This article covers factory resetting specific legacy Tablo DVRs. For instructions on how to factory reset a 4th Generation Tablo DVR, go here.
The process outlined in this guide will work for original Tablo 2-Tuner and Tablo 4-Tuner DVRs, Tablo DUAL LITE, Tablo QUAD and Tablo QUAD 1TB OTA DVRs when using external USB storage or an internal SATA drive.
NOTE: If you are trying to factory reset your Tablo DUAL 64GB or Tablo DUAL 128GB, use this article. If you are trying to factory reset your Tablo HDMI, use this article.
What is a factory reset?
When a factory reset is performed on the Tablo DVR, it is restored to its out-of-the-box state and is essentially running as a new unit. The Tablo DVR's database and all troubleshooting logs will be erased, along with all recordings and recording schedules available on the attached hard drive.
Your Tablo DVR’s current firmware version will be maintained during the factory reset.
You may wish to perform a factory reset on Tablo for one of the following reasons:
- You are selling your Tablo DVR
- You are giving your Tablo DVR to a new owner
- You have tried absolutely everything else to fix your Tablo (including talking to our amazing Tablo Support representatives).
WARNING:
A factory reset should not be attempted as a casual troubleshooting step and should only be done as a last resort by someone who knows what they’re doing.
By factory resetting the device, any and all old data accumulated during your usage of the device is erased including information that could be critical for Tablo Support representatives to provide accurate troubleshooting assistance.
Before attempting a factory reset, we recommend trying some of the more basic troubleshooting steps found in this article of the Tablo Knowledge base.
If these steps do not successfully solve your issue, we recommend consulting the Tablo Knowledge Base, Tablo Community or Tablo Support team for further assistance.
If you would still like to proceed with a factory reset, the steps are as follows:
WARNING: Proceeding with the factory reset steps below will erase all recordings and recording schedules from your Tablo DVR.
- Reboot your Tablo DVR by tapping and immediately releasing the blue reset button on the back of your device. Let the Tablo boot up for ~1 minute. The reboot is complete once the blue LED stops pulsing.
- Remove the USB or SATA hard drive from the back of the Tablo DVR. Do not reattach your hard drive until you have completed Step 7 of this walkthrough.
- Reboot the Tablo DVR again by tapping and immediately releasing the blue reset button. Again, wait ~1 minute for the Tablo to boot up. Wait for the blue LED to stop pulsing.
- When the LED is solid, hold down the blue reset button for 7+ seconds. The blue LED on the front of the Tablo DVR will begin to pulse at a steady rate. Continue to hold the blue reset button until the LED turns off. The Tablo will begin to factory reset. At this point, you can release the blue reset button. The LED will begin to flash again as the Tablo reboots.
- Head over to http://my.tablotv.com/ (or any of the Tablo mobile apps on smartphones and tablets). On the main Connect to Tablo page, a red X should be visible. Select the red X and confirm to delete the Tablo from that device. Then select Rescan and Connect to the Tablo below the New Tablo header.
- You will be guided through the setup process. This includes entering your zip/postal code and running a channel scan. Wait for the channel scan and guide data download to finish. Ignore any prompts to attach your drive.
- Only after the setup is complete, reattach your hard drive. You may still see some old data but this will be cleaned from your Tablo DVR’s hard drive during overnight maintenance processes.