Error on TI-84 Plus calculator: "Please install operating system now."After a few moments: "Error: Press any key and turn unit off. Then turn unit back on". I did this and starts to download, OS, but after a few minutes, calculator shuts off and does it all again. How do I fix it?

You cannot get the calculator to behave as you describe just by connecting it to the computer. You must have done some other manipulations.
Try to find a classmate who has the same calculator (TI84 Plus or TI84 Plus Silver Edition) and effect a transfer of the OS from the classmate's calculator using an IO cable.

Hello,

Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
The screen may be too light to see anything.
To darken it
Press [2nd] key and release it.
Press and HOLD [UpArrow] till it darkens enough.

If that does not solve the problem here is what the TI Knowledge base has to say. Please read till the end. I hope it helps.

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:

Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83-family or Ti84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating the operating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need to use the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect to send the operating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latest version of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
If the message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit back on." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one battery from the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

If that does not solve the problem, you should contact Texas Instruments at [email protected] or www.ti.com/calc.

Hello,
Read the following from the TI knowledge Base. Hope it helps

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating the operating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need to use the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect to send the operating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latest version of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
If the message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit back on." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one battery from the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hello,
Here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base). Please read till the end.
I hope it helps.

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:

Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83-family or Ti84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating the operating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need to use the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect to send the operating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latest version of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
If the message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit back on." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one battery from the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hello,
Usually, you should not change all batteries at one go.

It is likely that the calculator is ON, but the screen is too light to enable user to see anything. If that is the reason, you can darken the screen.
Press the [2nd] key and release it. Press and hold the UpArrow till screen darkens enough.

You can reistall the system (if needed) by connecting it to a working TI83Plus calculator. You need the calc-to-calc cable.

If that does not work, here is what the Texas Instruments Knowledge Base says about the calculator not turning on.

Without further delay, here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base)

I hope it helps.

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:

Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83-family or Ti84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating the operating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need touse the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect to send the operating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latest version of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
If the message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit back on." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one battery from the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hello,
Here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base)

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:


Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a lossof applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed bypressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust orlighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of theAAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. Thecalculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Removeone of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding[DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. Thecalculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83-family or Ti84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Removeall of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn thecalculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating theoperating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need touse the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect software to send theoperating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latestversion of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
Ifthe message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit backon." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one batteryfrom the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hope it helps.

Hello,
It is likely that the calculator is ON, but the screen is too light to enable user to see anything. If that is the reason, you can darken the screen.
Press the [2nd] key and release it. Press and hold the UpArrow till screen darkens enough.
If that does not work, here is what the Texas Instruments Knowledge Base says about the calculator not turning on.

Here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base)

I hope it helps.

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:

Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83-family or Ti84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating the operating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need touse the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect to send the operating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latest version of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
If the message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit back on." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one battery from the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Sorry, answer was posted as a clarification request.

Hello,
Here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base)

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:


Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a lossof applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed bypressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust orlighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of theAAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. Thecalculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Removeone of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding[DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. Thecalculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI-83 family or TI-84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Removeall of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn thecalculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating theoperating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need touse the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect software to send theoperating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latestversion of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
Ifthe message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit backon." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one batteryfrom the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hope it helps.

Hello,
Here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base)

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:


Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a lossof applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed bypressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust orlighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of theAAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. Thecalculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Removeone of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding[DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. Thecalculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83 or TI 84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Removeall of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn thecalculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS for the TI83/TI84 Plus family

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating theoperating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need touse the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect software to send theoperating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latestversion of TIConnect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
Ifthe message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit backon." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one batteryfrom the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hope it helps.

Hello,
Here it is from the horse's mouth (TI Knowledge base)

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:


Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjustthe contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR],reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI83-family or Ti84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system (see below.)
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes.After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

Reinstalling the OS fot the TI84Plus

How do I correct the Error Waiting...Please Install Calculator SoftwareNow message on my TI-83 Plus family or TI-84 Plus family calculator?

If an operating system (OS) update fails or is interrupted, the calculator will be in an inoperable state with the message Waiting...Please install calculator software now.The most common cause of a transfer being interrupted is updating the operating system on a calculator with low batteries. Users will need touse the TI Connectivity cable and the TI Connect to send the operating system to the calculator. Make sure to have the latest version of TI Connect installed on the computer.
In order to install the software please follow these steps:
1. Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the computer and the calculator.
2. Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
3. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS.
If the message "Error! Press any key to turn unit off. Then turn unit back on." appears on the graphing calculator, quickly, remove one battery from the calculator and reinstall it while the transfer is taking place.

Hope it helps.