Upgrading from 3.1.1c

[DanB35]

I have a DirecTiVo (RCA DVR-40) that I've long since hacked with the Sleeper CD, running version 3.1.1c. Today, of course, I'm hit with the DST problem, and I have no program guide information. Looking around here a bit, it appears that I need to upgrade to a current software version.

My concern is that the threads that describe the upgrade process (i.e., http://dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51121) seem to assume the presence of a 3.1.5 hacked kernel, which I don't have. Are there intermediate steps that I need to follow?

[PlainBill]

Interesting how many guys are coming out of the woodwork because of this change. The 6.2 threads here (http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41347) and here (http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42325) give all the details on removing TiVoScripts (aka Sleeper's iso) and upgrading to 6.2; 6.2a is handled the same way EXCEPT for tivoapp patches.

A 3.1.5 kernel can be found here (http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?p=233220&postcount=591).
Or PTVupgrade has a $5.00 cd with them on it.

PlainBill

[DanB35]

Thanks for the pointers. I'd seen the first of those threads, but I hadn't made it far enough through to see if it addressed un-sleeper-ing the device. I'll keep reading.

[newbie]

If you first convert from 3.1.1c sleeper to 3.1.1c with a killed kernel the rest of the upgrades will run easier. You'll also have a better chance to make a correction, although you may have to pull your drive, if you make a mistake.
Sleeper uses a non-standard partition layout. Standardizing it first is probably the easiest way to go.

First you'll need the killed kernels.

This thread http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showpost.php?p=189548&postcount=5

and this post http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showpost.php?p=190434&postcount=18

gives you some help.

You should be able to get the kernels already killed which will save a few steps. You might just spend the $5.

Most of your author file won't be used as you upgrade software versions.

[DanB35]

For the sake of simplicity, I spent the $5. Un-sleepering the unit went smoothly, and the update to 6.2 appears to have worked fine as well--it's currently on the "preparing the service update" screen after rebooting. I'll make sure the networking is working properly once it finishes. Thanks for all the help!

[DanB35]

OK, it's mostly working. Here's what I did:

* dd'd a kill'd 3.1.1c kernel to /dev/hda3 and /dev/hda6, changed bootpage to remove the monte references, and rebooted. Worked fine.

* Edited installSw.itcl as indicated, installed 6.2a, dd'd a kill'd 3.1.5 kernel to /dev/hda3 and /dev/hda6, copied rc.sysinit.author and various binaries to new system partition, edited rc.sysinit.author to remove network drivers, kmem commands, etc., rebooted. System booted without apparent errors, shows 6.2a in the system info screen, folders in now showing, etc. Able to access via telnet and ftp.

* Ran superpatch-6.2a, which completed without errors.

I now have program guide data, the clock shows the right time, and recordings are running as scheduled again. I just have one problem--I can't watch programs recorded before the upgrade. When I try to do so, I get an error message saying "no video signal on the channel". I've searched on this a little bit, and what I see indicates what I suspected, that it's something to do with encryption. I'll poke around a bit more to see if I can find a fix, but any suggestions would also be appreciated.

Thanks again for the help this far!

[newbie]

I'll save you some searching
http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showpost.php?p=140449&postcount=2





OK, it's mostly working. Here's what I did:

* dd'd a kill'd 3.1.1c kernel to /dev/hda3 and /dev/hda6, changed bootpage to remove the monte references, and rebooted. Worked fine.

* Edited installSw.itcl as indicated, installed 6.2a, dd'd a kill'd 3.1.5 kernel to /dev/hda3 and /dev/hda6, copied rc.sysinit.author and various binaries to new system partition, edited rc.sysinit.author to remove network drivers, kmem commands, etc., rebooted. System booted without apparent errors, shows 6.2a in the system info screen, folders in now showing, etc. Able to access via telnet and ftp.

* Ran superpatch-6.2a, which completed without errors.

I now have program guide data, the clock shows the right time, and recordings are running as scheduled again. I just have one problem--I can't watch programs recorded before the upgrade. When I try to do so, I get an error message saying "no video signal on the channel". I've searched on this a little bit, and what I see indicates what I suspected, that it's something to do with encryption. I'll poke around a bit more to see if I can find a fix, but any suggestions would also be appreciated.

Thanks again for the help this far!

[DanB35]

That, along with the unified MFS tools package at http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39487, did the trick. Thanks again!