[Grouse4449]

Can the hard drive from a dead TiVo be installed in a same model TiVo? I want to get my season passes and tv show recordings.

 

[tommage1]

Can the hard drive from a dead TiVo be installed in a same model TiVo? I want to get my season passes and tv show recordings.

A lot depends on what is wrong with the "dead" Tivo and what model it is. You cannot just put the drive in another Tivo (even the same model) and keep the recordings etc. But there may be a way to save/transfer non copyrighted recordings and settings if the drive is not the issue and the current Tivo has internet/network access.

 

[Grouse4449]

The dead TiVo got zapped during a lightning storm. I purchased a replacement same model.

 

[tommage1]

The dead TiVo got zapped during a lightning storm. I purchased a replacement same model.

You still didn't say what model and what is wrong with the "zapped" Tivo, it does not power up, video or audio is out, network connection out?

 

[Grouse4449]

TiVo has no green power light, remote signal indicater does not light. It was still powered up and the record light illuminated. There is no HDMI output and of course no menu display.

 

[Grouse4449]

I forgot, the model is 846500.

 

[tommage1]

TiVo has no green power light, remote signal indicater does not light. It was still powered up and the record light illuminated. There is no HDMI output and of course no menu display.

Ok, if still powered up make sure the network is connected. Then login to Tivo Online. If the Roamio is partially functioning you may be able to see your recordings, settings etc. One more thing that probably would not work but you never know, take the AC adapter from the one you just bought and try it with the malfunctioning box. It's POSSIBLE the adapter got partially damaged so a swap is worth a try. Probably not but a simple test.

 

[Grouse4449]

On TiVo online I kept getting "unable to connect"

 

[Grouse4449]

I have more. I used by the original power supply on the new TiVo and it works fine. I could try the new power supply on the dead one.

 

[tommage1]

On TiVo online I kept getting "unable to connect"

Not good. Only thing I can think of would be to try hooking up a breakout cable to the AV port on the back of the Tivo, if you get a picture could at least see what is happening when you plug it in, if anything.

You could swap the drive in to the new Tivo. You MIGHT be able to see the recordings, maybe even watch them. Or it may just try to format the drive. Or it may not work at all if the drive is fried. You could hook up the suspect drive to your computer first and run some tests like SeaTools or Crystal disk to see if the drive is working. Even if the drive is not fried putting it into the new Tivo will not work permanently, you would have to clear and delete everything to "marry" the drive to the new Tivo. You'd also be taking a chance the old drive might screw something up with the internal flash drive, then your new drive may not work when you put it back in (should not happen if both Tivos on the same OS, TE3 or TE4).

Basically at this point I would try the breakout cable if you have one, see what is happening if you get a picture. And run diagnostics on the possibly bad drive on computer. If drive is bad you can pretty much forget what was on it.

You COULD also call Tivo tech support. DO NOT tell them it was hit by lightning. Just tell them it's not working, that's it. They will run you through some tests, which will fail or course, you don't even get a picture. Then they MIGHT offer you a cheap discount on a replacement. If your original has lifetime service might be worth a shot, if it is monthly/yearly probably not worth it for this model unless they do it free.

 

[tommage1]

Oh, if you hookup to computer to test, Windows will not recognize the format of the drive. So do not let Windows format it. Some of the diagnostics programs will recognize the drive enough where you can run info and SMART test. To be honest I doubt you are going to be able to save recordings or settings, just might be able to figure out condition of components, you said you tested the AC adapter on the new one so it is probably good, if the drive is ok you could re-purpose it.

 

[Grouse4449]

That all sounds great. The power light doesn't even light. You did help me that the file format is different. Is there a cable that would break out the hard drive to a SATA connection for the external drive connection?

 

[ajwees41]

That all sounds great. The power light doesn't even light. You did help me that the file format is different. Is there a cable that would break out the hard drive to a SATA connection for the external drive connection?

what are trying do access your recordings?

 

[Grouse4449]

Yes and one pass list.

 

[tommage1]

That all sounds great. The power light doesn't even light. You did help me that the file format is different. Is there a cable that would break out the hard drive to a SATA connection for the external drive connection?

If you have a desktop computer just hook up to a Sata port on the motherboard. If you have a laptop only would probably need an external enclosure, USB?

 

[ajwees41]

Yes and one pass list.

the hard drive is tied to the motherboard and will reformat it self if put into a different tivo

 

[JBDragon]

I believe the HDD is formated and Encrypted for that TIVO. They don't want people to be able to say, Pull out the HDD and then copy the programs onto the computer. All part of the Copy Protection. So pulling the HDD and popping it into another TIVO I would assume would end up just formating the HDD to work in that new Tivo if the HDD is still good.

My Dad is the same way in trying to save a whole series of a TV show which takes up a huge amount of space. That's really not what Tivo's are designed for. It's Temp recording of shows. You watch and then Delete to make room for something NEW. Not save for years on end. The Tivo takes a dump for whatever reason and now you lost all that content you wanted to save forever.