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  • #1

    Moving HDD to another DVR?

    I have 2 DirecTivos. My original RCA-40 (from DTV) and a Phillips DSR704 that I bought from Weaknees.com a few years ago. I think these models share the same motherboard. I have been using the Phillips lately and the RCA is my backup spare.

    The Phillips SAT2 tuner died this week. I have a black screen on one tuner, constant "searching for Sat 2" message. Swapping antenna cables does not fix it.

    I want to move the current, active HDD that's now in the Phillips over to the RCA DVR. I know I will have to call DirecTV to change my account to the new DVR.

    Question is: Do I need to wipe the drive and re-image it in order for it to work in the RCA? Or can the RCA use the HDD as is?

    Any other suggestions to ease the swap are much appreciated. I have computer repair skills so re-imaging the HDD is doable, but I don't want to bother if it's not necessary.

    Thanks very much!
    Rich

    Edit: forgot to mention, the HDD I want to move is a Weaknees upgrade drive.
    Last edited by richidoo; 07-07-2012, 02:46 PM.
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  • #2
    You'd have to wipe and reload the proper software for it to work.

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    • #3
      Thanks Jeff.

      I don't need to save recorded shows or any programming like Season passes. The HDD is healthy and large enough so that I don't need a new upgrade drive. I want it to be just like a new upgrade drive from Weaknees that I just plug into a new machine and it works. How do I make my existing drive into that? (It is actually Weaknees upgrade drive.)

      The 1st three digits of the Tivo Service Number on both machines is 301. So can I do a "Clear and Delete Everything" after moving the disk to the other Tivo to make it work?

      I read the Interactive Tivo Upgrade Instructions. What I don't understand is why I would need to do a mfsbackup and mfsrestore when I want to use the same disk that already has a healthy image on it? Are these steps necessary to make it work in a new machine?
      Thanks for explaining!
      Rich

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      • #4
        The problem is, you need the right software on the drive. Philips software will boot in an RCA, but it will not work properly.
        Been here a long time . . .

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        • #5
          I see, thanks Michael.

          Is that why it is important to back up the OS? Because it's specific to the machine?

          You reminded me that I bought an upgrade drive from Weaknees for the RCA a long time ago. I'll try to find that.
          Rich

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          • #6
            Well, most people don't, in fact, make backups really. But yes, you would be able to use your older RCA drive.
            Been here a long time . . .

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