Changing Firmware model number for use in Expressvu receiver

[kipper2k]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and looking for some help. I have a Bell expressvu receiver that has a dead HDD and i am trying to find a replacement drive that matches the specific model numbers that the Bell Expressvu HDPVR receiver allows.

Heres the problem, Its almost impossible to find a replacement drive as the HDD in this receiver is now 5 years old and almost impossible to find. Here's what i am hoping... I want to try to spoof a similar drive so that the receiver sees it as an official replacement. For example the drive that died on me is (250GB Sata) ...

WDC WD2500JD-57HBC0 (Sata 250GB, Dec 8th 2005)

When the receiver boots up it checks the model info on the HDD and if the model compare check agrees with the receiver approved HDD list in its firmware then the receiver will enable the PVR functions and the drive will function. The receiver uses the entire model ID string for verification purposes. What i would probably need to do is find a similar WD 250 GB Sata HDD and somehow using tools or editors go into the Firmware or HDD control block and try to edit the ID string so the HDD can pass the ID check test.

There are a few approved models in the list, mainly WD, maxtor and a couple of Seagates. There are quite a few WD 250GB Sata drives still kicking about but the last portion of the ID string is the hardest part to match.

Does anyone have or know of any tools and procedures that can be used to make this happen. I really do not want to have to throw away a $600 receiver because i cannot find a replacement drive

Thanks to all

[pcimage]

Pay the postage to/from uk and I'll do it for you.

[kipper2k]

Pay the postage to/from uk and I'll do it for you.

Thanks for the offer, if i can't find a suitable replacement i'll keep you in mind