Applies to: Samsung SMT-S7800 only, original User Guide Part No. GL68-00414A (Ed.01), printed on the cover spread. Match the installed label and Product information. This is not another Samsung recorder or a HUMAX model. Historical Freesat and network-media instructions do not establish present channel, app, server or software availability.
Work through these checks
Read the existing Library view
Read MENU → Library → Contents and use INFO for the selected existing recording. The guide says Contents includes programmes recorded or currently recording, while Timer lists recording and scheduled programmes. Media is a separate browser for USB, HDD or network files. An entry in Timer or the wrong Media directory is not the same as a completed programme in Contents. Preserve the current view/folder and error; do not Move, Delete, copy or attach storage to find it.
What the result means: A file found in another view explains the original absence but does not prove the whole programme was captured. Preserve an unreadable-library error rather than accepting a format prompt.
Separate protection from lock and free space
Read only the existing Settings → Library / Media values for HDD capacity and HDD auto-eraser, if safely visible. Ed.01 says auto-eraser defaults Off; when enabled it erases the oldest unprotected recordings after free space falls below 15%, stopping once free space is above 15%. Protect excludes that file from this feature. Lock is a separate PIN-related action, so do not infer protection from a lock alone. Record unknown state as unknown; do not change any value to test it.
What the result means: Existing storage and protection settings can explain a different preservation risk from a reception fault. This does not prove that a particular missing file was erased, restore it or make Protect a backup against disk failure.
Match the original timer to existing feed limits
Compare the original Timer entry, time and already observed simultaneous activity with the known installation. The guide requires two satellite feeds for watching one channel while recording another; its splitter arrangement limits simultaneous frequencies. It also limits viewing a third channel during two recordings to programmes on those transport streams. Record the exact restriction instead of assuming any third channel should work. Do not edit timers, stop an active recording, move cables or make a test recording.
What the result means: A recording overlap and feed limit can explain a restriction without identifying a failed tuner. Give support the original library, timer, storage and installation findings; no single observation proves which part needs replacement.
When to stop and get help
Stop before Delete, Format, Lock/Unlock, Protect/Unprotect, HDD auto-eraser changes, timer edits, reset or retuning. Do not attach a new USB drive, disconnect active storage, replace a disk or change satellite leads for this check. Unreadable files or disk errors need qualified service with the original library preserved; do not guess a PIN.
What to tell support
Privately save model, installed firmware/software and last-update information, programme/channel/time, Contents versus Timer or Media view, file information/error, known Protect/Lock and auto-eraser state, free space and original simultaneous activity/feed arrangement. Keep programme history, filenames and serial numbers out of public screenshots.
Original troubleshooting guidance based on the official sources below. Menu names can change. This is an independent guide, not a manufacturer service bulletin or a bench-tested repair.