2007 vehicle just acquired - repaired after significant damage. The radio switches on - no sound - but after a few seconds displays "Invalid VIN System Shut Down" and switches off. services tell me there isn't a radio code for a Freelander, and even if there was, although i can scroll through its menu I can't seem to access anything that would let me enter a code.
any help much appreciated.

have they had to change the radio or any car ECU?

I'm sure this came up in the past that the cars radio is tied to the vehicles VIN and if needed to be swapped, its a new radio required Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Thanks npinks - am new to this forum but I did search through all previous posts and didn't see the relevant info. Quite likely the EC has been changed. So is that it, really? There's no way round it?

I've had a quick look in what parts of the workshop manual I have without much success. All I found was this, in a section on diagnostic codes:

Quote:

U300255 - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Not configured

Re-configure the relevant module as new using the
manufacturer approved diagnostic system and
re-test. If DTC remains install a new module, refer
to the new module installation note at the top of
the DTC Index

U300281 - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Vehicle/component mis-match.

Corrupt VIN data being
transmitted, module previously
installed to other vehicle
Install original module, check for DTCs and refer to
relevant DTC Index

sat nav is equally joined to the radio, a college drowneded his car in a flood, wrecking the dvd under the seat, he ended up with a new dvd box radio and sat nae screen, they are all linked and cannot be changed seperatly. At work
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If you have the mid-line or high-line audio system, try to do a MOST bus initialization...
This is done by removing for 30 seconds and reinstalling the MOST power supply link in the Auxiliary Junction Box (boot). It's a metallic strap inserted in one of the relay sockets.