FAQ
TL;DR: Stuck on the Philips logo? A USB recovery fixes the 40PFT4100/12 boot‑loop—one user reported "100/100" success. This FAQ guides owners and bench techs through the hold‑button method and safe fallbacks. [Elektroda, ronaldiali, post #21049660]
Why it matters: It can revive a boot‑looping TV in minutes without opening the set.
Quick Facts
- Symptom: Philips 40PFT4100/12 repeatedly reboots, showing only the Philips logo (boot loop). [Elektroda, sergioetzi, post #18258846]
- Core fix: Put the recovery files on a formatted USB, insert, hold the on/off button, plug mains, wait for LED to stop flashing, then unplug and remove USB. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18259923]
- Tip for success: "You must hold the on-off (joystick) button behind the TV to work!" [Elektroda, johngr1, post #18712082]
- Not an update: It’s “not an update but a recovery file” that solved many similar cases. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18261174]
- Plan B: If USB fails, you’ll need a NAND programmer and a software dump to reflash. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #18259668]
How do I fix a Philips 40PFT4100/12 stuck in a logo boot loop?
Use the Philips USB recovery.
- Unpack the recovery files and copy them to a formatted USB stick.
- Insert the USB, hold the TV’s on/off button, and plug in the mains.
- When the LED stops flashing, unplug, remove the USB, then power on. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18259923]
Which button should I hold during USB recovery?
Hold the rear on/off joystick while you connect power. “You must hold the on-off (joystick) button behind the tv to work!” [Elektroda, johngr1, post #18712082]
How will I know the recovery is complete?
Watch the front LED. When it stops flashing, unplug the TV, remove the USB, and switch the set back on. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18259923]
Does this USB method really work?
Yes. Users reported success after following the steps. One rated it “100/100,” reflecting a flawless outcome with the method. [Elektroda, ronaldiali, post #21049660]
Is this an official Philips update or a recovery file?
It’s not an update. As an expert summarized, it’s “not an update but a recovery file” used to resolve boot issues. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18261174]
What if the USB method doesn't work?
Move to hardware service. You’ll need a NAND programmer and a correct software dump to reflash the memory. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #18259668]
Could reprogramming the NAND erase my CI+ keys?
Yes. “99% of the CI plus keys would be lost” if NAND is reprogrammed without preserving keys beforehand. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18261174]
How should I format the USB stick?
Use a clean, freshly formatted USB. The instruction specifies only a “formatted stick” before copying the recovery files. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18259923]
Where is the on/off (joystick) button located on this TV?
It’s on the back of the TV. Hold this rear joystick during power connection to trigger recovery mode. [Elektroda, johngr1, post #18712082]
When exactly do I unplug and remove the USB?
After the LED stops flashing. Then unplug the TV, remove the USB stick, and power the set back on. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18259923]
In the steps, what does “insert the key” mean?
“Key” means the USB key (USB stick). Insert it into the TV’s USB port before you apply power. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18259923]
Can CI+ keys be recovered after NAND reprogramming?
It requires specialist work and tooling. As one pro put it, “Everything depends on the master.” [Elektroda, artur0089, post #18261208]
The LED never stops flashing—what should I do?
That indicates the USB recovery failed. Proceed to NAND reprogramming with a proper dump, or consult a specialist. [Elektroda, artur0089, post #18259668]
Does Philips publish repair software for this boot issue?
Philips releases software to improve performance, not to repair. The shared file here is a recovery, not an update. [Elektroda, VINZA, post #18261174]
