Help with my machine

[Dula]

My machine quit and instead of the green light that usually is on, is flashing very fast between green and yellow. It will not start up and only sends a blue screen to my tv. When I unplug it the picture and everything works on the tv. Is there a reset or any ideas of how to fix it? If not where do I take it for repair as I have a lifetime useage on it and want to get it running again. I have a tivo series 2.

Thanks in advance.

[richsadams]

You've probably tried rebooting TiVo correct? If not, unplug TiVo's power cord, wait about 10 seconds for the hard drive to spin down and then plug it back in.

At that point if you're not getting the "Welcome. Powering up (http://i24.tinypic.com/2hxleah.jpg)" screen it sounds like your TiVo is dead. You'll need to call TiVo and discuss a replacement. Your lifetime subscription will transfer to a replacement TiVo.

If it gets to the "Welcome" screen but no further it means that the motherboard cannot communicate with the hard drive and the hard drive will need to be replaced. Again, you can get a replacement box from TiVo or there are numerous DIY guidelines on the forum about replacing the hard drive. (This thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=416062) is a good start) Replacing the hard drive is prett simple (buy a replacement from DVRUpgrade (http://www.dvrupgrade.com) or Weaknees (http://www.weaknees.com)) and drop it in or buy a new, bare hard drive yourself, image it with Instant Cake (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/dvr/stores/1/instantcake.cfm) and install it. (This will not affect your lifetime sub as it's tied to the motherboard.)

It's also remotely possible that the power supply is failing. When you reboot it, put your ear to the case and see if you can hear the hard drive spin up. If not it could be the power supply isn't able to power it up, but most likely it's a failed hard drive. Weaknees carries replacement power supplies with installation instructions as well.

OR it may be time to pick up a new TiVo. You can get a replacement Series 2 quite cheap or the TiVo HD's are down to $199 for a "factory renewed" unit (https://www3.tivo.com/store/boxes.do?type=renewed&WT.ac=tivohome_refub_hdmarch_img) w/full warranty. TiVo should be able to help you transfer your lifetime sub to a new unit with no problem if you purchase one from them.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

[Dula]

Thanks Rich, I will have to call tivo, hopefully i can find a number to call them. I appreciate your insite into my issues.

[richsadams]

Here you go...

Phone number: 877-367-8486
Hours of operation:
Monday - Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Pacific

Let us know what you find out!