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

Learn about Apple TV (1st generation): How to perform a factory restore
Applescruf
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Q: I have an apple TV 1st generation - it froze downloading a trailer and had to be unplugged.  Since then I cannot access the apple tv menu.  When I run diagnostics it says it is operating properly but will not factory restore.  What can I try?

have an apple TV 1st generation - it froze downloading a trailer and had to be unplugged.  Since then I cannot access the apple tv menu.  When I run diagnostics it says it is operating properly but will not factory restore.  What can I try?

Apple TV

Posted on Dec 30, 2012 11:30 AM

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Applescruf

Q: I have an apple TV 1st generation - it froze downloading a trailer and had to be unplugged.  Since then I cannot access the a ... more

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  • by Stuart Hobbs,

    Stuart Hobbs Stuart Hobbs Dec 30, 2012 11:34 AM in response to Applescruf
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Dec 30, 2012 11:34 AM in response to Applescruf

    Leave it off for five minutes and let it cool down.

     

    Plug the power cable in and hold down the power button for 40 seconds. This should boot it up in a kind of safe mode. Try factory restore from the software menu in advanced settings.

     

    If this doesn't work, spend the £/$ 99 and get Apple TV 3, it's so, so much better.

  • by Applescruf,

    Applescruf Applescruf Dec 30, 2012 11:48 AM in response to Stuart Hobbs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2012 11:48 AM in response to Stuart Hobbs

    Thank you for your response.  I cannot find any sort of power button on my unit so that I can try your fix.  Can you give me some idea of where the power button is?

  • by Stuart Hobbs,

    Stuart Hobbs Stuart Hobbs Dec 30, 2012 12:06 PM in response to Applescruf
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Dec 30, 2012 12:06 PM in response to Applescruf

    Apologies, I was looking at the wrong schematic for the Apple TV 1. There isn't a button. So lets try this instead...

     

    Remove the power cord and wait 20 seconds.

     

    Plug it back in and let it boot (Give it 10 minutes, it's being tempremental)

     

    Try and navigate to the the advanced menu and do a factory restore

     

    If that doesn't work then if you are using the white remote hold down the menu button for six seconds and release this should bring up a hidden menu which will allow you to access the advanced configuration settings.

     

    Again, if this fails there isn't much to do than tap it with a hammer to see if that fixes it (hard to believe how many times that actually works. (No responsibility taken if it breaks!, but at least you'd have a good reason to buy Apple TV 3)

  • by Applescruf,

    Applescruf Applescruf Dec 30, 2012 1:54 PM in response to Stuart Hobbs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2012 1:54 PM in response to Stuart Hobbs

    Thanks so much for your attempts to help me.  I have tried your suggestions - the only menu I can access besides the language selection is the menu that has three options:  restart, diagnostics, and factory restore.  I have tried each option multiple times.  Each time I run the diagnostic test I am told that the appletv unit is operating properly.  When I restart the language menu comes up followed by the same three option menu.  When I choose factory restore, the restoration process begins but then reports that it is unable to complete the factory restore operation.  Since the unit is operating properly if I could only get back to the original menu options so that I could reconnect to the network it seems like the unit would work but I am lost in no man's land that keeps rotating me back to these same selections.  Buying another unit isn't possible right now so I guess Apple TV is lost to me short of some great revelation.  If you have one, please be sure to pass it on.  And again, thanks for trying.

  • by Stuart Hobbs,

    Stuart Hobbs Stuart Hobbs Dec 30, 2012 1:56 PM in response to Applescruf
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Dec 30, 2012 1:56 PM in response to Applescruf

    Don't give up. This is a hobby product, there are many experts far greater than I. Leave this post open and I'm sure someone will give you the magic key to resolving your problems.