Adding hacks to non-networked Tivo

[cwaring]

Should it not be fairly easy to add a couple of hacks (not including TivoWeb of course) to a non-networked Tivo by putting the drive into a Linux-based PC; or using an appropriate boot-cd?

While it's out of action (they're decorating the main room) I wanted to add endpad and autospace to my parents non-networked unit.

My only concern is 'logging onto' the correct drive. Of course, with DOS you just type "D:" or whatever, but how do I do that with a linux-based system like Tivo?

Thanks.

[Raisltin Majere]

My only concern is 'logging onto' the correct drive. Of course, with DOS you just type "D:" or whatever, but how do I do that with a linux-based system like Tivo?

Thanks.


I *think* you need to mount the drive

mkdir /tivo

mount /dev/hdwhatever /tivo

and then cd to it:

cd /tivo

This is just a guess.

[Pete77]

There is another thread on this in the Tivo UK section a few months ago where another forum member was indeed able to add hacks to the drive of a relative's non networked Tivo.

If you use the Search function I am sure you will find it. I think blindlemon was involved in giving some of the advice.

[cwaring]

I *think* you need to mount the drive
...
<annoyed grunt> Of course! See. It's been so long since I did this stuff that I've forgotten most of it ;) I'm sure it'll come back to me :)

There is another thread on this in the Tivo UK section a few months ago where another forum member was indeed able to add hacks to the drive of a relative's non networked Tivo.
None that I can see, pete. However, I'm never sure what search terms to use :confusedL: "hacks" brings up an awful lot of posts :p "non-networked" does too; mostly the same ones, as it happens :( Will just have to keep trying. Actually, I don't remember such a thread recently ;)

[mikerr]

Install end pad on a non-networked drive:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4733241

Would be much easier to install network drivers on the drive,
put the drive in your networked tivo,
install lots of nice hacks
then put the drive back in original tivo.

Tivo happily ignores network drivers when put in a machine without a card installed
(for the most part - it still displays a screen for cachecard drivers,
but that doesn't stop anything working)

[cwaring]

Thanks for the link, and the idea, mikerr.

However, I did miss out a thought I had in my original post.

Seeing as I'm only adding and editing a few files (and not backing-up/restoring anything) would I not be able to do this using a linux-based "live" cd/dvd? Would be much easier.

That said, do I remember something about the Tivo filesystem being proprietory, which might stop this being possible?

[mikerr]

The linux boot CD's (e.g the LBA48 one (http://www.steveconrad.co.uk/tivo/images/ptv-mfstools2-large-disk.iso)) we use with tivos already *are* "live" CDs.

That just means no install to HDD is needed, you boot from the CD...

[cwaring]

Yeah, okay, I kinda knew that, but I meant Ubuntu or something with a GUI :)

[TCM2007]

In theory yes, but you run into issues with byteswapping etc, so you are better just using the pre-configured boot disk.

[cwaring]

Fair enough. I'm doing it as mikerr suggested anyway and installing the network drivers and putting it in my Tivo :)

[AMc]

Install end pad on a non-networked drive:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4733241

I'm disappointed that after almost a year the first time my instructions get a link its from someone else :rolleyes: and you decide not to use them anyway - I'm going to sulk now Carl ;)

[Pete77]

I'm disappointed that after almost a year the first time my instructions get a link its from someone else :rolleyes: and you decide not to use them anyway - I'm going to sulk now Carl ;)

At least one of us here remembered your method was an option for those who do not want to buy a network card but are happy renmoving hard drives and using Linux boot CDs. And another member even managed to track down the thread.

As your thread was so long running I was surprised to see that Carl did not seem to recollect it.

[AMc]

At least one of us here remembered your method...
Now I feel all warm and fuzzy ;)

[cwaring]

..I'm going to sulk now Carl ;)
It's not my fault I prefer doing things the easy way; although the way it turned-out I think it would have been a close tie :p

[AMc]

Indeed - on the rare ocassions I've taken the lid of my (or my folks) Tivo I've found getting a boot disc that works and hanging the harddrives inside my Dell to be the most trouble. By comparison the software installation is pretty straightforward.

Checking endpad is working would be easier using a live Tivo and a network connection - I had to plug in a portable DVD player and make manual recordings, swapping the disk in and out of the PC - not fun :)

[Pete77]

Indeed - on the rare ocassions I've taken the lid of my (or my folks) Tivo I've found getting a boot disc that works and hanging the harddrives inside my Dell to be the most trouble. By comparison the software installation is pretty straightforward.

Indeed so. I would still have to get hold of another desktop PC if I ever to need to replace my Tivo hard drives as the last one I had that I did my Tivo mods on now refuses to boot.