After reading the new "fried boxes" article at Net4TV Voice, as well as
several first-hand accounts in alt.discuss groups, I almost passed
out....
To elaborate a bit, I believe I may have some invaluable information for
all of the victims of the "post-upgrade fryings" that could save them
alot of money and stress.
I have recently confirmed that these "fried" boxes, aren't "fried" at
all! In fact, I have allready [successfully] assisted two users with the
problem; they are now surfing again, with no problem.
I can't really explain, technically, what causes the glitch, however, I
can tell you how to fix it, with absolutely *no* tools or equipment.
Here's how:
First, note the following symptoms, and make sure they correspond with
the symptoms your box is exhibiting.
SYMPTOMS
Green power indicator flashes on and off continuously and, despite any attempts to unplug or reset the unit, will not stop.
Unit turns itself on briefly, and continues to do so in 5 minute+/-
intervals.
If these are the symptoms your unit is experiencing, proceed with the
following instructions.
HOW TO "FIX" IT
1.) Plug your unit in, however, don't press any buttons on the keyboard.
At this point, the unit should resume the "eternal" flashing sequence;
don't worry, this is what you should expect it to do.
2.) Grab a cup of coffee, or other beverage (don't touch those chips!),
and leave the unit alone, allowing it to flash, and turn itself on and
off at its leisure.
3.) Wait at least an hour (likely to take even longer), then visually
inspect the front of the unit. If the green light is off (no longer
flashing), then proceed to step 4, if it is still flashing, wait another
15-20 minutes, until it stops.
4.) Power-on the unit as you would normally do.
You should see an alert box, saying "Your terminal is no longer dialing
from xxx...."; click "Same Place".
5.) You with then be offered the previous upgrade ("printer" upgrade; 45
parts); at all costs, *take it*! If you refuse the upgrade, you will be
sent straight back to "blinky-blinky land".
6.) You may also be offered a 2-part "bug fix", which you must also
accept.
7.) Besides the fact that you will have to reset all your TV preferences
(listings, etc.), you're good to go!
------------end of instructions-------------
I guarantee 100% that this method will work for the circumstances above; I "fried" my box 2 separate times for the sake of testing it.
With this in mind, it is so ironic that some users have actually spent
$200 on the purchase of a replacement box, when the one they "fried" is
perfectly functional.
If anyone is concerned or confused in any way about the above method, I
offer my email address (above) for all related feedback.
