Cibox hard drive issue

Solved
Titou -  
 KokaKola -
Hello,

I bought a Cibox 500GB multimedia hard drive about 9 months ago. It has always worked well, as it was used almost every day and it functioned very well. But after connecting it to the TV, I reconnected it to the computer and since then it's not recognized anymore. I can no longer access it. However, at startup, I hear a few beeps for a few seconds. The computer detects some activity but then gives an error and the hard drive does not install. There's no way to access it. Thank you for your help if you've encountered this problem before....
Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 7.0

20 réponses

hyp68
 
Hello,

for those whose warranty date has expired (or not), I managed to find a trick that works quite well.

Actually, it's very simple, you need to open the CIBOX case:

- remove 3 screws at the bottom (2 gray ones, one under the label and one very small black one also under the label)
- remove 4 screws at the back (where the cable connection sockets are)
- slide the front panel of the CIBOX forward
- There are 2 red cables in 2 different places. You need to disconnect one end of each of these 2 cables. Be careful not to disconnect both sides.

This operation is a kind of reset, which eliminates all residual electrical current in the disk and allows it to be reset.

No worries, you won't lose your data.

Then, reconnect the 2 cables to their original places,

reassemble the case exactly the same way you took it out (be careful, the gray metal parts must slide into small rails designed for this purpose (so you can't insert them the wrong way).

Screw back all the screws you removed.

Reconnect, and you will be pleasantly surprised, it really works!!!

For your information, I couldn't connect my computer to the Cibox, and when I plugged it into the TV, I could only enter the system folder and nothing else.
It's your turn to try, and let me know if this operation worked for you as well.

Best regards,

HYP68.
6
DollyDoll
 
Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing the same issue since I purchased this Cibox 500GB hard drive.

My hard drive is constantly plugged into my Freebox. No problem as long as I don't touch it. But when I want to reconnect it to my PC to manage my files or if my box crashes, I struggle to have it recognized by both the PC and the box. And as long as my PC doesn't recognize it, the box doesn't want it either.

At first, I didn't have too much trouble. I would restart my PC with the hard drive connected. But as time goes by, it gets harder and harder. I've had to change my strategy several times, until I found something that works, like keeping my finger on the power button of the hard drive until the computer recognizes it, or going into the device manager and resetting everything, restarting the PC, etc.

I just tried Hyp's method, and it works great. As soon as I reconnected my hard drive to my computer, it recognized it without any other manipulations. SO A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU HYP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really appreciate that! lol
I don't know if it will work for long or every time. In the meantime, it allows me to back up my files elsewhere, just in case...
I'm going to buy another one as soon as I can afford it. It's not expensive, but this thing is really junk (to put it politely...).
0
batjulius Posted messages 2 Status Membre
 
Hi, I'm also struggling with a mz3 500GB, the computer recognizes it but on the TV the icons appear but I can't navigate the menu! I wanted to try your method to see if it would unlock something but I'm not sure which wires you're talking about. The hard drive is a Seagate Barracuda and in terms of cables, I have the SATA, the power (red-yellow-black) and the one that connects the front panel to the board where the hard drive is fixed which has 6 wires (blue-black-yellow-green-white and red). If you could tell me more, thanks in advance because I tried unplugging all of them but with no success!
0
tex50
 
Awesome, your trick worked for me, it’s working great again and without deleting anything!!!!

Thank you
0
wawanice
 
Hello everyone.

Display problem on the TV but recognized by the computer (XP).
- I formatted in FAT32
- I unplugged the wires as indicated.
- Impossible to install the driver because there's no display on the TV.
- Can't get the orange indicator light (new battery).
- No way I'm going to Auchan's customer service.

If you are still hesitant to buy a Cibox, especially at Auchan, this message is for you.

Note that this is my second MZ3 that has failed. The first one was a mistake, the second one is a screw-up.
0
jeremym59
 
Hello,
my son lost the remote control for my Cibox MZ3. Does anyone know where I can get one or does anyone have one that they no longer need? That would be great.
Thank you for contacting me at jeremym59@hotmail.com
0
mikedu54
 
Have you formatted the MZ3 in Fat NTFS?

The MZ3 works better with Fat 32; if it’s in Fat NTFS, you need to
reformat it to Fat 32.

Download the “HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool .exe” software by
searching on Google (it’s free) to format the MZ3 in Fat32;
first, back up your data, as all data will be lost after
formatting. I sent it to you, but your email box did not accept the
zip file.

Go to the site https://www.ciboxcorp.com and
download the new firmware for the update.
2
Yunny Posted messages 37 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   6
 
Hello, I got the MZ3, they actually exchanged it for a new one, it was beyond repair.
I'm going to do the procedure to format it to FAT32, I hope it works better.
Anyway, thanks.
0
hyp68
 
Hello,

Sorry, but how do you format it if you can't even connect the device to the computer?

I plug it into the computer, but nothing happens. The device doesn't start up and there's no way to access it. However, when I touch the device, I can feel the disk spinning, so it is on.

So what to do?

Can we still recover the data inside by another means?

Thank you for your help,

See you soon,

HYP68.
0
manudu59
 
same issue, the disk beeps but nothing happens
0
hyp68
 
Hello,

Unfortunate, never buy this device!!!
I used mine a maximum of ten times in a year!!!
In the end, I completely dismantled it! I lost all the data I had, but oh well! At least now I'm rid of it!!! Straight to the trash!!!

CIBOX, NEVER AGAIN!!!
2
MOMO
 
Hello, I bought a cibox, but the small plate where the battery is located is missing from the remote control. Since I don't have the receipt, they don't want to help me. I just wanted to ask if you really threw it away or if there is someone I could contact for the remote, because I can't do anything without it. Thank you for getting back to me. Best regards, Momo.
0
bidibodi > MOMO
 
Hello, I bought a CIBOX MZ3 640 GB about 9 months ago and the remote control is broken!!! You have to admit that they didn't make any effort on the quality of the remote for a device that becomes useless without it!!!

I just ordered a replacement remote from this site:
http://ww12.telecommande.net
BRAND: CIBOX
MODEL: MZ3

I should receive it soon...
0
bidibodi > bidibodi
 
Here it is, I just received the replacement remote control WALLIS UNIVERSAL REF 90 09 22 29
I put 2 R3 batteries in it and it's simply GREAT! It works, not one function is missing.

Furthermore, in terms of product quality, it's nothing like the "junk" of the original; the delivery time was respected; the packaging is neat...

You can order....
0
MOMO
 
Désolé pour les fautes, les doigts ont dérapé.
0
egyptian5005 Posted messages 1 Status Membre
 
I also had the misfortune of buying this equipment, it broke down twice during the warranty period, the customer service at a large store near major cities is --> useless, no response to requests to Cibox support. Just after the warranty expired, another problem with the said equipment arose.
A piece of advice: AVOID THIS BRAND (it’s no surprise that its stock price isn’t flourishing, it resembles the equipment they sell).
0
ANGEMARIE
 
HELLO I JUST BOUGHT A HARD DRIVE LIKE YOURS CIBOX 500 GB I MANAGED TO PUT EVERYTHING ON IT BUT WHEN I PLUG IT INTO THE TV IT'S ALL IN BLACK AND WHITE IS THIS NORMAL PLEASE RESPOND TO ME THANK YOU
2
titi
 
Hi Ange Marie, I had the same issue with my Cibox; it was just the wrong audio/video channel on the TV. So, I switched to the second channel, and it worked perfectly...
0
Yunny Posted messages 37 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   6
 
Well, I couldn't do anything and I took it to customer service, so I think I lost all the data I had on it. It's really frustrating if I have to buy a hard drive to back up the hard drive; it just doesn't make sense. So here we go, three weeks without a hard drive. I hope once it's back it won't act up anymore, but I don't think so. Anyway, I'll format it to FAT32 from the start.
bye
1
lovren85
 
There is a trick regarding the hard drive; it is guaranteed for 2 years, so once this failure occurred, I contacted the manufacturer of the hard drive directly, who replaced it for me, and since then, I haven't had any problems with the new hard drive. However, it's the remote control that no longer responds. I will try to get one on a website.
1
lovren
 
That's great, I found a site that offers a replacement remote control and it works perfectly.
0
VINCE4469
 
My case is okay, but there is a malfunction with my hard drive which is damaged!! Is the hard drive guaranteed for 2 years???
0
VINCE4469
 
If you have any information, I'm all ears because my warranty expired 5 months ago.
0
lovren85
 
Yes, 2 years warranty on the hard drive.
0
roger69
 
Hello, I have the same problem as you. I will therefore have to send it to the Cibox customer service. There's nothing to be done.
0
deesseclarice
 
Hi,

I’m going to buy the 500GB external hard drive tomorrow.
I wanted to know if your problem has been solved. Is the after-sales service good?
Do you recommend this purchase?

Thank you
0
titi
 
and I can't access a file!
0
hyp68
 
Good evening,

my cibox is brand new, but I can't access any of the folders, except for the Setup folder.

However, on the computer, I can see all my files, but once I'm connected to the TV, nothing works.

Can you help me?
0
tchicthou
 
I have the same problem; after several uses without issues, I added files and now I can't access them anymore. Only the configuration works. What should I do??? Thank you.
0
nonochka > tchicthou
 
Exactly the same problem, no access to any folder, it worked only once... and nothing more... as it always stays in standby, my husband had the idea to unplug it and plug it back in... it works!!!!
0
hunter bullai
 
you found your problem
0
hyp68 > hunter bullai
 
Hello,
Partially yes.
Indeed, unplugging it and leaving it for about 20 seconds, then restarting it without launching a movie, you need to turn it off normally with the power button, and once the light is off, unplug it again and leave it for another 20 seconds.
Then when you restart it, it works.

If it still doesn't work, you need to wait at least an hour, then it works.

I tested it, I assure you.

But it's really junk.
Sometimes I watch a movie and boom, suddenly it freezes!! Impossible to restart, and I have to go through all these manipulations again.

I'm going to wait until I have a bit of money, I'm tossing it and buying something else!!!

I advise everyone to do the same.
See you!
0
Gisèle
 
Hello
I live in India, and I don't receive Indian channels to record. Can anyone help me and let me know if there is a way? Thank you.
0
Yunny Posted messages 37 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   6
 
Good evening, I have the same problem, I bought it in September and everything was fine, but for several days it has been freezing, and I no longer have access to it on the computer, what can I do with all my movies on it?? Is it really not possible for me to save anything? How long is the warranty?
0
kenitchi55
 
If you have a broken cinebox HS that is no longer under warranty, I'm interested in the remote control.
Mine doesn't work anymore and it's too much hassle to find one.
0
hyp68
 
Hi,
I threw my Cibox in the trash, but I kept the remote control.
If you’re interested, I’ll sell it to you for 5 euros + shipping costs.
Talk soon!
0
Yunny Posted messages 37 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   6
 
I'm sorry, but my cibox is guaranteed for 1 year, so I'm keeping the remote control.
0
Yunny Posted messages 37 Registration date   Status Membre Last intervention   6
 
Thank you for all this information.
But my issue is that in addition to it getting stuck, I can't connect it to my computer anymore!!!
Now it's getting complicated, but I'll try again anyway.
I'll keep you updated..
0
karamazof
 
Same problems with clicks on startup, displaying the config file with no way to exit and unable to format it. If there is a solution, please let me know, and if some have sent it to customer service, did it work in the long term or should I face the facts and get rid of this piece of junk?
0
superlo
 
My Cibox 500GB hard drive worked fine three times at the beginning of my purchase in June 2008. With cunning and patience, I managed to get it to work for a while, knowing that it damaged some files during transfers. Impossible to watch a movie without it crashing and, of course, no storage for important documents!!!!!!!!

Since January 2009, two months of customer service, one hard drive exchange, one brand new exchange, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM, IT CRASHES.

There seems to be a connectivity issue; the hard drive card moves inside the casing. Incredible, right....

After so many problems, inconveniences, trips to customer service, and yet another non-functioning hard drive but still under warranty, I have no desire to use this brand anymore, I will take action against Cibox.
0
hyp68
 
Hello,
Look at my reply in the forum and give it a try.
See you!
0
Peg et sam
 
Hello, a year and 12 days ago we bought a Cibox and the HD movie playback has never worked despite complaint emails. My partner found an update on the site and since that update, nothing works.
So we're bringing our Cibox back to Auchan in the 74 and surprise, past the warranty date, our Cibox is not repairable according to the Cobox customer service.
So we just lost €350.

Yeah, so we’re really bummed out.
0
Boss
 
Hello everyone, I also had the misfortune of buying a Cibox MZ500. After one customer service experience where I lost 350GB of music, movies, and family photos, they changed the hard drive, and they don't care! With the second issue, 15 days later, I transferred all my data to various supports: PC, iPod, USB drive, etc. (a huge hassle and almost 20 hours of transfer), formatted the hard drive, and tried an update on the Cibox site, and the cherry on the cake is that I can't even connect it to the computer anymore. And to watch a movie, it works once out of five (when it feels like it).
So I'm done with Cibox, and I'm trying to recover my hard-earned data so I can finally get rid of this thing.
The only positive point about this hard drive is that it teaches you self-control and a zen attitude.
0
tharanis
 
Thank you for your tip that really works.

My device is working properly again.
0
will
 
Never buy cibox... It's crap!!
0
VINCE4469
 
Hello, just like all of you! My first failures occurred a few days after the warranty expired at a large store...
As always, they can't do anything! I tried reaching out to IT specialists... but to no avail! On the contrary! They discovered that my case was operational but that the hard drive wouldn’t start anymore and thus... impossible to use!

My data is not lost, but I need to send it to Chronodisc in Paris for data recovery in a clean room... cost of the operation 300 euros!!!!!

According to what I’ve been able to read, the hard drive itself is supposedly guaranteed for 2 years, unlike the case... is that true????
If you have any solutions for data recovery (ironically, I stored family photos and legal documents for a friend while he was formatting a computer). I don’t really care about the movies and music, but I would at least like to recover these files.....

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! But I have no more hope after you...
0
lovren85
 
Yes, the hard drive is indeed guaranteed for 2 years (manufacturer), so you need to contact them for the replacement.
0