Having trouble setting up new R15-100 receiver

DirecTV stopped activating "owned" receivers a while back. This was in line with shutting down the MPEG-2/SD-only feeds that is finishing up. Even if the box was in good condition, which yours sounds like it is not because of the popping and crash, DirecTV does not allow them to be activated on the service.

Sorry not the answer you wanted, but you cannot get another R15 to work. Your old one was on borrowed time anyway.

As a side note, access cards are paired with their exact receiver. So you cannot swap those between boxes. But again, DirecTV will not activate an R15, R16, or even the hybrid R22. It is outdated technology.

What about using my new receiver for parts and swapping out the hard drives, would that be simple to do?

Okay thanks, I'm either going to fix the hard drive myself or buy a new receiver myself.

What is the oldest receiver model I can buy that will still work?

You can't buy another receiver as they are all leased and DTV will not activate it.  SD receivers are obsolete.

I finally got this receiver to almost activate, it verified the ID and access card and just said it is waiting for Directv to approve and gave me a number to call.

I did some research and what I have is definitely not defined as a "leased" unit since it has an ID and has never been previously leased on an account and is not a 3rd party receiver, it was a never used and unopened authentic Directv receiver.

I believe you, but doesn't really make sense that Directv would refuse to activate this.

You cannot "buy" receivers anymore. They went to a lease-only model upon launch of the 1st Genie. Whether free or one-time lease cost of $199 for an HDDVR it comes with a 24 month agreement. So whomever provided you that R15 either was unaware or they simply scammed you.

However, since you have a MPEG-2 SDDVR there is another option. Call DirecTV and request a MPEG swap. Do NOT say "upgrade". The swap since it is required to continue using the service is free and does not come with a new service agreement. They would send out a tech to install a new dish and update any cabling as needed. A direct swap would be an HR24, but as stock has been dwindling you might get a 2nd or 3rd generation Genie (HR44 or HR54). Check the order confirmation emailed to verify that was not processed as an upgrade.

DirecTV stopped offering SD-only service in late 2015. Not too long after they stopped activating SD boxes. So this all changed a few years ago. SD TVs haven't been made in over a decade. It is an HD world going forward at this point.

The SD channels are already going away and the R15 will soon be a doorstop.

Okay, I appreciate the help.

Can you please tell me one more thing: 

How do I get into diagnostic test mode on the R15-100?

If you could humor me with this, I'd appreciate it, I still have a few troubleshooting ideas left to fix my broken unit.

I'm afraid you're beating a dead horse. The R15 will soon be a doorstop. If you want to continue as a DirecTV Satellite customer, it's time to replace with newer HiDef dish and equipment. 

If they can get the old R15 working temporarily to catch up on recordings would be best case scenario since those don't transfer to a replacement box. But a replacement R15 of course will not happen since all MPEG-2 boxes are barred from activation/reactivation.

I understand, I just wanted to get into diagnostic mode for the sake of using this unit for the next few months or whatever, I can't upgrade right now.

If you can tell me how, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Hey @Porridge, we want to help with the receiver options.

Let's meet in a Direct Message to take a closer look on this. Please check your DIRECTV Message inbox (it's the chat icon next to the bell icon on the upper right corner of the Forums).

Sergio, DIRECTV Community Specialist

It may or may not be the same process as the newer receivers use.   Press the red reset button/unplug it and when the screen comes up press the select button.