[Evann_Lee]

My Bolt, model #TCD849500, worked perfectly until the hard drive crashed completely last night (those flashing lights look like the precursor to an explosion of some kind, attention received, thank you very much)... I replaced it with a 500GB Seagate I know works perfectly, but the lights on the front are still all flashing. My understanding is that the unit is supposed to automatically format a new drive when installed. I've checked, cleaned, and tested the connectors, the motherboard, and everything else I can think of. Since there is absolutely no satisfaction in throwing something out of the window when one lives on the first floor, can someone tell me what the problem might be?

 

[ggieseke]

Try wiping it using the "write zeros" test in WD's Data Lifeguard Diagnostics.

 

[kpeters59]

A Windows Diskpart 'clean' is probably adequate to blank it out, but also, check your Power Adapter.

Maybe first?

-KP

 

[V7Goose]

Yes, try a different power supply. If no joy, try a different HDD. I personally think current Seagate drives are total garbage, especially in a tiVo. There are no toy 2.5" drives that I would trust in a TiVo now either - None, no matter what the brand. I suggest a 3.5" WD Red or Purple with external enclosure (that will also be cheaper than any large capacity and unreliable 2.5" drive).

Bolts running the garbage TE4 software are KNOWN to have unpredictable and irregular and unexplainable problems accepting all sorts of new drives, so if your piece of seagate junk does not work, do try something different.