(Thought) I Changed DVR Storage Drive Correctly. Now I Got Problems

Channels DVR Server Troubleshooting
#1

Recently, I had to do a clean install of Windows 11 on my NUC 8. I was able to restore Channels DVR from backup without issue. However that changed the assigned drive letters. So I thought I’d change the drives back to their original letter assignments (before the clean install) and change Channels DVR drive assignments as well (probably my first mistake -as it was late and I was tired). Yet, I (somehow) managed to get everything set the I wanted it.

---EDIT:--- Just performed a Channels reinstall & Restored From Backup. But still unable to connect on my Mac desktop (Chrome) or my Chromebook. Server-side I also notice the url:8089/admin changed even though my server is set to static. Do I need to, or am I able to, also set Channels to static?

Server-side, the admin/settings & live guide work/play fine - just like before. Now, the problem is accessing it on other devices. I can no longer access Channels Admin/Live Guide via (non-server) my Mac desktop (using Chrome) and Chromebook as before. I get a connection timeout error message “This site can’t be reached” when using the server’s url:8089/admin address. Same problem with my Channels Apple TV 4K apps. I’m getting “Your Channels DVR Server could not be discovered” error message. Entering the server’s :8089/admin address isn’t working.

Steps Taken - Server Side

  • Stopped/Restarted Channels
  • Uninstalled/Reinstalled Channels (thinking I’d get the restore from backup option. I didn’t)

Steps Taken - AppleTV 4k

  • Performed System Restart
  • Uninstalled/Reinstalled Channels DVR

Am I correct in using the server’s :8089/admin address? Or is there a different assigned url for non server access such as other desktops and apps?

Not to sound too desperate, but I’m basically without live TV (unless I want to go downstairs and sit in the room where my server is.) Any help/guidance/step-by-step processes would be appreciated. My thanks in advance.emphasized text

#2

@MisterMustang - sounds like you've got the classic network discovery issue after changing drives and reinstalling your os. I've dealt with this a few times myself - frustrating for sure!

First, definitely ping your server from that Chromebook to make sure basic connectivity works. Just open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run ping [your-DVR-IP-address] to verify.

Windows Firewall is almost certainly the culprit here. When you reinstalled Windows, it probably reset your firewall rules. Check:

  • Hit Start, type "firewall" and open Windows Defender Firewall
  • Click "Allow an app through firewall"
  • Scroll to find Channels DVR or add it if missing
  • Make sure it's checked for both Private and Public networks
#3

Yes you can and should use a static IP with channels DVR. On your server right click the network icon on the right side of the system tray. Click your ethernet adapter. A form will open allowing you to edit settings. Make shore that private network is selected. Note the current IP V4 address, Default Gateway and DNS server. Now edit the IP assignment using your old server's IP and DNS server and default gateway using these values you made note of. Your clients that memorized the old IP should be able to connect. If they ask for the IP of the server enter it.

#4

Once again, I've proven that I am my own worst enemy. Just remembered that I'd changed my network settings to Private and didn't think to allow Channels through the Firewall. No more late-night noodling around. All good now.

I'll sheepishly show myself out. Now, If only I could delete this post. :joy: