I bought a vizio 42

It is possible the remotes are either bad or not compatible to the tv. Recheck the remote type and the batteries to see it that helps.

Have you find out if the problem is with your remote control? For instance, you are able to control your TV using a Universal remote control. My 32" Vizio TV had a similar problem, initially thought it was related to my remote control but in fact the TV didn't respond either to an universal remote control of my SAT receiver that I eventually use to just turn on and off the TV. I've found out that the problem was with a little board on the TV located at the left down corner viewed from the front side of the TV and that receives the signal from the remote control. I found the board on ebay for about $5, replace it and the TV responded again to both original and universal remotes.

Universal remote code to check with Vizio TV is [0081.
Direct Code Entry

1. Press and hold the SETUP button until the red indicator stays on, then release the SETUP button.
2. Press and release the desired Mode button (TV, VCR, etc.). The red indicator blinks, then stays lit.
3. Enter the 4 digit code from the code tables. Note: after a valid code entry, the red indicator turns off. For an invalid code, the red indicator flashes.
4. With your device on, press CHANNEL UP. If the device responds, no further programming is required. Note: If some buttons do not operate your device, try one of the other codes for your brand. If you want to get more details and codes to different remote controls, check this.

if you have a picture or video of what it looks like, that would be great

^_^ Those answers are only for new remote but that's not the only way, There trying to ask in another way with out a remote.

Hello
Vizio TV has not listed with any of Big Button remote control setup codes. OK.

Hello
Reset your Tv to factory settings. It will unlock all locks including front panel lock.

Reset All Settings

Return all Picture and Audio settings to factory default. A screen will come up to confirm your

selection or to cancel it. Press Left or Right Navigation buttons to make the selection, and then
press OK to accept it.

Setup Wizard
Use this function to return to the Initial Setup menu
Go to its user manual for Initial setup menu details.
OK.

Hi, I had the same problem. My vizio remote for my 42 inch 2 month old vizio also seemed to stop working. Here's what I did: My vizio remote (like most remote's nowadays) was designed for multiple components (tv, dvd, vcr, etc). All you need to do to make the remote work again is set it back to tv. Now, the confusing thing about vizio remotes is that they actually have TWO places where you can switch the remote to the appliance you want to control. One is on top of the remote, the other is on the BOTTOM. Switch it back to TV using the BOTTOM. My remote had stopped working because I had inadvently switched it to another component on the BOTTOM component switch.

I just realized that there is no usb port on this tv. Called tech support at vizio since I'm still under warranty. They're sending a new remote. I know it's not the remote because neither the verizon nor the vizio remote works, although the vizio remote will intermittently work if I'm one foot away from the sensor on the tv and holding the remote on a downward angle. Tech support says they will send a new remote to rule that out before they send a tech over. I'll check the posts to see if you find a solution when I finally get the tech guy out here. If not, I'll let you know what he does.

Good luck.

if your TV still on warranty, it is better return it for another replacement.
cause it is the main board freeze up on you.