We are using a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD cablebox, it keeps locking up, not responding. we have to unplug it to reset it. This keeps happening repeatedly, 4 times in the last 24 hours. Comcast is our cable provider,

We are using a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD cablebox, it keeps locking up, not responding. we have to unplug it to reset it. This keeps happening repeatedly, 4 times in the last 24 hours. Comcast is our cable provider,

Probably a bad box, but do you have the box plugged directly in to the wall or a powerstrip? If in to a powerstrip, try plugging it in to the wall.

We replaced the cable box, exactly the same model. this is worse than the first one, it freezes repeatedly. No reset button, you have to unplug it from the back of the box, and wait for it to come back on. It takes a good five minutes before you can access anything, it needs to completely reload all menus, "info about shows" etc.
It happens the most when trying to go into "On Demand"

I was told to change the cable connection so it's direct from the wall, and not through the Monster Power center, but that has made no difference. Plugging the cable box directly into a wall socket would be a ton of work, I'd have to move the entire entertainment center.

We replaced the cable box, exactly the same model. this is worse than the first one, it freezes repeatedly. No reset button, you have to unplug it from the back of the box, and wait for it to come back on. It takes a good five minutes before you can access anything, it needs to completely reload all menus, "info about shows" etc.
It happens the most when trying to go into "On Demand"

I was told to change the cable connection so it's direct from the wall, and not through the Monster Power center, but that has made no difference. Plugging the cable box directly into a wall socket would be a ton of work, I'd have to move the entire entertainment center.

Surge protectors for electronics are like Firewalls for your computer. Use them if you have them! Any cable guy that says, "You get better results plugging the box into the wall" is full of crap! At any rate, If the issue does not clear itself within one day, or keeps reoccurring, I would schedule a service call and REQUEST AN IN-HOUSE CABLE TECHNICIAN NOT AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR! The In-House techs are generally more knowledgeable about cable problems than the independent contractors because the IHT's are directly connected to the cable company.

When you make the call, have them check the signal strength from both outside (i.e the drop pole line) and inside the home (i.e wiring) and if necessary replace your box with a different model.

Jack