my black recorder freeview 160gb won't stop flashing and nothing works (i try to swich off and swich on again and press the on button, but nothing works, none of the button works and also i can't see the freeview, is just few months old, and as i dont find my recipe and i dont remember exacly when i bought it, i can't put it back (bought from argos shop), please can anyone know what's wrong with it?, it just stop working alone, nothing has been done for it to be like that, just to swich on with the remore.

shira, June 2008

we had 2 boxes one with flashing red light one with stable red light the power on and up down left right worked on the stable red light but thompson told me the flashing red light means chuck itt in the bin it is a fatal error

blue, June 2009

I had the flashing light problem and the standby/power reset. up down left right answer at top of page worked for me.

Thank you

Dougie - Ayr, May 2009

I know the fix for this.....
unplug the power lead & wait at least 20 seconds
Hold the standby button down (on the front of the set top box) & plug the power cable back in while holding the standby button down
AS SOON as the orange light starts to flash, release the standby button
then press the direction buttons on the front of the unit - in this order.....up, down, left, right.
The unit will reset to standby.......the only downside is you will lose all your library programmes.

Rob, May 2009

throw it in the bin and buy a sony, panasonic, toshiba etc..

nob-rot, March 2009

this isnt an answer im haveing trouble myself. ive tryed installing the channels on my freeview (thompson) it scans the channels but when its done scanning it cant find the channels if anyone knows way can you please email me the answer at nicholas_sams2k3@yahoo.co.uk that would be great thank you

nicholas sams, December 2008

My Thomson 160gb developed the same fault; I tried switching off at the wall socket with no effect and the manual did not mention this fault at all. It will have to take it back to Argos for a refund/relacement.

Gareth Aberdare, November 2008

try puting in an old 40gb hard drive
if the box now works it is your psu .

dave, July 2008

As has been said, contrary to popular belief lack of a shop receipt does not remove your statutory rights. In addition to your credit card receipt, as the box contains 'Broadcast Receiving Equipment' you will have had to fill in a form at Argos for the TV Licensing people. The shop will have a carbon copy of that form. That can be your Proof of Purchase.

t, June 2008

1. Try unplugging it at the mains plug for about 5 minutes and then plug it back in and see if you can get it to turn on.
2. If it still won't work look in the manual to see if it can suggest a reset method.
3. If this won't work you have to take it back to where you bought it - many places will be able to trace your purchase even if you don't have the original receipt, take anything you can to help them find your sale, such as your credit card statement with the sale on.

S, June 2008