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W

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hi guys,

My Tivo series 2 got an update over the weekend. Updated thumbs up graphics, etc... I mention this only because I've got a very odd error message today after a power outage to the tivo. Note that this is a Series 2 which I added a second (internal) drive to a couple of years ago.

After the power up sequence it shows a screen with a green background:
==================
External Storage Missing

The external storage device was not detected. Your TiVo Digital Media Recorder will not operate without it.

Please make sure that the external storage device is turned on and securely connected to the DVR. Then restart the DVR by unplugging it and plugging it back in.

If you no longer wish to use the external storage device with this DVR, press CLEAR.

---------------------------------

I've tried restarting the TiVo a couple of times with no chnage. Anyone know what will happen if i press the CLEAR button? i'm concerned that somehow the second drive will be disassociated and i'll lose all my recordings.

Thanks for your help.
 
S

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#3 ·
The same thing just happened to me. I tried restarting a couple times, but kept getting the "External Storage Missing" error. Note this is on a S2.

This is a unit that I've upgraded previously as well with a kit. On the second drive there is a power delay device inline with the power cable to the drive. The purpose of this is so that both drives don't spin up at the same time during bootup and overwhelm the power supply on the motherboard.

I disconnected the power delay device and had the power cable going directly into both drives. When I did this the Tivo booted up fine and took me to the main menu. All of my shows appear to be there.

I'm thinking that either:

1. The power failure managed to burn out the power delay device so that it no longer functions.

2. The latest Tivo firmware is less forgiving if the second drive is started up after a delay, and needs both of them to be available immediately in order to be detected.

I don't know which one of those is correct, but if you have one of those delay things, try taking it out and see if the Tivo sill start. I'm guessing that on a Tivo that has had a second drive added, if the new version of firmware can't see it for some reason it will default to giving you the external storage error.
 
W

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
I do not have a delay power up device in my S2 box. I tried the 57 kick start this afternoon. I did not get the GSD but just the same 'External Storage Missing' error screen. But the yellow light is on so I'm hoping it is running the drive integrity check. I'll post an update in a few hours.
 
W

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Mine seemed to pick up the service update without any problems. The problem began when I shut off then restored the power to do some work on the house.

My kickstart plan has resulted in having the green and yellow lights on the front of the tivo for aboug 18 hours now. The screen still shows the 'External Storage Missing' message.

I'll take the Tivo apart this weekend and check the connections and confirm that that second drive is still spinning.
 
S

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#7 ·
So I've been unplugging my TiVo and plugging it back in MANY, many times. I keep getting that "External Storage Missing" error message. I haven't tried the KS 57, but from what you've said, it hasn't helped.

I am PISSED that this service update is causing so many problems! I've looked at other threads, and there seems to be lots of people with problems.

Will I ever have my TiVo back? Right now, I fear not. :mad:
 
S

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#9 ·
Called TiVo, who said they did not provide support for this kind of problem. Thank you, TiVo. :mad:

So I did the only thing I thought I could do, which was to hit "clear," and pray that all of my recordings would not be deleted. (fyi: I have two internal 160 GB drives, both nearly full of shows.)

All but four shows were deleted. :( And now my TiVo only recognizes the one hard drive.

WeaKnees has been kind enough to offer to help me get that other drive recognized by my TiVo; I can't say enough good things about this company and the people who work there! Fast, courteous, knowledgable, and always willing to help you out. :up:

~Chris
 
wolflord11

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#10 ·
It is either a Tivo problem or a weaknees problem. Lets hope we can get a reply from both parties.
 
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W

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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
I opened up my Tivo and lo and behold there was the SmartStart device after all. When i removed it and restarted the Tivo got to the Tivo Central screen with no issues. So Shagg and I both had the same resolution to the issue, remove the SmartStart which delays the spin up of the second drive.

Weaknees, thanks for your attention to the issue. My unit was not from you but an upgrade I did following the Hinsdale guide. I sent a note to Mark at 9thtee about the aparent problem with the SmartStart device and the Tivo Update.

-Wandering_burr
 
dianebrat

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#14 ·
I have to wonder if it's not that the smartstarts are dying, but the new rev has made the OS more picky to having both HD's up at the same time, and it's already looking for the 2nd drive before it's had a chance to spin up. By removing the smartstart, the 2nd HD is up and spun when the OS is looking for it.

Just my 2 bytes..
 
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dianebrat

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#16 ·
weaknees said:
With our PowerTrips, we always specify that it be installed on the master drive so that this can't be a problem.
Click to expand...
ahh.. I did my S2 so amazingly long ago with the 9th tee delay unit, that I'm pretty sure I have it on the slave. (ok.. we all had to start somewhere!) I'll be paying attention, however I don't have this happening to me.

Diane
 
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A

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#19 ·
Just to add some additional data... I have a Series 2 (TCD240080) 80gb with a 120gb disk I added. Last week I started hearing occasional clicking which coincided with a glitchy video image. I determined that one of the disks must be headed south, and started right away refamiliarizing myself with all the advances in the art since I was last really involved (circa the Hinsdale How-To :) ). Today, presumably after the update everyone else had, I also got the "External Storage Missing" screen. I'm hoping this just means it's the 120gb slave disk that died and the factory 80gb is fine. It's worth noting that I don't have any power delay device installed, and mine is likely due to the dead/dying disk.

EDIT: After a power cycle with crossed fingers, I booted up normally on the first try. But the message is clear, I need to address the shaky disk. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to get myself a MFSLive or InstantCake ISO... :)
 
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