Repeated "system unavailable" errors on DVR

Is it just this TV or others? Have you tried moving the DVR to another TV?

I only have one TV, but I can't imagine what the set would have to do with the Uverse Guide.  The channels and the guide display perfectly.  The problem is that the DVR doesn't respond properly to inputs.

We'd be glad to help you find a solution to the error message on your DVR, hocktom!

Let's start with troubleshooting your DVR by performing a non-disaster recovery. Don't worry, you won't lose any recordings. Just following these steps from our guide on How to Troubleshoot your DVR/Receivers:

1. Unplug the receiver or DVR power cord from the wall or back of the box.

2. Wait 10 seconds.

3. Plug in the receiver and DVR.

4. When three white dots appear on the screen, unplug the receiver/DVR again.

5. Repeat this process two more times.

6. Plug the receiver/DVR back in on the third time and leave in. Three white dots appear followed by a gear with a status bar at the bottom of the screen. If the Recovery screen does not appear, repeat the steps above.

Give that a try and let us know if you continue to get the error message.

Aminah, AT&T Community Specialist

I'm not at home now, but I will try this extreme power cycle tonight.

Great, hocktom, we'll be awaiting your response!

Aminah, AT&T Community Specialist

There are some occasions where a connection to a TV may be bad. A good way to troubleshoot this is to try it on another TV.

But since you only have one TV, it obviously won't apply here.

Last night was the first chance I had to power-cycle the box.  I never saw a gear or status bar, just the same progress circle I always see when re-starting the box normally.  Nonetheless, the fix appears to have worked.  It definitely fixed the PIP problem on the guide, and the one recording I scheduled there was immediately accepted.  I'll have a better idea after a few days because the scheduling problem was intermittent before.

We do love updates, hocktom! 

Thank you so much for telling us that the troubleshooting was a success. If there is anything else that we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Thank you for using the AT&T Community Forums.

Matthew, AT&T Community Specialist

@hocktom 

If you’re not seeing the gray gear, you’ll have to retry the procedure.  However sometimes a simple reset can clear things up. 
How is the DVR connected to the gateway, via coax?

I'm connected via ethernet.

When you say to wait for the three dots, do you mean the very first time they are visible on the screen?  It seems like they are there but static when the input first clears the "no signal found" screen, but then they disappear and reappear with animation, if that makes sense.  I was afraid to wait because I didn't want to pass the point you said to pull the plug.

Anyway, if either problem recurs, I will try again, and if I can't make the "recovery screen" with the gear and status bar appear (which I've never seen), I'll reply here again or post a new message about that.

Great question, hocktom! We can answer that. 

When we are performing a non-disaster recovery on a receiver, DVR or when you get a brand new one, there will be 3 dots or circles that appear on the screen. They will either be solid circles or flashing intermittently. That means that the DVR is attaching itself to the signal, provided by your AT&T gateway or WPA (Wireless Access Point).

Aminah from @ATTHelp posted a great forums article for you to help in troubleshooting. If you need it again, here it is: How to Troubleshoot your DVR/Receivers

We are going to follow up with the next steps. These steps are for the Disaster Recovery. 

WARNING!: Disaster Recovery steps will cause your DVR to lose all pre-existing data such as: Recordings, Parental control settings, and aspect ratio settings.                                                                                                 

1.  Using the images in the forums article above, hold down the Down arrow key + OK key +Power key outlined in red at the same time to power down the DVR.

2. Continue pressing these keys until a gear appears on the screen and release the Down arrow + OK keys.

3. If the gear on the TV screen appears, wait until completion.

4. If the gear on the TV screen does not appear, repeat the disaster recovery process. 

If all of these things do not work for you, then the DVR or receiver needs to be replaced or you may need a tech sent out to take a look. We are more than happy to help assist with that process. Just let us know. 

Thank you for working with the AT&T Community Forums. 

Matthew, AT&T Community Forums

@hocktom 

I don’t think the 3 dots are as important as getting to the bootstrap program.  Some systems are faster than others and some of the intermediate screens may be missed or go by too quickly.  
The DVR is programmed to bootstrap when three consecutive power cycles occur.  It is great you are Ethernet connected.  This will make doing the factory reset a breeze.  Also, if you want to avoid headaches due to power grid, put the hardware on a UPS.