RCA DVR-40 Directv receiver will not make a call to Directv

there isn't a 5 digit code for it

I don't think the service manual is available for these units since they have DirecTv built into them

You need to call DirecTV and request a new access card. They are $20 and come with instructions. These cards can't be transfered from one receiver to another, unlike a cell phone SIM card.

If you unplug the dvr and open it up, unscrew the screws and just open the casing. Can you see any battery inside it? It would look similar to a watch battery most likely. My security dvr will do that and I have to replace the internal battery, not sure if tivo like dvrs are the same though.

replaced the older receiver box and had Directv reactivate the card. Will probably find another one later.

unplug the telephone cable from the back of the receiver and plug it a basic telephone to check if there is a dial tone. if there is a dial tone restart the receiver without the the telephone line plugged in. after it loads and u have a picture, plug in the telephone line. call the home to check. if its not working the modem in the receiver has gone bad.

the code is 01442

unplug the receiver and call directv to send a new one. the dvr may have hard drive electrical issues that could lead to bigger problems

Most likely it's your hard drive going bad. You can replace it and not junk the unit.

Have questions about your upgrade? We've got the answers. What do I need to do to receive my upgrade? Nothing! Just make sure your DIRECTV HD DVR is continuously connected to your land-based phone line and you will receive the upgrade automatically. When will I receive my upgrade? The 6.3 software upgrade will roll out over a period of several weeks. Customers with more than one DIRECTV HD DVR may receive their upgrades at different times for each receiver. We appreciate your patience while we deliver these new and improved features to eligible DIRECTV HD DVR customers nationwide. Are all DIRECTV DVRs receiving this upgrade? No. DIRECTV DVR models SONY SAT-T60, PHILIPS DSR6000R and HUGHES GXCEBOT will not receive the 6.3 software upgrade. Other models received a similar upgrade, 6.2, in the past. I have a DIRECTV R10 DVR with 6.1 software. Will I receive this upgrade? No. The 6.1 software on the DIRECTV R10 DVR already includes the 6.2 features such as folders and faster menu scrolling. Will any of my DVR settings be changed as a result of the upgrade? Yes, some of your settings or preferences will be changed back to the factory default settings as a result of the upgrade. These include: "Favorite Channels," "Channels You Receive," "Spending Limits," "Clear Channel Banner Quickly" and "Dolby Digital" recording and output. To change Channel Banners, Channels You Receive and Favorite Channels preferences: 1. Select "Messages and Setup" 2. Select "Settings" 3. Select "Channels" To change Spending Limits: 1. Select "Messages and Setup" 2. Select "Settings" 3. Select "Parental Control" To change Dolby Digital Settings: 1. Select "Messages and Setup" 2. Select "Settings" 3. Select "Audio" 4. Select "Dolby Digital" and "Digital Output" Will I be charged for this upgrade? No. We're upgrading your DIRECTV HD DVR as part of your normal DIRECTV® DVR with TiVo® service at no additional cost. What happens if I don't have my phone line plugged into my DIRECTV DVR? You will not be able to receive the upgrade if your DIRECTV DVR is not connected to your phone line. To install the upgrade, your receiver must successfully make a call to our servers. How will I know when I have received my upgrade? You'll receive an on-screen message the first time you visit DIRECTV Central after your upgrade is complete. It will also appear in your Messages section. You can also check your System Information screen to find out which software version you currently have. Will the download delete any of my currently saved programs? No. All of your saved programs will still be there for your enjoyment after the installation. Once your upgrade is complete... How do I activate the Grouping (folders) option? 1. Go to your Now Playing List. 2. Press Enter on your remote control. 3. Change groups to ON. SHORTCUT HINT: While viewing your Now Playing List, press number 2 on your remote control and your Now Playing List will change from the GROUPS view to show each individual recording. Press 2 again and it will switch back to the GROUPS option. How do I sort alphabetically instead of by date recorded? 1. Go to your Now Playing List. 2. Press Enter on your remote control. 3. Change sorting option to Alphabetical. SHORTCUT HINT: While viewing your Now Playing List, press number 1 on your remote control and your Now Playing List will change from alphabetical to date sort. Press 1 again and it will switch back to alphabetical sort. Some settings will restore to factory defaults when the new software is download