2 questions, scan disk and sudden flakey remote

I've tried to do my homework before asking this.

First, for a Series 2 lifetime Tivo with no modifications or hacks,
where can I find directions to scan the surface of the drive and
determine whether there are errors there or not?

I have read the "if there are errors it is hopeless to even try to
mark them bad", I have read the "who knows if it is bad, it sounds
to me like it is so you need to replace it now with a new bigger
drive."

I'd just like to find directions to do the scan and see what it
tells me. From what I find on the net I can't tell which of the
postings are assuming that customer software has replaced the
original, etc. If need be I can remove the drive and attach it to
a Linux box but I'd like to find clear directions that apply to my
situation.

Anyone able to point me to a clear set of directions that explain
that they apply to my particular setup?

Next, a few days ago it seemed like the original Tivo remote suddenly
became really marginal or wouldn't work at all for the Tivo. It
continued controlling the TV just fine. I tried swapping fresh
batteries, even though they had been put in fresh a month ago, no
change.

Fortunately I had a second same model Tivo remote from an old unused
system and tried it, it is better but still seems a little less
dependable than the original was too. There is nothing blocking the
front of the Tivo, no other changes, well that maybe another late
night download I don't know about. I did open the case afterwards,
it is a bit dusty inside and I tried blowing a bit of air into the
panel behind the front of the case, thinking that maybe dust had
accumulated on the ir sensor, but it isn't clear I got any air to
reach and clean the sensor. That didn't make any change either.
The right-arrow button seems more problematic than the others.

Anyone seen something like this or have any idea what to try to
diagnose this?

Thanks

On 2006-08-17, Don Taylor wrote:
I've tried to do my homework before asking this.

First, for a Series 2 lifetime Tivo with no modifications or hacks,
where can I find directions to scan the surface of the drive and
determine whether there are errors there or not?

The drive manufacturer's website.

I have read the "if there are errors it is hopeless to even try to
mark them bad", I have read the "who knows if it is bad, it sounds
to me like it is so you need to replace it now with a new bigger
drive."

I'd just like to find directions to do the scan and see what it
tells me. From what I find on the net I can't tell which of the
postings are assuming that customer software has replaced the
original, etc. If need be I can remove the drive and attach it to
a Linux box but I'd like to find clear directions that apply to my
situation.

Most drive manufacturers have a bootable floppy or CD with testing
software on it so to test it, you'll have to move the drive to a PC that
has a bootable floppy or CD available. If there are problems with the
drive, you will want to replace it ASAP (like, before putting it back into
the TiVo). The rule of thumb is, as soon as bad sectors pop-up, more are
soon to follow. Of course, this is just a rule of thumb. Obviously, if
you'll be replacing the drive, it only makes sense to get a larger one.

Will you be able to salvage what's on the drive? Only way to find out is
to try it.

Next, a few days ago it seemed like the original Tivo remote suddenly
became really marginal or wouldn't work at all for the Tivo. It
continued controlling the TV just fine. I tried swapping fresh
batteries, even though they had been put in fresh a month ago, no
change.

Anyone seen something like this or have any idea what to try to
diagnose this?

No, aside from the batteries, I haven't heard of many problems with the
remotes.

--
This is my .sig

On Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:00:38 -0500, Don Taylor wrote:

Anyone able to point me to a clear set of directions that explain
that they apply to my particular setup?

Disk manufacturers site and download the utils.

Anyone seen something like this or have any idea what to try to
diagnose this?

Yep. I've worn out plenty of remotes. But after the first one, I never
wore out another original. The conductive pads wear out after a lot use
use. Symptoms are having to press harder, move the button to get it to
work, etc. I generally wear out Rew/FF buttons first. besides, you can do
so much more with a learning remote that supports macros.

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