HT3199: Apple TV (1st generation): How to perform a factory restore

Learn about Apple TV (1st generation): How to perform a factory restore

paula1040

Level 1 (4 points)

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RESTORE APPLE (GEN 1) ?

My Apple TV (Gen 1) was playing up and couldn't access all my library from my Mac ( couldn't locate all my event photos) - so I decided to restore it to factory settings. Prior to this, I was unable to update it, which was another reason I decided to restore it to factory settings. It has gone through the process of updating and installing 2 updates, turned itself on and off a few times, but now the light on the box is flashing and I have an Apple on my TV - It has been like this for ages - not sure if it has frozen?

How long should I leave it before I turn it off??

Thanks in advance.

iMac, iOS 5

Posted on Apr 15, 2012 11:57 AM

I have this question too

Solved

Level 1 (4 points)

A:

A friend (a apple know all!!), rebooted the Apple TV (how??) for me and it has been working fine ever since!!

I didn't need to send it away, I lost all my settings, but it is reconfigured now ;o)

Thanks anyway ;o)

Posted on Jul 18, 2012 9:38 AM

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RESTORE APPLE (GEN 1) ?

All replies

Helpful answers

Page 1

by Winston Churchill,

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 12:05 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 12:05 PM in response to paula1040

Throughout the process of restoring, updating or simply restarting the Apple TV, the Apple logo stays on screen for no longer than a few moments. I'd be inclined to unplug the Apple TV, remove all the cables and try restarting it again.
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 12:13 PM in response to Winston Churchill
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 12:13 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Just tried it, but when I plugged it back in, its the same.

I've only had it since February, but it was a gift, so I don't have the receipt - can Apple tell it is still under warranty from the serial number?
Reply options

Link to this post

by Winston Churchill,

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 12:25 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 12:25 PM in response to paula1040

They haven't produced the Apple TV 1, for a few years now, are you sure it's an Apple TV 1, is it black ?
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 12:35 PM in response to Winston Churchill
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 12:35 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Sorry its Generation 2 -
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 12:36 PM in response to paula1040
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 12:36 PM in response to paula1040

Yes' it's black.
Reply options

Link to this post

by Winston Churchill,Helpful

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 12:39 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 12:39 PM in response to paula1040
If its an Apple TV 2, get yourself a micro USB cable (sold separately), you can restore your Apple TV from iTunes:

Remove ALL cables from Apple TV. (if you don't you will not see Apple TV in the iTunes Source list)
Connect the micro USB cable to the Apple TV and to your computer.
Open iTunes.
Select your Apple TV in the Source list, and then click Restore.
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 12:52 PM in response to Winston Churchill
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 12:52 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Thanks - I'll have to go out and see I can find a micro USB tomorrow - I've also put a call to the Apple Supprt, as feel this shouldn't have happened after only a few months ;o(

I'll keep you updated
Reply options

Link to this post

by Winston Churchill,

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 1:02 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 1:02 PM in response to paula1040

The restore process is to resolve software problems, software problems aren't common but can occur at any time, even an hour after purchase.
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 1:10 PM in response to Winston Churchill
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 1:10 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Thanks - It wouldn't allow me to download updates before all this happened (I've tried on and off for a few weeks), thought maybe my broadband wasn't good enough - so gave up. Then when I couldn't access library I thought I'd do a restore!! (big mistake) - so not sure if by pressing restore and actually being able to download all the new stuff it somehow froze it - I'll have to have a hunt about and see if I can buy the micro USB tomorrow.
Reply options

Link to this post

by Winston Churchill,

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 1:15 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 1:15 PM in response to paula1040

Have a check to see if you don't already have one, they are commonly used with cameras, sat nav's etc etc.
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Winston Churchill
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Great - I have found one that fits (it's a bit tight, but it fitted).

Where do I find the source list?
Reply options

Link to this post

by Winston Churchill,

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 1:37 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 1:37 PM in response to paula1040

The source list is on the LH side of iTunes.
Reply options

Link to this post

by paula1040,

paula1040 Apr 15, 2012 1:43 PM in response to Winston Churchill
Level 1 (4 points)

Apr 15, 2012 1:43 PM in response to Winston Churchill

It doesn't show in there?

I have unplugged all cables - plugged micro USB in ATV and into Mac - but can't see any sign of ATV?

Sorry if I'm being a bit thick here- all I can see is library, music, movies etc. Store, Genius & Playlists.

Nothing apple Apple - also no sign of life on ATV - should there e a light showing or something?
Reply options

Link to this post

by Winston Churchill,Helpful

Winston Churchill Apr 15, 2012 2:06 PM in response to paula1040
Level 10 (104,171 points)

Apple TV

Apr 15, 2012 2:06 PM in response to paula1040

It should be under heading called 'devices', if you hover the mouse over the heading, you may get an option to 'show'.

I'm not sure about a light, I've never had to restore myself. I assume you have removed the power cable too. Also make sure it's plugged into a powered USB port and not one in a keyboard for example.
Reply options

Link to this post

Page 1