SVR-2000 Boot problem

[c000159]

Hi All,

I just purchased a SVR-2000 at an auction. It did not come with a remote. When I power it up, I get the "Tivo is starting ...please wait" message but it doesn't go any further. After reading up on this issue, I've still got a couple of questions. First, if I want to do the Kickstart 57, I'll need a remote. I have a Sony RM-AV2100 programmable remote. Are there any other Sony VCRs/DVD players that use the same codes as the SVR-2000 remote does? If that's not possible, if I purchase the InstantCake software, does that have a image on it so I can repair the drive? Or is it only for installing a second drive? Or does anyone have a backup of the image I can use? And finally, if I connect a phone line and let it dial in, will that update the software where I will not be able to use it like a VCR without a sub? That's my main purpose is to use it without a subscription. :D

Thanks in advance for any help.

Michael

[jjberger2134]

if I purchase the InstantCake software, does that have a image on it so I can repair the drive? Or is it only for installing a second drive?

The Instant Cake software has a fresh image for the particular TiVo you are using. IC however, is for installing a fresh image on a new drive. I do not think it is recommended that you try to repair a faulty drive with IC. IC looks for a larger target drive than the original. However, depending on your skill level you really have 3 choices regarding the drive.

1. Head over to the upgrade forum, and learn how to use MFS Tools. This free utility will allow you to transfer the image and all programs to a fresh drive.

2. Use IC on a fresh drive.

3. Buy a pre-formatted drive from an online vendor such as weaknees.

Or does anyone have a backup of the image I can use?

I have heard of a particular member (can't remember the name) who keep a library of images. Someone else would be of better service to you regarding that question. You may be able to find some posts by him in the upgrade forum.

And finally, if I connect a phone line and let it dial in, will that update the software where I will not be able to use it like a VCR without a sub? That's my main purpose is to use it without a subscription.

Yes that is certainly possible. That scenario is also possible by using IC since IC may put an later software version on your TiVo. I am not really sure how all of that works since I do not own a Series I unit. Others will know better than myself, but I think all you need to do in that situation is call customer service and have them restore basic recording functionality.

[c000159]

The Instant Cake software has a fresh image for the particular TiVo you are using. IC however, is for installing a fresh image on a new drive. I do not think it is recommended that you try to repair a faulty drive with IC. IC looks for a larger target drive than the original. However, depending on your skill level you really have 3 choices regarding the drive.

1. Head over to the upgrade forum, and learn how to use MFS Tools. This free utility will allow you to transfer the image and all programs to a fresh drive.

I guess I assumed that the image was messed up and the hard drive was OK. But that's probably not the case? How do I know if the image on my drive is OK to use?

2. Use IC on a fresh drive.

3. Buy a pre-formatted drive from an online vendor such as weaknees.



I have heard of a particular member (can't remember the name) who keep a library of images. Someone else would be of better service to you regarding that question. You may be able to find some posts by him in the upgrade forum.



Yes that is certainly possible. That scenario is also possible by using IC since IC may put an later software version on your TiVo. I am not really sure how all of that works since I do not own a Series I unit. Others will know better than myself, but I think all you need to do in that situation is call customer service and have them restore basic recording functionality.


I guess I assumed that the image was corrupted but the hard drive was OK. But that's probably not the case? How do I know if the image on my drive is OK to use on another drive?

[David_NC]

When I power it up, I get the "Tivo is starting ...please wait" message but it doesn't go any further.

That is often a sign that the hard drive is bad.

if I purchase the InstantCake software, does that have a image on it so I can repair the drive?

The InstantCake software has the image. You can use it on the original drive, or a larger drive. It cannot be used on a drive that is SMALLER than the original SVR-2000 drive (note that not all 30GB drives are the same size, differing by a small number of sectors).


And finally, if I connect a phone line and let it dial in, will that update the software where I will not be able to use it like a VCR without a sub? That's my main purpose is to use it without a subscription.

Dialing in to Tivo, or updating the software, will have no affect on the ability to record without a subscription. In fact, you need to let it call in to set up the stations you receive, and to set the clock.

NOTE --- Not all SVR-2000's can record without a subscription. Only units that originally came with software versions before 2.0 can do that (manufacture date around October, 2001, or before). The software version currently on the unit doesn't matter. Doing a clear & delete everything will sometimes disable the recording ability, in which case you need to call Tivo customer service and have it re-enabled.

[c000159]

That is often a sign that the hard drive is bad.



The InstantCake software has the image. You can use it on the original drive, or a larger drive. It cannot be used on a drive that is SMALLER than the original SVR-2000 drive (note that not all 30GB drives are the same size, differing by a small number of sectors).




Dialing in to Tivo, or updating the software, will have no affect on the ability to record without a subscription. In fact, you need to let it call in to set up the stations you receive, and to set the clock.

NOTE --- Not all SVR-2000's can record without a subscription. Only units that originally came with software versions before 2.0 can do that (manufacture date around October, 2001, or before). The software version currently on the unit doesn't matter. Doing a clear & delete everything will sometimes disable the recording ability, in which case you need to call Tivo customer service and have it re-enabled.

Where is the manufacture date located at? The label on the back has no date on it and that's the only label on the exterior. I cracked the case and there's no label in there with a date that I could see. There is a label that says something about software A/2 or something like that. Does that help any?

[David_NC]

The manufacture date should be on the label on the back. May just be a series of numbers, like "02-08-00" which is either February 8 or August 2, 2000 (don't recall which order they are in at the moment).

[stevel]

There may be an ink stamp on the hard disk label with the initial version number. If it says 1.3, you're ok. If it says 2.0, you're not. Most SVR-2000s shipped with 1.3 and allow unsubscribed manual recording. It's been a while, but I don't recall that my SVR-2000 had a date sticker.

[c000159]

There may be an ink stamp on the hard disk label with the initial version number. If it says 1.3, you're ok. If it says 2.0, you're not. Most SVR-2000s shipped with 1.3 and allow unsubscribed manual recording. It's been a while, but I don't recall that my SVR-2000 had a date sticker.

Well, there is this on the bottom left of the label "0 25-04-00". Hopefully that means April of 2000! I'll check out the label on the disk and see what it says.

[ggieseke]

I doubt that any of the VCR codes would work, and they would be missing some buttons. I don't know much about the Sony remotes but there's a spreadsheet at http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=other&db=other&br=programs&dv=sony that should let you convert Philips Pronto .CCF files into your format, and there are a bunch of SVR-2000 .CCF files that you can choose from.