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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

    Retropie on RPI 3B won't boot.

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    • 8bit8
      8bit
      last edited by 8bit

      Hello everyone:
      I'm new to Raspberry Pi, but not to retro gaming and have some Linux experience. I've been happily been playing on and with my GCW Zero for years now.
      Here's the deal, I have Raspbian running fine on my Pi. When I install the official Retropie 3.8.1 image OS and it boots through the startup screen image, but crashes to a black screen with a flashing cursor when it's about to get to the main menu. Okay, so I try install it on top of Raspbian same thing. Bootberry, well Raspbian will install, but both Retropie & KOBO install but both fail at the menu boot with the same crash.
      Trust me I'm using the right sd formatting and image transfer software. I have re-downloaded the files to make sure I get the most current ones. I've made sure through command line to update and upgrade my Pi. I have also tried to up the GPUs memory to 400 like some other help boards have suggested, but to no avail. I've switched out the power supply, used many different supported sd cards and got a powered usb hub. Same results.
      Do I just have a defective RPI, or am I missing something. Please suggest solutions...

      Pi Model: Raspberry Pi 3 B
      RetroPie Version Used: 3.8.1
      Built From: SD Image & Binary & Source
      USB Devices connected: insignia USB power hub with, dell keyboard & mouse and 360 controller.
      Controller used: xBox 360
      Error messages received: Black screen with white underscore cursor in upper left corner.
      Guide used: Retropie homepage instructions.

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • TheDutyPaidT
        TheDutyPaid
        last edited by

        Do you get "Illegal Instruction when it boots" if you picked the wrong SD image."

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • 8bit8
          8bit
          last edited by

          No actually. I'm sure I pick the download for Raspberry Pi 2 & 3 button. Thanks for the suggestion though. Please keep the possible answers coming. I'll try anything.

          herb_fargusH 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • herb_fargusH
            herb_fargus administrators @8bit
            last edited by herb_fargus

            @8bit you need to be more verbose on the steps you've taken.

            https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

            For example the pi, what OS your pc is running, what software you used to image, other hardware connected and or peripherals

            Have you verified the checksum for the downloaded sd image?

            If you read the documentation it will answer 99% of your questions: https://retropie.org.uk/docs/

            Also if you want a solution to your problems read this first: https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • 8bit8
              8bit
              last edited by

              Okay here goes:

              -Raspberry Pi 3 B and power supply both from Canakit.
              -Windows 10 PC
              -Retropie image 3.8.1 from "https://retropie.org.uk/download/" The "Raspberry Pi 2/3" button.
              -Instructions used from: "The official installation guide." from: "https://github.com/retropie/retropie-setup/wiki/First-Installation" & When on top of Raspbian from: "https://github.com/retropie/retropie-setup/wiki/manual-installation" NOOBS from: "https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/"
              -Micro SD card: ScanDisk 32 GB Ultra Class 10. Fresh format to FAT32.
              -Software: SD Formatter 4.0, 7zip, Win32DiskImager.
              -USB devices: Insignia external powered hub, Dell keyboard, ACER mouse, and official xBox controller (I could give serial numbers if need be).
              -ROMs were transferred via SFTP by WinSCP. (Wired connection).

              If you need anymore details, please ask.

              herb_fargusH 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • herb_fargusH
                herb_fargus administrators @8bit
                last edited by herb_fargus

                @8bit sounds basically like my setup. if you were able to image the Raspbian properly yet the Retropie image flaked it could have been corrupted on download perhaps. Did you verify the checksum of your download?

                If you read the documentation it will answer 99% of your questions: https://retropie.org.uk/docs/

                Also if you want a solution to your problems read this first: https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

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                • 8bit8
                  8bit
                  last edited by

                  I'll definitely do that when I try again later. Thanks for the advice.

                  8bit8 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • 8bit8
                    8bit @8bit
                    last edited by

                    Thank you for reading my post and those who kindly replied to me. I have exchanged my RPI for a new one and now the problem has been solved. It was a hardware problem with the Pi. Again thank you,
                    @8bit

                    herb_fargusH R 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • herb_fargusH
                      herb_fargus administrators @8bit
                      last edited by

                      @8bit pi hardware issues are a rarity. Glad you got it sorted though.

                      If you read the documentation it will answer 99% of your questions: https://retropie.org.uk/docs/

                      Also if you want a solution to your problems read this first: https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • R
                        RetroResolution @8bit
                        last edited by

                        @8bit glad you were able to resolve this - was there any indication regarding the specific fault your machine was suffering from?

                        If a post has helped you, please encourage the author by up-voting via the ^ icon located in the bottom-right corner.

                        RetroResolution.com - Adventures in retro gaming on original hardware and via emulation with RetroPie on the Raspberry Pi.

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