InstantCake Question

[gq91355]

Can I use InstantCake with an existing drive and, if so, will it wipe it clean in the process? There's no specific reference to this at the PTVupgrade site, although the implication is that, since IC is used with a "new" drive, that it will likely wipe an existing drive clean.

Thanks!

[WhyMe]

Yes it will.

[tivoupgrade]

Can I use InstantCake with an existing drive and, if so, will it wipe it clean in the process? There's no specific reference to this at the PTVupgrade site, although the implication is that, since IC is used with a "new" drive, that it will likely wipe an existing drive clean.

Thanks!

It will wipe any drive, previously used or brand new, clean. No formatting or partitioning prior to use is required. The only exception to this rule is if your drive becomes "locked" - this can happen in some of the older Sony SVR2000 units; it can make any drive appear to be 10MB when its installed in a PC. A simple "unlock" utility (DOS-based) can be used to get the drive acting normal again (search for DLGCHK for more information); this typically will only happen if you install a drive in a unit and then take it out and put it back in your PC; and again, it only happens with some older units.

If however, you are talking about an original TiVo drive, then you have to be careful. We don't recomend you use one at all. Specifically because most versions of InstantCake need a drive that's just a little larger than the original drive in your TiVo; so the general recommendation is ALWAYS use a drive larger than the original that was in your unit.

Also, we think its a bad idea to do anything with your original TiVo drive, other than keep it as a backup. Nothing worse than erasing your only good drive.