How do I unregister Tivo Desktop?

[bkdtv]

I am a registered user of Tivo Desktop 2.6. Unfortunately, the bundled Mainconcept codecs interfere with several other programs that I use.

Basically, I want to unregister TiVo Desktop so I can decode/play and transfer TiVo recordings, but without the registered version's Mainconcept codecs.

I've tried uninstallation. I've also run the Tivo Desktop removal script from TiVo's site. But none of that clears my registration data; as soon as I reinstall TiVo Desktop, it has the registration information from the previous install.

[TolloNodre]

I have no idea, but I would assume both the unregistered and registered versions use the same codec, just with options turned off. How do you know the unregistered version doesn't use Mainconcept codecs?

[ZeoTiVo]

I think you have to manage the codecs directly - clearing out the registration data alone will not solve your issue.

there is a tool for managing codecs in windows and which ones are used. I forget the name offhand - google should find you something though

[CuriousMark]

Basically, I want to unregister TiVo Desktop so I can decode/play and transfer TiVo recordings, but without the registered version's Mainconcept codecs.
The Plus key is stored in a registry key that is not deleted by the TiVo registry cleaner. If you are up to editing your computer's registry you can remove the Plus Key registry key and then when you install TiVo Desktop again, it will install as the free version without unlocking the Main Concept codecs. However, it is possible that a previous installation of Plus may have left those codecs on your system, since they were paid for, and not uninstalled them when TiVo Desktop was uninstalled. If that is the case, you will have to remove the codec manually as suggested by ZeoTiVo above.

[richsadams]

Hi bkdtv! You're usually the one handing out wise advice. ;) The TiVo Desktop uninstall process generally does not remove the cache files. You should be able to find them and delete them:

C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Local Settings\Application Data\TiVo Desktop\Cache

Also you'll need to do a search (find) and clear your registry of all "TiVo" entries including:

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-2025429265-492894223-1343024091-1004\Software\TiVo\Desktop\Modules\TivoNowPlaying\config\Loc alRootPath

HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-2025429265-492894223-1343024091-1003\Software\TiVo\Desktop\PlusUpgradeLicenseKey

That said, instead of removing the program you might want to try installing a codec pack which may address your other programs and let them all work together:

http://www.cole2k.net/?display=Codec-Pack-Standard (You may need to use IE to open this...there are issues with Mozilla/Firefox browsers on occasion.)

A handy software utility called GSpot (http://www.headbands.com/gspot/) can help you identify which codecs are required (and if you have them configured properly) for any file you may be using.

Another option is to uninstall and reinstall the programs that are not working. Their codec requirements should superceded those that were reconfigured when v2.6 was installed.

If you do end up uninstalling v2.6 and still want to use TiVo Desktop you can try going back to an earlier version. Greg Burns has generously published the setup files in a TiVo Desktop archive.

http://greg_burns.home.comcast.net/~greg_burns/TivoDesktop/

If you have more questions or comments, you'll probably be able to get more support on the TiVo Home Media Features & TiVoToGo (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=35) forum.

Best of luck! :up:

[bkdtv]

Thanks guys, that did the trick. I now have the standard version of TiVo Desktop without the Mainconcept codecs.

[dwit]

Thanks guys, that did the trick. I now have the standard version of TiVo Desktop without the Mainconcept codecs.

What did the trick?

Always curious about these codec issues.

Just got a brand new Dell. Free Desktop 2.6/wmp 11 doesn't seem to want to play Tivo HD hi def transfers.
Only codec(video) on there so far is the Main Concepts.

[richsadams]

What did the trick?

Always curious about these codec issues.

Just got a brand new Dell. Free Desktop 2.6/wmp 11 doesn't seem to want to play Tivo HD hi def transfers.
Only codec(video) on there so far is the Main Concepts.I'm curious too. :confused:

I had trouble with .tivo HD files in WMP11 as well (but on an earlier TD version). You might want to try installing that codec pack linked in my previous post.

[greg_burns]

there is a tool for managing codecs in windows and which ones are used. I forget the name offhand - google should find you something though

DirectShow Filter Manager (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/DirectShow_Filter_Manager.htm)

RadLight Filter Manager (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/RadLight_Filter_Manager.htm)

[dwit]

I'm curious too. :confused:

I had trouble with .tivo HD files in WMP11 as well (but on an earlier TD version). You might want to try installing that codec pack linked in my previous post.

Did it work? I tend to be hesitant about all these codecs.

I've got so many codecs on one machine, it(and me) don't know whether it's coming or going.

[richsadams]

Did it work? I tend to be hesitant about all these codecs.

I've got so many codecs on one machine, it(and me) don't know whether it's coming or going.It did indeed work. Greg's recommended it numerous times over at the TTG forum and a lot of folks have claimed success afterwards.

My nemesis is Nero (Ultra v7.x). Whenever I make a change it does its level best completely overrule everything else that uses codecs. :mad: Between TiVo Desktop, VideoReDo and WMP, I've had some real codec battles. I've tamed Nero for now, but if acts up again it's history.

I found that GSpot program pretty good for figuring things out. Greg's recommendations for DirectShow Filter Manager and RadLight Filter Manager are on target too.

Best bet is to create a restore point before you make any program/codec modifications. That way you can simply roll back time if things go a bit south. Worst case is to simply uninstall the programs and re-install them, that's also worked for me.

[dwit]

It did indeed work. Greg's recommended it numerous times over at the TTG forum and a lot of folks have claimed success afterwards.

My nemesis is Nero (Ultra v7.x). Whenever I make a change it does its level best completely overrule everything else that uses codecs. :mad: Between TiVo Desktop, VideoReDo and WMP, I've had some real codec battles. I've tamed Nero for now, but if acts up again it's history.

I found that GSpot program pretty good for figuring things out. Greg's recommendations for DirectShow Filter Manager and RadLight Filter Manager are on target too.

Best bet is to create a restore point before you make any program/codec modifications. That way you can simply roll back time if things go a bit south. Worst case is to simply uninstall the programs and re-install them, that's also worked for me.

Thanks. I will indeed try one of the codec paks eventually when I decide what I am going to do with the new system. I may add Snapstream BeyondTv4 which also has it's own codecs to cause conflicts as on my other htpc.

[richsadams]

Ha, funny you mention BeyondTv. I wrestled with that one for a few weeks back in December and it's codecs were fussy as well. I was pretty impressed with its GUI, but I never could get it to play "normal" TV for some reason (ended up using Win2000). But overall it looks like a pretty good program. Drop a line when you get it up and running...maybe things have improved since I tried it.

[dwit]

Ha, funny you mention BeyondTv. I wrestled with that one for a few weeks back in December and it's codecs were fussy as well. I was pretty impressed with its GUI, but I never could get it to play "normal" TV for some reason (ended up using Win2000). But overall it looks like a pretty good program. Drop a line when you get it up and running...maybe things have improved since I tried it.

I've had btv4 with a Hauppauge 1600 hd/sd tuner card on my bedroom pc for about a year. For ota hd(all I can use in the br) it's pretty close to Tivo. Just not quite as dependable, considering power outs, computer restarts, etc., and doesn't support qam for that card. Never had much problems for how I use it, and they have very active forums and support for it also. It has always employed the proper codecs to date.

[bkdtv]

What did the trick?I uninstalled Tivo Desktop, ran the cleaner script from TiVo's site, and then searched for and deleted the PlusUpgradeLicenseKey key.

I then reinstalled TiVo Desktop. The Mainconcept codecs are not active.

For MPEG-2 playback, I use Dscaler5 with the IVTC plug-in.

[richsadams]

I've had btv4 with a Hauppauge 1600 hd/sd tuner card on my bedroom pc for about a year. For ota hd(all I can use in the br) it's pretty close to Tivo. Just not quite as dependable, considering power outs, computer restarts, etc., and doesn't support qam for that card. Never had much problems for how I use it, and they have very active forums and support for it also. It has always employed the proper codecs to date.I would probably need to try a new TV/video device. I have Hauppauge's WinTV HVR 950...an HD/USB thing I picked up last year. It seems to be an outcast when it comes to compatible programs...I don't think any of them recognize it even today. :rolleyes: If/when I get another one I'll shop a bit more carefully so I can use the latest and greatest software applications. :cool:

[richsadams]

I uninstalled Tivo Desktop, ran the cleaner script from TiVo's site, and then searched for and deleted the PlusUpgradeLicenseKey key.

I then reinstalled TiVo Desktop. The Mainconcept codecs are not active.

For MPEG-2 playback, I use Dscaler5 with the IVTC plug-in.Got it and glad it's working now! :up:

[dwit]

I would probably need to try a new TV/video device. I have Hauppauge's WinTV HVR 950...an HD/USB thing I picked up last year. It seems to be an outcast when it comes to compatible programs...I don't think any of them recognize it even today. :rolleyes: If/when I get another one I'll shop a bit more carefully so I can use the latest and greatest software applications. :cool:

Yeah. The Tivo/Nero pvr software. Haven't heard much about it lately though.