The infamous error 208. Headset not connected properly.

[SirisS-G-P]

So my brother bought a vive today. I got mine about a week ago. His installations didn't go so well as we spent 7 hours trouble shooting this error 208. We tries all the Internet had to offer and basically texted him that I honestly think its broken and should just exchange it.

I tested his wires and link box and head set on my pc and my vive. Testing parts and I narrowed it down to his headset not working.

Then I wanted to check the cable that runs from the headset to the link box.

That's when I discovered that the HDMI wore was not connected to the headset at all. It clicked right in and it worked just fine after that.

I'm still a little mad that I spent 7 hours messing with this instead of playing VR.

So what I learned and want to share.

Some HTC Vibes comes with the HDMI wire connected to the headset and some do not. Requiring you to connect it yourself even if it looks connected already.

Thanks.

[Gorthero]

same thing happened to me,

after reinstaling windows,
reinstaling steam,
i bought legit version of windows pro,
reinstall everything again,
all took me almost 2 days,
someone on this forum recomended checking cables inside the headet and it worked!

THIS HAVE TO BE STICKY
there is absolutele no onfo recomending this solution on google....

[Gorthero]

and mine cable looked connected, i took it out and plugged it back in,

and if you are wondering how to open the headset cable compartment, THE COVER SLIDES OUT. :)

[Kuukkeli]

I had the same problem and i checked the connections to the headset and it did not still work for me, But then i pressed the button side of the headset couple of times and hold it on for like 15 seconds too and after that it worked just fine. So my Tip is to just play with the button side of the headset and try again.

[patrickabroad]

Came across this thread when I was looking for a solution. I know it's an old thread but I'll post my solution for those who come across it.

Turns out that I had my laptop was connected to 2 monitors (via a docking station). When I unplugged 1 (or both) monitors, the headset started working.

[Wookie]

I'm adding to this list of woes. I haven't fixed it completely yet but I have just made myself feel much better and hopefully I can make you feel better too.

You can take the HDMI cable out of the link box and plug it directly into the PC (left all the other cables as is). Mine started fine when I did that. Now I am not sure at the moment if there is an issue with the DisplayPort, DisplayPort to HDMI cable or the link box but knowing my Vive is not just an expensive blindfold has made me much happier!

Update: the link box is fine too
Update2: Turns out the DisplayPort -> HDMI cable had died. My replacement cable works fine.

[SirisS-G-P]

I must have forgot to update with a solution.

So what happen was. His Vive was brand new, straight out of the box, and it was getting this error. We found out that the HDMI cable in the headset was not connected all the way. We kind of assumed it was being brand new.