that contains the image for your DTivo on an automated boot CD. Make sure you select the correct image for downloading because it will cost you another $20 if you get the wrong one.
darkwing
07-06-2006, 02:31 PM
When you say "my goal is to move the the Series 3 when it's available", do you mean by switching to able at the same time? AFAIK, the Series 3 will be OTA- or CableCard-only. (If I'm wrong, please tell me!)
oldskoolboarder
07-06-2006, 04:13 PM
When you say "my goal is to move the the Series 3 when it's available", do you mean by switching to able at the same time? AFAIK, the Series 3 will be OTA- or CableCard-only. (If I'm wrong, please tell me!)

When Series 3 is here, I'm looking to give up D* and go Cablecard. In my area, I get most OTA channels and won't miss any D* specific channels except HDNet. Then I will be able to finally watch FSN HD.