Directv DVR continuously resetting when no signal from sat

Yes, you can force the update by resetting the system (by pushing the reset button, or from the menu) as soon as you see the blue screen enter 0,2,4,6,8 from the remote. A few seconds later the screen will change showing it is checking for new software, then it will start the download. Just walk away and let it do the download and system check, then it will do it's normal startup. If you see a green screen, don't panic, that is normal, just leave it alone, it will eventually start the reset process.