I want to retrieve my messages

there is no code/s for your radio. the SY712 is the radio model number which is stamped on the front of radio. I do not recall any codes being needed. when we replace your type of radio, we give our parts dept. the VIN number and the radio number , which in your case is SY712. we get radio and put it in and it works. now with the NEW radios which have navigation build in, we have to jump into fire hoops to set those up, but with the older school radios, you put it in and it works.

If you won't provide a solution without paying for the 'premium plan', you should advertise yourself as requiring this, or at least disclose this on your website. From seeing the site, it seems that solutions are offered without charge, which is why I even gave it the time to send in my question. Otherwise I'd just call the GE Phone hotline . I am still having the problem and had hoped you would give me some idea on how to correct it. - R. Needleman

I have a different model but the default code for mine is 123.
To change the code from the machine, I have to press the STOP/SET button and hold it and wait for prompts.

if the messages are erased it cannot be received.its gone.

Call your phone number. After the greeting is finished and you hear the beep to leave a message push 123 on a touch tone phone and you will be given a list of things you can choose to do including listening to messages. 123 is the default security code unless the security code has been changed. Since you dont know how to retrieve messages Im assuming the default security code has never been changed.

If 123 is not the default security code and you dont know what the code is, you can change your code in the setup menu. You get to this by pushing the stop/set button on the answering machine and holding it for a couple of seconds. Since GE doesnt offer a downloadable manual for the 29878GE1 you should probably take a look at the manual for the 29875GE1 which is basically the same model with the addition of a digital message counter. Hope this helps.

When you first installed your GE Digital Messaging System, you heard the code that was auto set for it. Once you are out and away from home, phone home and during the answering machine promp press # and then the promps will ask you for your 'pass word [code]. Please be careful as messages deleted by you, you may not beable to retrieve them. This machine doesn't run by cassette tapes.
~ hope the above helps.

My login didn't get accepted with the above solution.
I want to edit that this solution works for my older 2.4GHz base units (models DCT-748 and DCT-7488) - both are about 3 yrs old.

To retrieve a message from another location, dial the telephone number and when the greeting message starts punch in your four digit code. The default code is 0123 if you haven't set one. Follow the prompts to listen to messages.

I had the same problem. In my case my telephone co. told me to dial #55 then my code. Try reading your telephone co. instructions on how to retrieve messages. (not the instructions which came with your GE phone.

A lot of GE models use 123 as the default code. Give that a try.