This applies to recorders that were pre-installed with internal hard drives (HDD) and worked before. This error or warning appears when the hard drive is no longer recording or can no longer be accessed but is still detected.

A. The HDD LED is solid, indicating the hard drive is still detected but is not reading/writing.

B. The HDD status (Menu > Device > HDD) shows "Abnormal" or "Unformat error".

C. The HDD Free/Total capacity shows 0GB.

A. & B. If Unformat error / Abnormal error shows

Do each step in the following order to remedy the issue: 

1. Reboot the DVR. Go to Shutdown > Reboot.
2. Ensure you are using a power adapter with the correct output rating for your recorder. See What power adapter should I use? for your DVR, NVR or NVW. E.g. DVRs must use 12V 2A, not 12V 1A.
3. Plug the power adapter of your DVR or NVR directly to a known working outlet.
4. Go to Setup > Device (side) > HDD (tab). 
   1. If the HDD is blank, continue the steps in No hard drive or hard disk found.
   2. If the HDD is present but there is still an unformat error, follow steps 3. to 5. below.

A. & C. If Total Capacity is 0GB

Do each step in the following order to remedy the issue: 

1. Reboot the DVR. Go to Shutdown > Reboot.
2. Go to Setup > Device (side) > HDD (tab).
3. Check the box below No. and beside the detected HDD.
4. Click on Format HDD. (Warning: This will erase all and any recordings. We recommend you Export recordings to a USB (Swann Security) prior to format if you do not want to lose any recordings)
   • Note: We do NOT recommend formatting the hard drive using a computer. It must be done from the recorder.
5. If the hard drive still incurs the same error after formatting or format failed, chances are the hard drive needs replacement. If you still have your proof of purchase, please request a chat and type "hard drive" for photo assessment and recommendation from our Tech Support.

Note: Formatting will not erase the Swann firmware.