VCR suddenly stopped recording w/nothing changed after many years

SOURCE: How Do I use timed recording?

Is this a problem of the VCR not doing a timed record at all, or of it recording only snow (no signal) or perhaps the wrong channel? If the first, then it would point to incorrect setup of the timed record session or that the clock time & date settings are incorrect... the VCR setup stuff. Also, once the timed recording is setup, there is often one additional button to push to actually ready the VCR. Older VCRs, were put into the timed mode by power off. If VCR isn't recording anything (it is coming on to record, but no signal), then it has to do with hookup of the VCR. Depending on your cable system, the VCR can only record the channel the cable box is tuned to. Again, depending on the system, the VCR needs to be cabled in between the cable box and your TV (cable box RF out to VCR RF in, VCR RF out to TV RF in) RF=ant. Exact cabling will vary.

SOURCE: dvd/vcr without cable hook-up

If ** cable TV hookups exists, then the only inputs you can use are the line-in along with audio left/right. You've probably got a slew of output connections. Your unit does **t contain a tuner (which would allow you to use a cable input). You need to have a cable box or other device (vcr/tv) that has outputs compatible with the input of your dvd/vcr. A lot of dvd/vcrs are that way. It actually saves you some $$ since most cable boxes (especially HDTV compatible) already have the required outputs on them.

SOURCE: Interface error! Trun off the power

Faulty power-supply symptoms:

The front panel display and buttons are completely nonfunctional and appear dead. The unit will do nothing more than display the following messages on the TV screen:

Interface error
(and or)
Interface error! Turn off the power

If a DVD or VHS tape was inserted prior to the error occurring, you won't be able to eject either from that point further. They'll remain stuck inside the unit until you've completed the repair detailed below.

Interface error! Turn off the power <--- explains how to completely restore your combo in less than 20 minutes by replacing a $1.59 part on the power-supply board. [email protected]

SOURCE: Analog VCR

no you can use your regular VCR. You will just have to make sure you put your coverter box to bring the signal into your vcr. You can also bring the signal into your TV from the vcr so that you don't have to have 2 converter boxes.

SOURCE: I'm trying to hook up my vcr to my digital box and

Make sure your VCR is on channel 3 or try channel 4. Also, make sure your VCR is set to VIDEO or VCR and not TV. 
A better way to do this is to connect the cable box to the VCR using the composite cable (yellow/red/white) cable. Then, connecting the cable box to your TV with component cable (red/greenblue) cables. This will only work if your TV has component in. If not, then connect the VCR out composite (yellow/red/white) to the TV. Or use the coax cable from the cable box labeled TV/VCR right to your TV. Make sure your VCR is set on LINE1 or LINE.