How to Fix the 'Recording Failed' Error on Your Lorex System
One of the most critical functions of a Lorex security system is its ability to record and store footage. When you see a "Recording Failed" or "HDD Error" message, it can be alarming as it means your property may not be monitored. This error indicates that your Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) is unable to save video data to its internal hard drive.
Fortunately, this is a common issue that can often be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting. This guide will take you through the most likely causes and the steps you need to follow to fix the recording failure and ensure your security system is reliable.
Understanding the Causes of Recording Failure
The "Recording Failed" error almost always points to an issue with the system's hard disk drive (HDD). Let's break down the specific reasons this might be happening.
Full or Unformatted Hard Drive
The simplest cause is that the hard drive is full. If your system is not set to overwrite the oldest footage, it will stop recording once it runs out of space. Alternatively, if a new hard drive has been installed, it may need to be formatted by the Lorex system before it can be used.
Loose or Damaged Hard Drive Cables
Inside your Lorex DVR or NVR, the hard drive is connected to the mainboard by two cables: a SATA data cable and a power cable. If either of these cables becomes loose or damaged, the recorder will lose its connection to the drive, triggering a recording failure.
Failing Hard Drive
Hard drives are mechanical devices with moving parts, and they have a finite lifespan. After years of continuous 24/7 operation, the drive can begin to develop bad sectors or fail entirely. Clicks, grinding noises, or the system failing to detect the drive are all signs of a failing HDD.
Insufficient Power Supply
The DVR/NVR and the hard drive both require a stable power supply. Using an incorrect or failing power adapter can lead to underpowered components, causing the hard drive to malfunction and fail to record properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Lorex Recording Failures
Work through these steps to diagnose and solve the problem. Always unplug the recorder from power before opening the case.
Step 1: Reboot Your Lorex System
Before trying anything more complex, perform a full system reboot.
- Log in to your system and use the menu to perform a proper shutdown.
- If you cannot access the menu, turn off the power using the switch on the back.
- Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
- Wait for two minutes to allow all components to discharge.
- Plug the adapter back in and turn the system on. A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the error.
Step 2: Check the Hard Drive Status
Log in to your Lorex system and navigate to the storage or hard drive menu (e.g., Menu > Storage > HDD).
- Check the status of the drive. It should show as "Normal" or "Connected." If it shows "Not Detected" or "Error," it points to a connection or drive issue.
- Check the available storage space. If the drive is full, you will need to either delete old footage or enable the overwrite setting.
Step 3: Inspect the Physical Connections
Unplug the recorder from power before proceeding.
- Remove the screws holding the cover of your DVR/NVR and slide it off.
- Locate the hard drive inside.
- Carefully check the SATA data cable (usually a thin, flat red or blue cable) and the power cable that connect to the hard drive.
- Unplug both cables from the hard drive and the mainboard and then firmly plug them back in. This ensures the connection is secure.
- Replace the cover, plug the recorder back in, and power it on. Check if the error is gone.
Step 4: Re-format the Hard Drive
If the connections are secure and the drive is detected but still not recording, re-formatting the HDD can resolve file system corruption. Warning: Formatting will permanently erase all recorded footage on the drive.
- Go to the storage or HDD menu.
- Select the hard drive and choose the "Format" or "Initialise" option.
- The system will format the drive, which may take several minutes.
- After formatting, the system should automatically begin recording again.
Step 5: Test and Replace the Hard Drive
If formatting fails or the error returns shortly after, the hard drive itself has likely failed. The best way to confirm this is to replace it. You will need a surveillance-grade hard drive (e.g., WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk) of the correct size. If a new, known-good drive works, then the old drive was the culprit.