Tivo series 2 froze on "almost there" How do I get data off HD

[tagg22]

Very new at this, limited computer skills. My wifes TIVO is stuck on "almost there" I am pretty sure the modem is the problem as we have recently had a Thunder Storm pass through the area.

Is there a way to get the recorded shows off of the current Hard Drive??? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Can I network the tivo in its current condition?? Can I remove Hard Drive and access data?? :eek:

[supasta]

Model Number?

[jrm01]

"Limited computer skills" and "remove hard drive and save data" do not go hand in hand.

If the modem is truly fried you have several options.

Is it an older model Tivo? Is it under warranty? Do you have a lifetime subscription? Do you have a home network for your computer?

[classicsat]

The TiVo has to fully boot to be able to make use of networking to rescue recordings.

The nearest thing would be to use dd_rescue to copy the failing drive to a new one, or at least run the manufacturers diagnostic software for it.

[mwkaraffa]

I had the same experience with my series 2 last year. If the tivo box is more than a couple of years old, then I would suspect a failed hard drive. If you are out of warranty, and are not technically savvy, then your chances of retrieving the data are slim to none. When mine crashed, I converted it from a 40 to 80 hour by installing a standard ide hard drive, and then using a software product called " instant cake" ($20 as I recall) to rebuild the tivo operating system. I don't know about the new series 3 tivos, but on the series 2, it doesn't recognize hard drives over a certain capacity, and 80 hours is the limit for storage. If you have replaced a hard drive on a pc, then upgrading or replacing a crashed tivo drive will be no problem. Google "instant cake tivo upgrade" for a link to the site.

[mwkaraffa]

Correction on my last post; you can upgrade the series 2 tivo way beyond the 80 hours; I must have been too cheap to spend the money for a larger hard drive..