Retropie update failure

Dr_Goggles

OK, I imaged a new SD card with the latest version, inserted and launched it.
Everything seemed to be going fine - created user, connected to wifi, check and download updates then it turned off and did nothing.
So I rebooted it and it loads the splash screen but then boots to linux windows instead of Retropie.
Please help!

sleve_mcdichael

@Dr_Goggles

created user

Why and how? I don't believe this is instructed in the official docs, although I also don't see why it would be a problem, I'm just curious. And, while I don't expect it should cause any problems, it's probably best to get comfortable working everything "by the book" first, before you branch out on your own.

linux windows

You mean the desktop? The default images do not come with desktop installed. Did you install the desktop, or what image did you use?

Dr_Goggles

I followed the guide here:
https://retropie.org.uk/docs/First-Installation/
And used the installer here:
https://retropie.org.uk/download/
The one for the pi3.
A part of the the boot process it prompted me to create a user so I did.
And yes it boots to desktop.
I have reformatted the SD and trying again.

sleve_mcdichael

@Dr_Goggles said in Retropie update failure:

A part of the the boot process it prompted me to create a user so I did.

This doesn't match up with my experience, but the last time I did a fresh install was still on 4.7.1 so it may be a new feature in 4.8. Maybe someone else can confirm? A lot has changed in the year-and-a-half between those releases.

And yes it boots to desktop.

Again, I've not done an install with the newest version but AFAIK it's not supposed to come with the desktop, that is purposefully omitted to allow a smaller filesize for the image download. The desktop can be installed by going into RetroPie-Setup > configuration/tools > raspbiantools > install Pixel desktop environment. You didn't do this? If this came pre-installed on your image, I believe that to be an oversight.

sleve_mcdichael

@Dr_Goggles said in Retropie update failure:

I have reformatted the SD and trying again.

What are you using to write the image to the card? Do you use raspberrypiimager and it was there that it prompts you to create the user, before you even boot the card? Or was it once the card was inserted and booted and you made the user from inside the system?

I do know that RPi Imager can do some pre-configuration, but I'm not familiar with exactly what since I use Balena Etcher to write my card. That just writes the raw image file with no manipulation.

If you're using RPi Imager, that might also be responsible for adding the desktop, I suppose.

Had you already restored your backups at this point, or were you still working off the (updated) fresh install?

Dr_Goggles

Hi, thanks for your help.
I am using a new SD card so I still have my old image.
I am using Raspberry Pi Imager.
On boot up, these are the images I get, in order:

It then downloads and installs an update which takes about 10 mins.
At the end of this it says system is up to date, click to reboot (sorry didn't get pic) and then it does as described - tries to boot, loads splash screen but goes to desktop.

sleve_mcdichael

@Dr_Goggles said in Retropie update failure:

On boot up, these are the images I get, in order:

This does not look at all familiar. Please clarify: these pictures are of raspberry pi imager on your PC, or these pictures are of your Raspberry Pi system?

At the end of this it says system is up to date, click to reboot (sorry didn't get pic) and then it does as described - tries to boot, loads splash screen but goes to desktop.

What does the splash screen look like? Does it say "RetroPie"? It almost feels like you're not even getting the RetroPie image on the card, and are just booting to standard Raspberry Pi OS.

At what point, in Raspberry Pi Imager, do you select the image to write? Can you post a picture of that screen?

windg

You install the Raspberry Pi Os not RetroPie. Just check on Pi mager for the gaming section and choose to install RetroPie for your Pi model.

Dr_Goggles

@windg said in Retropie update failure:

You install the Raspberry Pi Os not RetroPie. Just check on Pi mager for the gaming section and choose to install RetroPie for your Pi model.

facepalm

I shouldn't try this after a long week at work...
Many thanks.

nvyshrmp

@Dr_Goggles

I'm about to try the same thing you went through. I tried to update a pi which hasn't seen any updates for the better part of like 5 years, and got errors saying I need to update from stretch. The update finished (with failures) and now the pi boots up the retropie screen, then powers down. So I have to update or else I can't even use the pi.

I have another pi in the house which is basically identical, so I'll be attempting a clean install of buster with the hopes that I don't lose functionality of my very- simplistic use of it. Mostly just watching video files in kodi from an external hdd, and a bunch of roms I can copy from the other pi.

I'll probably make copies of the config and rom folders before I download and flash the new retropie software. But I haven't done this for a few years and I hope it's as easy as it used to be. Any roadblocks you overcame that might help me would be appreciated. I didn't see you make a 'success!' post so I can only assume you got it figured out and are back in business.