Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀 (𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 2002) is a computer virus that is caused when a TiVo DVR has a corrupted .tbk or .img file that originates from a backup or an outdated unit. The virus is executed during the bootup process and can create further damage to the system while navigating the TiVo's user interface leading to excessive load on the TiVo's hardware. A larger hard drive capacity can help slow the virus so that it doesn't release any payload throughout the TiVo's software. This virus is likely to occur on Series 1 and 2 TiVo DVRs while Series 3 and 4 DVRs are less likely to experience any technical faults due to certain hardware/software differences. However, some cases are rare for the virus to occur on Series 3 and 4 DVRs and can lead to more severe hardware damages.

It's been said that over 300,000 units were effected from the virus and have yet to find a cure to prevent any further damages to other TiVo devices. Starting in 2004, The TiVo Corporation had offered free replacement units alongside free lifetime subscriptions to those who were affected and furthermore in 2006 during the release of Series 3 units. Almost all activity of the virus had stalled since 2012 because the lack of active units still in use with an included subscription from any legacy TiVo devices. As of 2022 (𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 20 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴) The TiVirus can be replicated by editing a TiVo image file through a Hex editor or merging another image altogether. This process would then create a variant of The TiVirus that is far different from its original counterpart resulting in other problems within the TiVo's hardware and software.

Although, the user must proceed with caution as this can create irreversible damage to your TiVo box and will no longer be warranted by The TiVo Corporation as they are not currently responsible for any further damages.