Sentient DVR help

[Casperlady 0]

Hi Im new hope I have this in the right place. Anyway my dad has a 250gb Digital wireless 7" DVR cctv kit. Today 'hard disk failed' appeared on the screen, now the instruction manual is like trying to read ancient egyptian and is of no use as it doesnt cover this problem any idea whats wrong or how to fix it?

[Toaster 0]

I'm sure the first thing anyone here will ask is what is the exact make and model number of the system. That way someone who will answer you will know what you have, and what the procedure should be to resolve the problem.

 

That being said: This would be the things I would ask:

 

Does the system boot up to the point where you can access menu's?

IF YES:

I'm assuming somewhere in the menu structure, you should see an area where hard drive (HDD) maintenance is available.

IF YES:

You should have an option for format or prepare drive.

IF YES:

I would said, assuming the HDD installed is a SATA (serial HDD) its pretty much plug and play, go buy a new drive (very cheap almost anywhere) I would stay UNDER 1TB, without knowing what the limitations of your system are. Replace the old dead HDD with the new one. (Serial drives are simple 2 cable design, and there is zero configuration needed, simply plug the same cables in to the new drive and all should be the same). Reboot the system, go to the menu where HDD preparation/maintenance is and format the new HDD.. You should be back in business at that point. Of course, you'll want to do all of this with the unit powered off and disconnected. (which should go without saying).

 

IF the HDD installed is a PATA (parallel - which is the older and bigger 40/80 pin ribbon cable design with jumpers, etc) you'll want to make sure the settings on the new drive match that of the old drive (master/slave/etc). Once you get that far, complete the format/prepare and you should be all set.

 

If any of the answers are NO, then you'll have to wait until you post your exact make and model / series unit so the expert's here can take a look at an online manual and give you a more educated answer.

 

GOOD LUCK.

(PS: Take no offense, but if you don't know much about HDD's, SATA/PATA, etc, it's probably NOT a good idea to attempt this.. Even though it should be very simple IMO)