HR44/500 Wifi Connectivity Problems

try a red button reset and then try to connect.

Verify model number. Is it HR44, or is it HR34, H44 (so no R), HR54 or HR54R1?

Do you have an external wireless cinema connection kit (CCK) on the setup?

You say no WiFi networks show. Is your network set to "hidden'?

When you say you reset network in the menu, was it this path? Menu > Settings > Internet > Advanced and reset network defaults.

Have you reset the Gateway/modem/router as well?

In addition to the regular red button reset, have you done a full power cycle as well? (unplugging power from Genie for at least a minute).

Juniper said (my answers inline and in bold):

(edited)

This is one thing I haven't tried and will try that this morning. I have done the red button reset many many times.

Well the full power disconnect reset did not work. After selecting 'Set Up Wireless' I get the same message as before 'Sorry! An error has occurred during your connection attempt. Select OK to try again.'

The same thing as before happens the setup window with options 'Test Connection' and 'Set Up Wireless' flashes and then the 'Select Wireless Network' window appears with the message 'No wireless networks were found ....' even though my router and a hotspot are seen by multiple devices along with the RV park wifi and a few of the neighbors wifi. At least 6 wifi networks in range but none listed on Genie.

The HR44 is the 2nd generation regular Genie. The Genie-2 is the HS17. Best to only use model number instead of saying "Genie 2" going forward.

Ok either the wireless CCK that is built-in the HR44 is the problem, or something is interfering with the signal where the box is. If you've verified the HR44 is in open space and other devices can connect from the same spot then I would call and get it warranty replaced. It is $19.95 delivery. Just be comfortably caught up on your recordings first as they do not transfer from the old box.

Also make sure that none of your other boxes are connected to internet, be it a external wireless CCK or Ethernet. All Genies are designed to run the connection so have problems if another box attempts to directly connect.

Answered inline below in bold

No worries, it is DirecTV's naming scheme that caused confusion upon launch of the Genie-2 after having 3 generations of regular Genie. Some people think the Genie-2 is the gen 3 as they are unaware of the original 1st gen Genie HR34. Wish the online account listed the actual model numbers like it used to before the conversion.

If you have the optional protection plan, delivery cost is covered. But that costs more in the long run as you pay for it whether used or not. Without the protection plan there have been some agents who did a one-time credit as a courtesy, but that is never guaranteed and in fact not supposed to happen.

Boxes are leased so are returned when they are deactivated until they are removed from the returnable list. The HR44 has been recently up in the air if returnable or not (per moving forward with their latest models, but low stock issues per Covid), so be prepared you may have to send it back. In either case, once the replacement is activated the old one is turned off making recordings no longer accessible.

As long as that other DVR isn't connected to internet directly, then absolutely it would be the HR44 at this point.

Update: just talked to DirecTV and am getting a warranty replacement, a HR54. No contract and no shipping and handling charges. I do have to return the HR44 in 21 days.

DTV ships the next replacement receiver that maybe an HR54 or HR44.

At least replacement will not be a lower model. But there is no guarantee it will be an HR54. It could still be an HR44 while they have any in stock.

I did get a HR54 but I could not do the online activation so I called customer service and they had trouble too but eventually got it activated. If you will remember when I was able to get a new Genie sent the rep then said I had to return within 21 days. The activation rep also said I had to return it. But I got an email that said no need to return, that I can recycle it. Since I have something written saying I can recycle it that is what I am going to do.

Thoughts,

Since the HR54 is the last generation of the regular Genie, I would try to return it or at least hold onto a couple months to see if you are billed a non-return fee (NRF) to be on the safe side. There is not a newer generation of the regular Genie line so the HR54 should still be returnable. There have been some emails in error within the last year on if returnable or not (such as saying very outdated boxes were to be returned like an HR22).

I wouldn't use that email as "proof in writing". Play it safe on this one.