"Tivo:  High Definition (HD) TCD658000 Error S03"

16 September 2014

 

Tivo High Definition TVD658000

 

Summary: no good solution to this error other than replacing the Linux (operating system) kernel yourself or have Tivo repaired by a third party.

 

Background:

Daughters TCD658000.

Worked fine when first bought and hooked to cable.

Daughter cancelled cable and moved TCD658000 to antenna and wireless Internet for program updates, networking.

When doing guided setup, all appeared fine until TV content programming was finished downloading and install began and then error S03.

OK, trash??? Remember that your subscription to Tivo is to a specific Tivo box. If you trash a busted box, have to get a new subscription!!! SOoooooooo, always better to repair yourself or have repaired.

 

Attempts at repair:

Internet search revealed that at power up, it was possible to use the remote to enter "Kickstart" codes to force Tivo to take various actions.

Tried every "kickstart" available but nothing solved the S03 error. And in-fact, after one kickstart code, Tivo did recognize it had a problem and said it would try to fix it but then after a few minutes, rebooted only to "try to fix it" loop forever.

Bad hard drive or Tivo software screwed up??

Very long story shortened:  Tivo uses the Linux operating system. Intel-based personal computers use Windows or most do.

In addition to Linux, a Tivo also have Tivo software. This software is updated by Tivo every now and again automatically.

In my case, the Linux operating system got corrupted in some way ( I think the hard drive got a bad spot on it).

Talking with Tivo technical personnel, Tivo does provide access to the Linux used on your Tivo but you must know how to install a Linux kernel on Tivo hard drive. I do not. Believe Tivo's Linux it can be had at http//www.tivo.com/legal/opensource/linux

Talking with Tivo technical personnel, apparently "kickstart" codes do not work or no longer work.

 

Repaired:

Ok, so Linux kernel operating system bad or corrupt.

Removed cover from Tivo.

Removed hard drive.

Hooked hard drive to a PC.

As no way for me to check status of hard drive with Linux on it, did a low level format of the drive followed by a PC NTFS format.

(A low level, PC-based, application is available for free from various web sites),

Then did a scan disk on the drive, over and over again.

Interesting to note that did notice that the hard drive had to map out some sectors (bad...Linux corruption??)

Convinced that drive was good or good enough to proceed, used Internet to find "Instant Cake".

"Instant Cake" is a program you pay for that will execute on a PC and loads the Linux kernel on a Tivo drive.

Once Linux on Tivo drive, unhooked from PC and reinstalled in Tivo.

Fired up Tivo and followed instructions.

All good.

 

Can not repair yourself:

Many Tivo repair websites. Would not use an eBay Tivo repair service. No slamming all eBay-based repair shops but easy for them to charge you a fee, get Tivo and not even look at it and tell you it is busted and they can not repair.

 

Click here for more Tivo.

 

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