Black Hole
May contain traces of nut
The following includes information distilled from the posts in this topic, so there is no need to read beyond post 1. The original post #1 is quoted below for reference.
Steps for Repairing HDR-FOX Disk Problems
Introduction
The standard Humax firmware includes two get-you-working tools: Restore Factory Defaults (Menu >> Settings >> Installation >> Factory Default), and Format Disk (Menu >> Settings >> System >> Data Storage >> Format Storage). Restore Factory Defaults can cure some difficulties where operational parameters have become corrupted but is unlikely to solve disk issues - it is however a relatively benign process and will only entail restoring your tuning, menu preferences, and your recording schedule afterwards, existing recordings will be unaffected. The factory default process offers the option to format the disk - decline this unless you really do want to reformat the disk and start with a clean slate (deleting any recordings you have in the process).
Another tip for clearing misoperation is to shut down, wait for the drive to stop (there is a quiet click, or 30 seconds should be enough), then power down with the switch at the back. Give it a few minutes then power on and start up again. For problems to do with media streaming (which can result in the HDR-FOX freezing or rebooting), try turning off the DLNA server (Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Content Share = Off).
Format Disk will erase your existing recordings, and may clear difficulties related to the time-shift recording (TSR) buffer and DLNA index, but as it does not perform a disk surface scan it will not overcome issues related to disk sectors going bad (the occasional sector going bad is not unexpected in the life of a disk drive, but a cascade of failed sectors should be regarded as signs of imminent total failure). Firmware prior to version 1.03.xx was unable to reformat drives larger than 1TB, which could include the drives fitted in the 1TB model of HDR-FOX.
The custom firmware (see below) includes utilities to recover from disk problems non-destructively (or as little destruction as possible anyway). One such which requires urgent attention is the "continuous delete" problem - which proceeds to work its way through your recorded content, deleting it with no way to stop it (turning off and on again doesn't help). Other symptoms include picture break-ups during HiDef playback, or even during normal live viewing, and the inability to record anything at all.
Note that "hard" playback defects in an existing recording cannot be repaired - if the same defect occurs at the same point every time the recording is played, it must have been present at the time it was recorded and therefore is in the data, not as an error during the playback of correct data. A disk repair may help prevent further recording and live defects, and could sort out a simple "glitch" that restores full functionality for a long time to come - but the user must consider the possibility that defects are an indication of a hard drive nearing the end of its useful life (reports indicate 3 years of daily use is pretty good going, although drives last much longer if you don't turn them off). If you value your recordings, archive them and replace the drive as a matter of urgency.
To use these utilities you will need to install the custom firmware and access the HDR-FOX from a computer using Telnet (instructions are below). Once the repair is complete you can re-install the standard Humax firmware to remove the custom firmware (if you wish).
Be aware: the process can be quick... or could take hours to days according to the degree of file system damage. The HDR-FOX cannot be used while fixdisk is running, because the HDD has to be taken off-line which means stopping the normal function of the HDR-FOX. GRIN AND BEAR IT! Continuing to operate the HDR-FOX normally with a flakey HDD or file system risks further corruption and decreases the probability of compete data recovery.
If all else fails, it is a straight-forward process to fit a new HDD (3.5" SATA, preferably designed for AV use, up to 2TB) in place of the existing drive. The standard Humax menus can then be used to initialise it using the formatting tools described above. Any existing (and accessible!) recordings left on the old drive can then be viewed or transferred to the new drive by fitting the old drive into a SATA-USB adapter (readily and cheaply available from a variety of sources including eBay, but look for one that includes a power adapter) and plugging it into the USB socket. Access a USB-connected drive via Media >> Storage (blue) >> USB.
Once removed from the HDR-FOX and connected to a desktop or notebook computer (or whatever), the equivalent of fixdisk run from a Linux command line will be much faster than when run on the (low power) HDR-FOX command line. If it is taking too long in situ, removal and external fixing may be an option for you. Removal and external fixing is the only option to preserve your recordings if you are unwilling to install custom firmware, but guidance will depend on the exact circumstances.
Step 1: Install Custom Firmware
Please note: the CF is under continual development, including the facilities for recovery of the file system. Even if you already have CF installed, it is worth checking you have the latest version before attempting any recovery process (and install the latest if you are in any doubt).
If you are sure you have the latest version of the CF installed, skip to step 2.
A summary description of the Custom Firmware is available HERE (click).
Installation is as easy as performing a manual update of the standard Humax firmware - by downloading a file, unzipping its contents to a USB pen drive (UPD), and restarting the HDR-FOX with the UPD plugged in.
The custom firmware is only available for specific versions of the standard firmware, but from CF version 3.00 onwards the standard firmware is included with the CF download. The relevant downloads are available via the Wiki page HERE (click).
Instructions for installing the downloads are on the forum HERE (click) or the Wiki HERE (click).
For reference: the installation process for the custom software is detailed HERE (click) - only Installation sections 1 and 2 are necessary for the disk rescue process below.
Step 2: Command Line Access
You will need to connect your HDR-FOX to your home network. This is the only means available to inject commands and receive responses at the operating system level, for debugging the disk (or anything else).
Presuming the network connection is available, look up the connection parameters for the HDR-FOX using Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Configure LAN >> IP Address. There will be a series of four numbers with dots between them - eg "192.168.1.68" (in my case). For those using a WiFi dongle to connect the HDR-FOX to the network, the menu location is Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Configure LAN (Wi-Fi) >> IP Address.
If you have just now installed CF specifically to fix your disk, all you need to do to access the command line interface (also known as Telnet) is enter the HDR-FOX's IP address into your web browser's address bar. [Valid for CF 3.11 and later]
Telnet provides access to a command terminal for interacting with the HDR-FOX operating system, much like the cmd window in Microsoft Windows or the terminal in Linux. However, a menu interface is provided, so the user does not need to type commands directly.
In the event that you obtain a system prompt ("humax#") instead of a menu, type "tmenu".
If/when you are prompted to enter the system PIN, type in your HDR-FOX system password ("0000" unless you have changed it) and the custom firmware should respond with a menu (as shown in the Wiki HERE - click).
Step 3: Disk Analysis & Repair
The following instructions require that no external drives are connected to the HDR-FOX at the time. Ensure they are disconnected now.
Place the HDR-FOX in Maintenance Mode by typing the relevant command from the Telnet menu (currently "maint"). The HDR-FOX will reboot and the Telnet connection will be lost. If the HDR-FOX fails to power up following reboot, power it up manually. When the HDR-FOX reboots it will show "Maintenance" on the front panel display, and it will not be performing usual TV functions. Reconnect the Telnet session as above.
The disk repair process will check the file system for errors and repair it where possible, correct the continuous delete problem, and use an analysis report to reallocate bad sectors. As stated above: the process can be quick... or could take hours to days according to the degree of file system damage. The HDR-FOX cannot be used while fixdisk is running.
With the Telnet menu (as per Step 2), select the fix disk option by typing the relevant command from the menu (currently "fixdisk"), reply "-y" to "additional options" (this saves you having to type "y" each time there's a query), and let it run. The process may take from a few minutes to several hours (or even days). You do not need to remain connected while the process runs (so long as you gave it the "-y" option), you can reconnect to the running session to check progress.
In the event that the process "hangs": rebooting (turn power off and on again at the switch on the rear panel) restores normal operation, and you should then retry fixdisk. Beware of rebooting, and reserve as a last resort, because very long periods of apparent inactivity can be normal depending how much work fixdisk has to do. Nonetheless, if the process has actually crashed, intervention is required. Interrupting fixdisk could result in data loss, but not running fixdisk at all is much more likely to result in data loss.
In the event that fixdisk reports more and more HDD problems, or "LBA 0" is implicated, on repeated runs: the likelihood is that the HDD has reached end-of-life.
Step 4: Return to Normal
Use menu option "x" to return the HDR-FOX to normal operation.
Note that, if the above does not work, further interventions are available via the Telnet command line or as options added to the fix-disk command. However, these should be applied with caution and are only considered suitable for users with technical knowledge of the file system. If these are needed, post a query on the forum and specific advice will be given to suit the circumstances.
HDD Health Monitoring
With the Custom Firmware and WebIF installed, using a web browser to access the WebIF (Web Interface) provides user options for investigating various aspects of the HDR-FOX, including the HDD's self-diagnostics ("SMART"). These are viewed by clicking through: WebIF >> Diagnostics >> Disk Diagnostics.
The figures presented may be difficult for the inexperienced to interpret, but you can always seek guidance through the forum.
The WebIF monitors the SMART stats and will post an alert at the top of the home page if it thinks there might be a problem. Normally this will be if the Reallocated Sector Count has risen. That will also be highlighted in the disk diagnostics page. It is important to understand that an occasional small increase in that count is normal self-repair behaviour, and you can dismiss the warning. Worry only if it is increasing repeatedly, in large numbers, and watch the Life Left column.
However, fixdisk is not only implementing off-line self-repair for the HDD, its main function is to straighten out file system inconsistencies before they become baked-in. Computer file systems are, in effect, databases. As a user, you see files in a directory structure. The actual data is scattered across the physical storage in blocks, with indexes to track where it is, what it relates to, and other indexes to keep track of empty or available storage locations.
Modern file systems include redundant information, so that if an inconsistency develops (eg due to a crash or other improper shut-down) it can be detected and corrected. Unless the inconsistency gets corrected, the next inconsistency might not be possible to correct, and data may be lost and unrecoverable. This is what a fixdisk run does, and it is worth performing occasionally (eg monthly). If there is nothing to be done, the fixdisk run will take only a few minutes. If it takes longer, there was something needing to be straightened out before it became too late!
One final thing, a quirk: in the SMART information, you will find a "Power_On_Hours" figure in the Raw Value column. Be aware that, for the original Seagate Pipeline HDDs fitted to the HDR-FOX by Humax:
Power_On_Hours(Raw Value) = Actual PoH modulo 2^15, in other words it can only count up to 32,767 and then resets to zero.
This is due to how Seagate chose to implement the feature. This means that, for example, if the displayed PoH = 10,000, the actual PoH could be 10,000 hours, 42,768 hours, 75,536 hours – or any multiple of 32,768 plus 10,000. For reference: one year of continuous use is roughly 9,000 hours, and 32,768 hours is 3 years 9 months.
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Original post #1 (for reference only):
Steps for Repairing HDR-FOX Disk Problems
Introduction
The standard Humax firmware includes two get-you-working tools: Restore Factory Defaults (Menu >> Settings >> Installation >> Factory Default), and Format Disk (Menu >> Settings >> System >> Data Storage >> Format Storage). Restore Factory Defaults can cure some difficulties where operational parameters have become corrupted but is unlikely to solve disk issues - it is however a relatively benign process and will only entail restoring your tuning, menu preferences, and your recording schedule afterwards, existing recordings will be unaffected. The factory default process offers the option to format the disk - decline this unless you really do want to reformat the disk and start with a clean slate (deleting any recordings you have in the process).
Another tip for clearing misoperation is to shut down, wait for the drive to stop (there is a quiet click, or 30 seconds should be enough), then power down with the switch at the back. Give it a few minutes then power on and start up again. For problems to do with media streaming (which can result in the HDR-FOX freezing or rebooting), try turning off the DLNA server (Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Content Share = Off).
Format Disk will erase your existing recordings, and may clear difficulties related to the time-shift recording (TSR) buffer and DLNA index, but as it does not perform a disk surface scan it will not overcome issues related to disk sectors going bad (the occasional sector going bad is not unexpected in the life of a disk drive, but a cascade of failed sectors should be regarded as signs of imminent total failure). Firmware prior to version 1.03.xx was unable to reformat drives larger than 1TB, which could include the drives fitted in the 1TB model of HDR-FOX.
The custom firmware (see below) includes utilities to recover from disk problems non-destructively (or as little destruction as possible anyway). One such which requires urgent attention is the "continuous delete" problem - which proceeds to work its way through your recorded content, deleting it with no way to stop it (turning off and on again doesn't help). Other symptoms include picture break-ups during HiDef playback, or even during normal live viewing, and the inability to record anything at all.
Note that "hard" playback defects in an existing recording cannot be repaired - if the same defect occurs at the same point every time the recording is played, it must have been present at the time it was recorded and therefore is in the data, not as an error during the playback of correct data. A disk repair may help prevent further recording and live defects, and could sort out a simple "glitch" that restores full functionality for a long time to come - but the user must consider the possibility that defects are an indication of a hard drive nearing the end of its useful life (reports indicate 3 years of daily use is pretty good going, although drives last much longer if you don't turn them off). If you value your recordings, archive them and replace the drive as a matter of urgency.
To use these utilities you will need to install the custom firmware and access the HDR-FOX from a computer using Telnet (instructions are below). Once the repair is complete you can re-install the standard Humax firmware to remove the custom firmware (if you wish).
Be aware: the process can be quick... or could take hours to days according to the degree of file system damage. The HDR-FOX cannot be used while fixdisk is running, because the HDD has to be taken off-line which means stopping the normal function of the HDR-FOX. GRIN AND BEAR IT! Continuing to operate the HDR-FOX normally with a flakey HDD or file system risks further corruption and decreases the probability of compete data recovery.
If all else fails, it is a straight-forward process to fit a new HDD (3.5" SATA, preferably designed for AV use, up to 2TB) in place of the existing drive. The standard Humax menus can then be used to initialise it using the formatting tools described above. Any existing (and accessible!) recordings left on the old drive can then be viewed or transferred to the new drive by fitting the old drive into a SATA-USB adapter (readily and cheaply available from a variety of sources including eBay, but look for one that includes a power adapter) and plugging it into the USB socket. Access a USB-connected drive via Media >> Storage (blue) >> USB.
Once removed from the HDR-FOX and connected to a desktop or notebook computer (or whatever), the equivalent of fixdisk run from a Linux command line will be much faster than when run on the (low power) HDR-FOX command line. If it is taking too long in situ, removal and external fixing may be an option for you. Removal and external fixing is the only option to preserve your recordings if you are unwilling to install custom firmware, but guidance will depend on the exact circumstances.
Step 1: Install Custom Firmware
Please note: the CF is under continual development, including the facilities for recovery of the file system. Even if you already have CF installed, it is worth checking you have the latest version before attempting any recovery process (and install the latest if you are in any doubt).
If you are sure you have the latest version of the CF installed, skip to step 2.
A summary description of the Custom Firmware is available HERE (click).
Installation is as easy as performing a manual update of the standard Humax firmware - by downloading a file, unzipping its contents to a USB pen drive (UPD), and restarting the HDR-FOX with the UPD plugged in.
The custom firmware is only available for specific versions of the standard firmware, but from CF version 3.00 onwards the standard firmware is included with the CF download. The relevant downloads are available via the Wiki page HERE (click).
Instructions for installing the downloads are on the forum HERE (click) or the Wiki HERE (click).
For reference: the installation process for the custom software is detailed HERE (click) - only Installation sections 1 and 2 are necessary for the disk rescue process below.
Step 2: Command Line Access
You will need to connect your HDR-FOX to your home network. This is the only means available to inject commands and receive responses at the operating system level, for debugging the disk (or anything else).
The easiest way is to wire the HDR-FOX directly to your home router using a network cable. Then you need to set it up, on the HDR-FOX menus: Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Configure LAN >> Configure IP = DHCP and then select "Apply". The HDR-FOX will think for a short while (it's obtaining a local IP address allocated by your router), then tell you (hopefully) you are connected.
In the absence of a home network, it is possible to connect the HDR-FOX directly to a PC, but instructions for this wil vary and are beyond the scope of this guide.
Additional info: Configuring IP Address (click)
In the absence of a home network, it is possible to connect the HDR-FOX directly to a PC, but instructions for this wil vary and are beyond the scope of this guide.
Additional info: Configuring IP Address (click)
Presuming the network connection is available, look up the connection parameters for the HDR-FOX using Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Configure LAN >> IP Address. There will be a series of four numbers with dots between them - eg "192.168.1.68" (in my case). For those using a WiFi dongle to connect the HDR-FOX to the network, the menu location is Menu >> Settings >> System >> Internet Setting >> Configure LAN (Wi-Fi) >> IP Address.
If you have just now installed CF specifically to fix your disk, all you need to do to access the command line interface (also known as Telnet) is enter the HDR-FOX's IP address into your web browser's address bar. [Valid for CF 3.11 and later]
Unless the system is in Maintenance Mode, the IP address in a web browser will produce the WebIF home page rather than the Telnet interface. In that case, if you have also previously installed the webshell package, go to the Diagnostics page and click "Command Line". Otherwise, the only option is to use a Telnet package on your PC instead of a web browser.
For details, see the Wiki HERE (click).
For details, see the Wiki HERE (click).
Telnet provides access to a command terminal for interacting with the HDR-FOX operating system, much like the cmd window in Microsoft Windows or the terminal in Linux. However, a menu interface is provided, so the user does not need to type commands directly.
In the event that you obtain a system prompt ("humax#") instead of a menu, type "tmenu".
If/when you are prompted to enter the system PIN, type in your HDR-FOX system password ("0000" unless you have changed it) and the custom firmware should respond with a menu (as shown in the Wiki HERE - click).
Step 3: Disk Analysis & Repair
The following instructions require that no external drives are connected to the HDR-FOX at the time. Ensure they are disconnected now.
Place the HDR-FOX in Maintenance Mode by typing the relevant command from the Telnet menu (currently "maint"). The HDR-FOX will reboot and the Telnet connection will be lost. If the HDR-FOX fails to power up following reboot, power it up manually. When the HDR-FOX reboots it will show "Maintenance" on the front panel display, and it will not be performing usual TV functions. Reconnect the Telnet session as above.
The disk repair process will check the file system for errors and repair it where possible, correct the continuous delete problem, and use an analysis report to reallocate bad sectors. As stated above: the process can be quick... or could take hours to days according to the degree of file system damage. The HDR-FOX cannot be used while fixdisk is running.
With the Telnet menu (as per Step 2), select the fix disk option by typing the relevant command from the menu (currently "fixdisk"), reply "-y" to "additional options" (this saves you having to type "y" each time there's a query), and let it run. The process may take from a few minutes to several hours (or even days). You do not need to remain connected while the process runs (so long as you gave it the "-y" option), you can reconnect to the running session to check progress.
In the event that the process "hangs": rebooting (turn power off and on again at the switch on the rear panel) restores normal operation, and you should then retry fixdisk. Beware of rebooting, and reserve as a last resort, because very long periods of apparent inactivity can be normal depending how much work fixdisk has to do. Nonetheless, if the process has actually crashed, intervention is required. Interrupting fixdisk could result in data loss, but not running fixdisk at all is much more likely to result in data loss.
In the event that fixdisk reports more and more HDD problems, or "LBA 0" is implicated, on repeated runs: the likelihood is that the HDD has reached end-of-life.
Step 4: Return to Normal
Use menu option "x" to return the HDR-FOX to normal operation.
Note that, if the above does not work, further interventions are available via the Telnet command line or as options added to the fix-disk command. However, these should be applied with caution and are only considered suitable for users with technical knowledge of the file system. If these are needed, post a query on the forum and specific advice will be given to suit the circumstances.
HDD Health Monitoring
With the Custom Firmware and WebIF installed, using a web browser to access the WebIF (Web Interface) provides user options for investigating various aspects of the HDR-FOX, including the HDD's self-diagnostics ("SMART"). These are viewed by clicking through: WebIF >> Diagnostics >> Disk Diagnostics.
The figures presented may be difficult for the inexperienced to interpret, but you can always seek guidance through the forum.
The WebIF monitors the SMART stats and will post an alert at the top of the home page if it thinks there might be a problem. Normally this will be if the Reallocated Sector Count has risen. That will also be highlighted in the disk diagnostics page. It is important to understand that an occasional small increase in that count is normal self-repair behaviour, and you can dismiss the warning. Worry only if it is increasing repeatedly, in large numbers, and watch the Life Left column.
However, fixdisk is not only implementing off-line self-repair for the HDD, its main function is to straighten out file system inconsistencies before they become baked-in. Computer file systems are, in effect, databases. As a user, you see files in a directory structure. The actual data is scattered across the physical storage in blocks, with indexes to track where it is, what it relates to, and other indexes to keep track of empty or available storage locations.
Modern file systems include redundant information, so that if an inconsistency develops (eg due to a crash or other improper shut-down) it can be detected and corrected. Unless the inconsistency gets corrected, the next inconsistency might not be possible to correct, and data may be lost and unrecoverable. This is what a fixdisk run does, and it is worth performing occasionally (eg monthly). If there is nothing to be done, the fixdisk run will take only a few minutes. If it takes longer, there was something needing to be straightened out before it became too late!
One final thing, a quirk: in the SMART information, you will find a "Power_On_Hours" figure in the Raw Value column. Be aware that, for the original Seagate Pipeline HDDs fitted to the HDR-FOX by Humax:
Power_On_Hours(Raw Value) = Actual PoH modulo 2^15, in other words it can only count up to 32,767 and then resets to zero.
This is due to how Seagate chose to implement the feature. This means that, for example, if the displayed PoH = 10,000, the actual PoH could be 10,000 hours, 42,768 hours, 75,536 hours – or any multiple of 32,768 plus 10,000. For reference: one year of continuous use is roughly 9,000 hours, and 32,768 hours is 3 years 9 months.
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Original post #1 (for reference only):
Last edited:
