hard drive swap...

[jones]

My power supply went TU in GXCEBOT. I have a identical second brand new never used unit. Is it acceptable to take the drive out of the dead unit and place it into the new unit (I plan on a re-xtreme of the drive just to make sure nothing is wrong with it)?

Will it be ok, if need be, in the future to return the never used drive back into the unit and run it?

Thanks

[BubbleLamp]

If you decide to put it back into the original machine without wiping the drive again, you'll need to do a clear and delete all or you'll get an error #51.

[captain_video]

The only problem you may encounter is if the new unit has not been upgraded to version 2.5. If you plan on doing a re-Xtreme to the drive then you should be OK. Just make sure you install the drive in the new unit right after you Xtreme it so the EEPROM will flash and update to the same version. Another option would be to swap power supply modules between units. This is a relatively simple procedure and would actually be easier than having to reload your software. Here's how to go about it.

1) Unplug the DTivo. Be aware that there are voltages still present on the power supply due to the charges retained in the capacitors. While not likely to be lethal they may still give you an unpleasant jolt if you're not careful.

2) Remove the cover.

3) Remove the hardware securing the hard drive rack. Disconnect the power, IDE, and fan connections between the hard drive rack components and the mainboard and power supply. Set the hard drive rack aside.

4) Carefully disconnect the white ribbon cable from the power supply board.

5) Disconnect the hard drive power cable connector from the power supply board.

6) Remove two screws securing the power supply board.

7) Use a pair of needle-nose pliers and straighten the metal tabs securing the power supply board to the chassis. Bend the tabs so they line up with the slots in the board.

8) Push the power supply board slightly forward so the tabs are fully aligned with the slots and the AC socket is clear of the back panel.

9) Carefully lift the power supply board upwards until the board clears the mounting tabs. If the tabs are not perfectly aligned or are slightly crooked vertically, the board may not come free. If you are having trouble getting the board loose, check the tabs again to ensure they are properly aligned. Use a non-conductive aid, such as a wooden ruler or something similar, and pry upwards GENTLY directly under any tab that may be particularly troublesome to disengage the board from. Try to handle the board by the edges to reduce any shock hazard.

10) Installation is the reverse of the removal. Reconnect the DTivo and insert your access card before you plug in the power.

The unit should boot up normally and operate normally. If you are still having problems booting up, double-check the ribbon cable connection to ensure that you reinstalled it properly. Some have suggested swapping the cable end-for-end and reinstalling it. If still unable to boot up then the hard drive may be the culprit.

[jones]

Thanks for the replies...

I'm going to pull the power supply and try to fix it or have it fixed if i'm unsuccessfull...

I just xtremed the drive out of the dead unit and it completed ok.

I'm still concerned about re-introducing the factory original drive back into the new unit after I run it with the xtremed drive. Will it function normally?

Thanks

[zabs]

It SHOULD function normally as the PROM programming that is done by Xtreme is supposed to be backward compatible with stock Tivo software, but if you are thinking of taking to an authorized repairer it might be a good idea to flash the prom back to stock programming.

[jones]

It's not under warranty...I would only take the power supply to be repaired if I can't fix it. Anyone have a schematic?

I just wanted to be sure I could return my backup (new) tivo to it's original state when/if I get the other one going again.

Thanks

[poppagene]

You could take the power supply from the unused dtivo and install it into the old machine. that would be relatively straightforward.