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    Please do not post a support request without first reading and following the advice in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

    Error on boot: start4.elf is not compatible - This board requires newer software.

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    start4.elfbooterrornot compatibleboard software
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    • L
      lolkthxbai
      last edited by lolkthxbai

      I recently had to replace my Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB) with a Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB). When I put my RetroPie microSD into the new one it gave me an error at the boot loader screen.

      start4.elf is not compatible. This board requires newer software.
      

      I figured the board model was the same and should work in the new one so I was really confused. It turned out that the new board I got (rev. 1.5) was different from the old one (rev. 1.4) and needed some new firmware in order to boot properly. Since the old board didn't work and nowadays its really hard to find ANY board it seemed I had to start from scratch. The only way to fix this is to update RetroPie from within RetroPie itself. But, before I gave up, I came across a post online where someone mentioned having the same issue. They were able to fix it without needing the old board. So I gave it a shot and it worked! After booting up I immediately updated my packages and RetroPie (which now is v.4.8) and thankfully saved my collection!

      The fix I found online was very simple. Prepare a new microSD card with the latest version of RetroPie. From the partition labeled "boot", copy all the files "fixup*.dat" and "start*.elf". Then, plug in your old RetroPie microSD card and paste them into the "boot" partition for that card. If prompted, replace all the files. Once it's done, eject and try booting it now on the new board. It might take a minute (literally!) and show you a black screen but soon enough you should see your old RetroPie installation load up. Don't forget to update from the RetroPie Setup Script! Hope this helps someone else!

      DarksaviorD D 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 3
      • DarksaviorD
        Darksavior @lolkthxbai
        last edited by

        @lolkthxbai Yea, you can update retropie (if it's buster) on the pi4 that it was working on and then pop the card into the new pi4 and it will work.

        L 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • L
          lolkthxbai @Darksavior
          last edited by

          @Darksavior I would've done that except my 4GB board is DOA.

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • A
            andrefabricio
            last edited by

            I've followed the instructions suggested by @lolkthxbai and it worked like a charm with the bundle [32gb]-Arcade.Reboot.Extended.Rpi4-Wolfanoz and I've just downloaded the latest retropi 4/400 from the official website, built it in a pen drive with the imager and that's it... Perfect! thanks a lot!

            D 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
            • D
              djavs @andrefabricio
              last edited by

              i need a little help

              when I first booted It said that need to update my pi4

              start4.elf is not compatible. This board requires newer software.

              firstly what are the step as i already done
              sudo apt update
              sudo apt full-upgrade
              sudo apt install rpi-eeprom

              and also replace that start4.elf when. i do that my 4k tv just switches HDMI nothing happens..am soo stuck

              dankcushionsD 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote -1
              • D
                djavs @lolkthxbai
                last edited by

                @lolkthxbai do you have step by step guide pls

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • dankcushionsD
                  dankcushions Global Moderator @djavs
                  last edited by

                  @djavs as you've already been told, we don't support third party images. your issue is fixed by installing official retropie: https://retropie.org.uk/docs/First-Installation/

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                  • dankcushionsD dankcushions locked this topic on
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