Disk space usage for RetroPie on 32 GB card

machine_74

Pi Model or other hardware: (B, B+, 2 B, 3, X86 PC etc..) RaspberryPi 3 B+
Power Supply used: (If using a Pi) Included in kit
RetroPie Version Used (eg 3.6, 3.8.1, 4.1 - do not write latest): 4.4
Built From: (Pre made SD Image on RetroPie website, Berryboot, or on top of existing OS etc.. - please provide the filename of any image used) Preexisting, see link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CC86PR3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
USB Devices connected: Included SNES type gamepad, N64 stick
Error messages received: Not enough disk space
Log found in /dev/shm/runcommand.log (if relevant):
Guide used: (Mention if you followed a guide)
File: (File with issue - with FULL path)
Emulator: (Name of emulator - if applicable) Mupen64Plus
Attachment of config files: (PLEASE USE PASTEBIN.COM FOR LARGE LOGS)

Experts: when I purchased my pre-configured kit here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CC86PR3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It came with NOOBS and RetroPie preloaded, and I got it all up and running pretty quickly. When I went to copy my ROMs--about 10 GB worth--I got a message about there not being enough space. Closer examination yielded that there was 8 GB for ROMs on the card in that partition.

I'm going to back up the card before I attempt any of this, but is this common for cards that come pre-configured? Can I hook up the card via a MicroUSB card reader and expand the partition?

If anyone has any suggestions, as well as their program of choice to backup their cards, I'd very much appreciate it as I'll be making another Pi soon too with the same kit.

mitu

@machine_74 we don't support 3rd party images, especially the ones sold with Retropie, as they are against the project's license. Ask the seller for support, or install rhe official image drom retropie.org.uk/download.

machine_74

@mitu Installed the official image and things are working great. I formatted the card in Windows with FAT32 before using the ISO, and I seemingly have lots of space without any other programs.

What I'm running into is that the card isn't detected great in Windows 10 so when I go to back it up using Win32DiskImager, it doesn't see the entire card and asks me to format the partitions it doesn't like. I of course can't do that, so after I install RetroPie and get it all nice, how do I back it up for future flashing should something go wrong?

backstander

@machine_74

it doesn't see the entire card and asks me to format the partitions it doesn't like.

I'd ask who ever you purchased this kit from for a refund.

Sounds like they sold you a bogus microSD card. If you want to keep it, you'll probably need to get a new microSD card but stick with name brand ones from SanDisk and Samsung.

How to Spot a Fake MicroSD Card and Avoid Being Scammed
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-spot-fake-microsd-card/

machine_74

@backstander They're all Samsung EVOs. I bought one in a kit from Amazon and then one from Best Buy, same phenomenon. I just formatted one with FAT 32, installed the RetroPie ISO from this site, configured it, and when I plug into Windows 10, it still wigs out that some drives need to be formatted before using, but RP works just fine.

quicksilver

@machine_74 this is normal behavior. The only partion that a windows computer can access directly is the boot partition. The other Linux partion, windows doesn't understand what it is and assumes it needs to be formatted. Nothing is wrong with your card, just ignore/close out the format prompts.