721 hard reset

[dwforslund]

How do I do a hard reset of the machine so that it needs to redownload the latest software release? Also, if I do so, do I lose the programs recorded on hard drive?

Thanks,

Dave

[Jerry Abbanat]

How do I do a hard reset of the machine so that it needs to redownload the latest software release? Also, if I do so, do I lose the programs recorded on hard drive?

Thanks,

Dave

Hold down the on/off button on the receiver for 5-6 seconds to do a hard reboot

[dwforslund]

Hold down the on/off button on the receiver for 5-6 seconds to do a hard reboot
I'm talking about a "harder" reboot that forces the system
to update (download) the operating system. The reboot
you describe just resets the machine but remembers everything and doesn't ask for the system to be upgraded.

[Jacob S]

What are you trying to accomplish by doing this? I do not think this is possible, to my knowledge. The only thing close to this is a factory default (MENU, 6, 6, YES) setting that you can do in which sets all your favorite lists and other settings back to the way it was when you received it new. If you forgot your password you will have to call Dish Network to reset it for you in which could take up to 24 hours.

[dwforslund]

One individual suggested that the probem I'm having with the the modem may be occurring because the current release didn't install properly and would need to be reinstalled. I don't see any way to "reinstall" the current OS. I did an NVR reset and it removed my favorites list, but the problem persisted. Perhaps there is no way to do what I'm thinking of.

[gwynnebaer]

Look at this thread:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?threadid=6558

It mentions that if you modify certain files on the drive, it will trigger an automatic software reinstall.

This is *NOT* for the faint of heart. What I do not know is if it reinstalls the original software (that came with the 721), or if subsequent updates are also stored. At least it should reinstall *something*, and then you can look and see what it was, and go from there.

[Jacob S]

Pressing down the power button for 5-6 seconds on the new pvr receivers (501, 508, 721) just as you used to pull hte smart card, unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug back in, wait for message on screen, put smart card back in hard reboot steps you had to go through.

[Big D]

I believe what dwforslund is looking for is the NVM (non-volatile memory) reset procedure that is hidden in the de-bug menu. I am not sure that even this will force a new download, but it can't hurt. We used to do this once in awhile on the very early software loads and it does work. Here is how to do it:

Go to sys setup menu, then diagnostics, info, info, right and then left. Select NVM reset, then do a cold reboot by holding the power button down 5 or so seconds. When it comes back, you will need to do a check switch and reset your remote address. This will all make sense when you start doing it.

Anyone performing this procedure does so at their own risk. And don't be messing around while in the de-bug area, major do-do can happen by doing so.

Hey dwforslund, let us know if you do this and if it worked for you.

[Jacob S]

I remember people trying this in the past on the older receivers. I had a tech guy have me try this on the phone to see if a receiver was having problems or not but was only told to do so a time or two and that had been a good while back. I dont know if these newer ones do that or not.

[dwforslund]

I did the NVM reset, and it remove some preferences but otherwise the system is unchanged and
still has the problem. It didn't ask for a new software download and has the same 1.12 current release.

thanks,

Dave

[Big D]

Well at least we know that it does not force a download of the software. That still leaves you with the problem, maybe you should try E*'s ATS (advance tech support), I believe they the capability to force one.