SageTV FAQ

[Opus4]

Q: My SageTV installation isn't working correctly and it has been suggested that I reinstall SageTV. How can I reset SageTV's configuration settings without losing my recordings, favorites, etc.?

A: You can either try a simple properties file removal, or if that doesn't solve the problem, you should do a complete reinstallation.
As noted in a previous FAQ entry (What should I do if I plan to upgrade to a newer version of SageTV?), there are two main data files (plus their autobackup copies) that SageTV uses:

1. Wiz.bin - The database of recordings, EPG data, viewing history, Favorite settings, etc.
2. Sage.properties and/or SageClient.properties - A list of configuration settings.

That FAQ suggested saving & restoring both of these files when doing an upgrade installation, but when you want to reset SageTV in order to attempt to fix some unknown setting that is causing problems, the only file you want to keep is wiz.bin. Sage.properties MUST be removed!

Before attempting a reset, you should make copies of both of these data files. If you have certain customizations in your properties file that you want to keep, you should restore just the lines containing those settings ONLY after confirming that the new configuration works. Do not restore the entire properties file or the faulty setting will be used again.

There are two reset methods to try:

Simple Properties Reset

1. Exit SageTV completely (so it is not just sleeping).
2. Make backup copies of the 2 data files in a different directory.
3. Delete Sage.properties and its .autobackup copy from the SageTV directory. If using a client or service mode, do the same for SageClient.properties.
4. Restart SageTV. You will have to go through the complete setup process again.

If this simpler reset method does not work, then try:

Complete SageTV Reinstallation

1. Exit SageTV completely (so it is not just sleeping).
2. Make backup copies of the 2 data files in a different directory.
3. Make backup copies of any other customization files you may have installed, such as custom STVs, channel logos, etc. (Or, simply rename the SageTV install directory or copy the entire directory to another location.)
4. Uninstall SageTV.
5. Delete the entire SageTV directory tree.
6. Install SageTV again.
7. Copy ONLY wiz.bin back to the SageTV directory. For now, do not restore any other files!
8. Start SageTV. You will have to go through the complete setup process again.
9. Hope it all works.

Once you have verified that the new configuration is working, you may consider restoring selected properties settings from the old file. (Exit SageTV before editing the properties file.) After restoring some settings, test SageTV to make sure it is still working. DO NOT simply copy the entire old properties file back into the SageTV directory or the problem will return!

Don't forget to restore other customizations -- STVs, channel logos, etc. Again: do this after SageTV is confirmed to be working again. Note whether any problems return as you restore such customizations.

NOTE: Make sure you have removed the properties files and the .autobackup versions from your SageTV directory! If you suspect that some configuration setting is preventing SageTV from working correctly, DO NOT simply reinstall SageTV and then restore your previous properties file, since the problem will then still be there.

- Andy

P.S. After going through these steps to reset SageTV... do not copy your old Sage.properties or SageClient.properties file back to the SageTV directory. If the problem was in the properties file, it will return as soon as you restore the old properties file!