TiVo Not Getting IP Address

[petestrash]

Unfortunately vito cant FTP in to add any files until he obtains an IP address first.

TiVo supports Zmodem protocol, so software can be downloaded over a serial connection.

But in this case I agree that it is not an issue with the reporting software.

Have you confirmed the network card is still fully seated on the motherboard connector. I have seen some come slightly ajar after shipping.

It might be that reimaging is the best bet. Unfortunately Vito and our whole family are Mac users. We dont have any desktops with spare drive bays. Has anyone been able to reimage using a mac and an external hard disk in a firewire400/usb2.0 enclosure?

There have been some steps in this direction using USB on a PC. It's still a Alpha release but may work, see HowtoRestoreOntoaUSBdrive.

I wonder whether it could come back to the ADSL connection as two seperate and independant routers refused to serve an IP address to the tivo but happily to other network appliances and computers hooked up to the network.

Not an issue, the routers should still serve IP addresses even without ADSL connected.

Would Vito need an RS232 type cable that goes to USB (macs no longer sport serial ports).

Yes, though I am not aware of anyone who has tried this method.

So are these the steps you would like me to take:

Try my TiVo on Lens Dad's network by removing his TiVo and replacing with my one.

If that is successful then I have an issue with my network

If it doesn't work, I should some how reimage the TiVo with 1.6.2

Can these RS-232 cables be purchased from a electronics store?

If it didn't work at Len's dad's place, then assuming he is a PC user it would be best to try the serial cable option Darren suggested at his place (As we don't know if USB-Serial adapters work with Mac-TiVo connections).

The serial cable is not available from Dick Smiths. Darren should have them available for sale, also check MakingSerialCable for info on how to make your own and which cables you can buy.

Failing all that, maybe you could send your hard drive to Len to install a new image onto assuming he's a PC user.

Worse comes to worse I could do it for you.

Peter.