W8.1 and Harmony Software - Can't Connect to Remote

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › W8.1 and Harmony Software - Can't Connect to Remote

MikeAqua

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#165878 23-Feb-2015 15:24

I have a Harmony 525. I haven't used it for couple of years but decided to start using it again. It still works, after some batteries.   But I have changed a few components so I need to re-programme it.

I installed harmony software 7.7 on my Surface Pro (Windows 8.1) as recommended by the Harmony website.

The software installed no problem. But during set up the software can't connect with the remote via USB.  The LCD screen on the remote display US connected, butt he software keeps looking for the remote without success.

The trouble-shooter told me to check device manager for an HID device with an exclamation mark symbol, uninstall and scan for new hardware.  I did this but it didn't help. Other USB devices are functioning no problem.

Any suggestions welcome. I didn't find anything useful on Logitech's forums. A coupe, of people describe the same issue but no solutions. and I put in an email request for support a few days ago, but no response yet.

I did have the software installed on a netbook I no longer have.

Is it possible that the remote is somehow registered to this software installation and this is the problem?

Mike

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#1244927 23-Feb-2015 15:28

https://setup.myharmony.com/

Set this up this last night on W10, worked fine.

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#1244950 23-Feb-2015 15:53

I use Harmony software 7.7 on Win 8.1 system and it connects fine - H880 and H785.

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#1244955 23-Feb-2015 15:57

timmmay: https://setup.myharmony.com/

Set this up this last night on W10, worked fine.

That software only works with the newer models, so I don't think it works with the OPs model. I have tried the new software with my harmony one, and the new software is nowhere near as good as the old software, which I use instead. But I am using it on windows 7, not 8, and it is older software that is showing it's age.

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#1245007 23-Feb-2015 17:07

mattwnz:
timmmay: https://setup.myharmony.com/

Set this up this last night on W10, worked fine.

That software only works with the newer models, so I don't think it works with the OPs model. I have tried the new software with my harmony one, and the new software is nowhere near as good as the old software, which I use instead. But I am using it on windows 7, not 8, and it is older software that is showing it's age.

Agreed - the older software was bad, but less bad than the new software. Do you happen to have a link to the version that works before this latest setup?

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#1245132 23-Feb-2015 20:28

I had no problems with mine - needs the older software, try using a different cable or try 'run as administrator'. From memory I had to use the 'lost password' routine each time I connected, the change password never seemed to stick.

NB: the buttons were getting well worn on mine, so I replaced it with a harmony 650 for around $60 at PBTech

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mattwnz

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#1245137 23-Feb-2015 20:36

timmmay:
mattwnz:
timmmay: https://setup.myharmony.com/

Set this up this last night on W10, worked fine.

That software only works with the newer models, so I don't think it works with the OPs model. I have tried the new software with my harmony one, and the new software is nowhere near as good as the old software, which I use instead. But I am using it on windows 7, not 8, and it is older software that is showing it's age.

Agreed - the older software was bad, but less bad than the new software. Do you happen to have a link to the version that works before this latest setup?

This is the link I use. The harmony one though works with both the new and old software, although Logitech only gives the option of the old software for it.

http://support.logitech.com/product/harmony-one-advanced-universal-remote

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MikeAqua

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#1245430 24-Feb-2015 10:17

Thanks for your posts. As other have no issues, it seems likely this is an issue particular to my computer/cord/remote.

Is it possible that the USB cord is defective even though the remote display USB connected?

The quoted link fro is the software version I have installed as recommended by Harmony for 525 and W8. I should also add that I initially installed the My_Harmony software by mistake. It didn't detect the remote either.

I've downloaded harmony v7.7.0 onto my work laptop (W7) and I have bought a new USB cord. Hopefully this works.

mattwnz:

This is the link I use. The harmony one though works with both the new and old software, although Logitech only gives the option of the old software for it.

http://support.logitech.com/product/harmony-one-advanced-universal-remote

Mike

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#1245431 24-Feb-2015 10:24

I have had that happen, changing cables fixed it. (H785).
I lost the cable that came with it and used a generic mini USB cable I had, it didn't work. I found a better cable and it did work.

MikeAqua

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#1245886 24-Feb-2015 20:38

Doesn't work on my W8.1 tablet with new cord.

Working on my W7 laptop with new cord. As soon as I plugged it in W7 found and installed the drivers.

Does anyone know if it is possible to change the name of a "Generic Activity" on the 525?

Mike

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#1245925 24-Feb-2015 21:14

Maybe the tablet doesn't have enough power for the remote? Just a thought. Maybe try going through a powered USB hub?

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#1245932 24-Feb-2015 21:21

MikeAqua: Does anyone know if it is possible to change the name of a "Generic Activity" on the 525?

Yes.

On the activities tab you click on "Settings" for the "Generic Activity" and the last option on the list is to rename it. It took me a few minutes to find that earlier today when I made some changes to my setup after about 7 years.

The software works fine on my Windows 8.1 laptop so it looks like it is definitely a tablet problem rather than a Windows 8.1 problem.

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MikeAqua

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#1245946 24-Feb-2015 21:33

Thanks, worked a treat. Not sure what the problem with my tablet is. I'll revisit after W10 become available.

graemeh:
MikeAqua: Does anyone know if it is possible to change the name of a "Generic Activity" on the 525?

....
On the activities tab you click on "Settings" for the "Generic Activity" and the last option on the list is to rename it.
....
The software works fine on my Windows 8.1 laptop so it looks like it is definitely a tablet problem rather than a Windows 8.1 problem.

Mike

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#1245955 24-Feb-2015 21:44

MikeAqua: Thanks, worked a treat. Not sure what the problem with my tablet is. I'll revisit after W10 become available.

graemeh:
MikeAqua: Does anyone know if it is possible to change the name of a "Generic Activity" on the 525?

....
On the activities tab you click on "Settings" for the "Generic Activity" and the last option on the list is to rename it.
....
The software works fine on my Windows 8.1 laptop so it looks like it is definitely a tablet problem rather than a Windows 8.1 problem.

Good to hear it. They are still great remotes, the only reason I'll be upgrading at some point is I now have a device to control that has a wifi remote.

MikeAqua

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#1246218 25-Feb-2015 10:48

The only issue I have with Harmony remotes is training the rest of the family to keep it pointed roughly at components until it has gone through the cycle of turning everything on, selecting channels etc.

Mike

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#1246233 25-Feb-2015 11:12

MikeAqua: The only issue I have with Harmony remotes is training the rest of the family to keep it pointed roughly at components until it has gone through the cycle of turning everything on, selecting channels etc.

The Harmony Ultimate fixes that :-)

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