OCAP means OpenCable Application Platform, the software platform on which Time Warner Cable Box (and other TV cable boxes) run.
The message is displayed on the cable box during the booting process – the same way Windows PCs display the Windows logo when booting.
Under normal circumstances, the display should last a few minutes, after which your cable box should complete booting. However, if your cable box is stuck on OCAP, it is not completing the boot sequence.
Several reasons can cause the OCAP error message on your Time Warner cable box, including a software glitch and hardware or power failure.
Below are various solutions that can help you fix the error.
Basic troubleshooting guide
You can try the following simple troubleshooting tip if you are seeing the OCAP message displayed on your Time Warner cable box:
- Give your cable box a few more minutes. It may not be stuck in the boot sequence; it may just be loading slowly.
- Check that the power cable is connected properly (not loose) to the cable box and the electrical outlet.
- Check that the coaxial cable on your cable box is not loose.
- If you have connected your cable box to the internet, ensure you have a fast and stable connection.
- Check with your cable service provider to ensure there is no issue preventing a handshake between the cable box and the service’s home base.
If none of the above solutions work, you can try the fixes below:
1. Restart the boot sequence
Your Time Warner Cable box could have encountered a temporary issue during the boot sequence, causing it to be stuck in the OCAP mode.
Sometimes, restarting the boot sequence afresh can fix this problem.
To restart the boot sequence, turn off the cable box and then turn it on again using either the remote control or the hard power button on the box.
Alternatively, you can unplug the cable box’s power cable from the electrical outlet, plug it in again, and turn it on.
2. Reset your cable box
Your Time Warner cable box could have experienced a software glitch, bug, corrupted files, or other software issues that caused it to be stuck on OCAP when booting. Resetting the box can help fix most of these problems.
You can reset your Time Warner cable box in several ways, such as:
Power cycling your cable box
Many cable boxes are computer devices, and power cycling (soft resetting) can help to clear several issues like temporary glitches or software bugs.
To power cycle your cable:
- Turn off your cable box using the remote control or the power button on the box’s front panel.
- Unplug the cable box’s power cable from the electrical outlet.
- Press and hold the cable box’s power button (not the remote) for about 30 seconds. This will discharge any remaining electric current stored in the box.
- Plug the power cable back in and turn on your cable box.
If you are dealing with a minor problem, power cycling should clear it, and your cable will reboot successfully.
1. Resetting your cable box online
Some Time Warner cable boxes can be reset (restarted online). To do this:
- Sign in to your TV provider’s account.
- Go to Services > TV from the dashboard and select your cable box equipment from the list.
- Select “Restart Equipment” to reboot your cable box. (For some cable boxes, you can find the restart option under “Troubleshooting.”
After restarting, your cable box will power off and start the reboot process, after which the issue will hopefully clear.
2. Using the dedicated reset button on the cable box
Some Time Warner cable boxes can be hard reset using the dedicated reset button. To do this:
- Locate the “Reset” button (usually found at the back or front panel of the cable box)
- While your cable box is on, press and hold the reset button for about 10-30 seconds until the box’s lights flash, turn off, and turn back on.
- Release the reset button and allow your cable box to reboot
The hard reset will clear the settings on your cable box, which can fix software glitches, bugs, and corrupted files that could be causing it to be stuck in the boot mode.
3. Using a combination of buttons to reset your cable box
If your cable box does not have a dedicated reset button, you could reset it by pressing a combination of buttons. To do this:
- Turn off the cable box using the remote control or the box’s power button.
- While the cable is off, simultaneously press and hold the “Volume Up,” “Volume Down,” and “Info” buttons on your cable box (not the remote) until it turns on.
After the box turns on, give it a couple of minutes to complete the boot process. Then, you should be able to receive a TV signal.
3. Check for overheating
Your cable box can easily overheat, especially if you run it for long hours and place it in a confined space. When this happens, the box can start glitching, which can cause it to turn off and fail to boot properly.
If your cable box is overheating, it will be hot (or too warm) to the touch. In this instance, you should turn it off and let it rest for a few hours or overnight to completely cool down.
You can also prevent further overheating by moving the box to an open space (away from other heat-emitting electrical devices). You should also check that the box’s vents are not clogged, which could interfere with the internal cooling mechanism.
4. Take your cable box to a technician for servicing
Your Time Warner cable box could be stuck in the boot sequence due to hardware failure. Several reasons, such as a power surge, overheating, wear and tear, a fall, or internal components malfunction, can cause this.
Unfortunately, hardware malfunctions are complex problems to troubleshoot and fix. Therefore, you should take your cable box to an authorized technician or service centre for appropriate servicing.
However, before doing this, you can also call your cable box service provider’s customer support for additional troubleshooting steps you can attempt.