New Hard Drive, Failed Account Status

NaviGATR · 11-03-2005, 06:29 AM

Ugh!

So I replaced a failed hard drive on a Series 1 Sony SVR-2000 with a backed up image from a couple of years ago. Everything looked like it went well until I tried to connect to the TiVo service for a programming updated and then during the guided setup.

Although the test calls went fine, I get a "Failed Getting Account Status" when I try the next step.

Any suggestions? There is nothing wrong with the phone line. I've used this same line and jack for 2 years with this box.

Thanx!

Shawn

funtoupgrade · 11-03-2005, 09:49 AM

Did you keep retrying at the point of the problem. I've had similar experiences only to find that on the third or fourth attempt it worked. I think the modems can tend to get flakey - I know they can eventually fail to work at all.

The easiest thing to do when fooling with the phone connection is to go to the phone setup menu and do a test call. It is much quicker than trying to download all the software/program info and will let you know if there is a connection problem.

funtoupgrade

NaviGATR · 11-03-2005, 09:53 AM

Yeah... the test calls go through fine. I've messed with various settings in the menu... the auto dial tone check, *70 prefix and all that. In fact, the second call goes through fine at first. It connects, updated the time and then tries to check for Account Status. That's where it fails.

I've cycled the power. I've tried calling in the middle of the night. I called at 7 AM this morning. All have the same result.

It's driving me crazy. I have a lifetime subscription on this box and I don't want to give it up if I can help it.

Thanx!

funtoupgrade · 11-03-2005, 01:01 PM

There are instances where a Tivo will work fine on one person's phone line and not on another's for unexplainable reasons. Have you got a friend in the area where you could try from a different household?

Another thing I would try if it were my unit would be another reimaging of the drive. It simply overwrites whatever is on there so there is no downside to doing it over and over.

For what it is worth, I have had more unexplainable problems with Sony Tivos than with any other brands, but I think I am personally jinxed regarding Sony. Over the past 40 years I have had more problems with anything built by Sony than any other manufacturer, and some time ago made the decision not to buy Sony products unless there is no alternative. I know many other folks who swear by Sony and have never had any trouble with their stuff. Go figure!

funtoupgrade

petew · 11-03-2005, 01:19 PM

As a last resort you could also try a clear and delete all.

NaviGATR · 11-03-2005, 05:36 PM

Hey All,

I actually did a Clear and Delete all and now I'm worse off then before. At least before I did the Clear and Delete, I could use the basic pause, rewind and forward for live live TV, I just didn't have a program guide. Since I did the C&D, I can't get the box out of the guided setup... so now I just have a brick.

I know it's not the phone line. I've had this TiVo on that phone jack in that same location for 2-3 years with no problems. The poblem only occurred after I installed the backup to the new drive.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

petew · 11-03-2005, 08:10 PM

Open the box up and check you didn't dislodge any cables when replacing the disk.

NaviGATR · 11-03-2005, 08:18 PM

Ok... but if the test calls are going through ok, wouldn't that show that the modem is still working and the wires are attached?

petew · 11-03-2005, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaviGATR

Ok... but if the test calls are going through ok, wouldn't that show that the modem is still working and the wires are attached?

It would, sorry forgotten about that. Thinking back it was part of my reasoning for suggesting a C&D. I think the next options would be either retry restoring the backup or try an Instant Cake CD from ptvupgrade.

NaviGATR · 11-05-2005, 09:08 AM

Ugh. I took your advice and I bought the InstantCake ISO. I burned a new image and dropped the HD into the TiVo. SAME PROBLEM! It's gets hung up on "Failed Account Status!" Now I'm out $20 and I still don't have a TiVo that works. Even TiVo can't tell me what's wrong. They want to blame the modem, but then the test call wouldn't work... so they're stumped.

Help!!!

petew · 11-05-2005, 10:57 AM

At the point it does look like some type of intermittent modem problem. Question though, Di Guided setup work with the Instant Cake CD or did you get the Failled to get account status message during guided setup?

The test calls are relatively short so may work even though there's a bad connection while the longer calls fail. You could always try a serial cable and the PPP workaround.

NaviGATR · 11-05-2005, 02:45 PM

I get the same error at the same point in guided setup with the InstantCake and my own backup. I've already spent more money and time trying to fix this problem... I can't run a wire through my house just to make this work. It's driving me friggin crazy.

punchinboy · 02-04-2006, 10:41 PM

Just a thought here, there are plenty of people with more experience than me, but, the accouont status is saying failed. This info is not stored on the HDD but on a chip on the motherboard. If it is calling fine and then saying failed does this mean a problem with motherboard or on Tivo's end with lost subscription info?

denary · 11-05-2006, 09:04 AM

[Q]Yeah... the test calls go through fine. I've messed with various settings in the menu... the auto dial tone check, *70 prefix and all that. In fact, the second call goes through fine at first. It connects, updated the time and then tries to check for Account Status. That's where it fails.[Q]

Any updates on this.....I am running into the same problem with a HD that I ordered from Weaknees.

denary · 11-07-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punchinboy

Just a thought here, there are plenty of people with more experience than me, but, the accouont status is saying failed. This info is not stored on the HDD but on a chip on the motherboard. If it is calling fine and then saying failed does this mean a problem with motherboard or on Tivo's end with lost subscription info?

If I can determine if this is in fact the motherboard and I have a lifetime on this unit. Can I send it back and have a replacement issued?