Black screen after boot on fresh install

Arcuza

Been using retropie for years, but have had a year of no gaming.

So I started today to download and install a fresh version of retropie 4.8 onto my RPI 4B.

Boot sequence goes good, but the last thing I see is the “starting SMB” service, then the screen gets black.

Since it’s black I cannot enable SSH. I cannot read the MicroSD card in my Windows machines either.

What can I do? Is there a way to start in a Safe Mode by pressing keys in the startup or something?

Arcuza

@Arcuza Aha, let’s try SMB. Maybe I answered my own question…

Thorr69

Just to be sure, have you tried switching the HDMI port? On Pi4, there are 2. One of them will go black during boot, the other won't.

Arcuza

@Thorr69 The fact is, I have run this exact setup for a few years. But when I now was returning, I wanted to start over again. I use the HDMI next to the USBC. When switching to the other one, the TV says there’s no signal. On the first one, there is signal, but black.

I see all boot info just fine, switching resolution a few times as well. But just after “SMB service” it gets black.

windg

I recommend to reinstall the OS just in case that something didnt go well the first time. Also, try with a different hdmi cable, if you have one.

If the issue contine, then add this parameter: hdmi_safe=1 to config.txt file. This file is located to the boot partition that is accessible from a Windows computer.

Arcuza

@windg Youre sure the microsd-card should be readable on windows? I only get a “format drive” popup when trying to browse on Windows.

I also cannot access the retropie from SMB. It seems like credentials are wrong. What path is the config file in?

Arcuza

@Arcuza Read a post saying Win 10 cannot access retropie anymore. WinSCP is recommended, which requires SSH, which I cannot enable…

Is there any way to set the config.txt when flashing the microsd-card?

windg

@Arcuza Config.txt file is in the Boot partition. Boot partition is readable from Windows because it is Fat32.

Arcuza

@windg Ok, sounds like I'll have to reflash the microsd until it's readable in Windows itself.

Thorr69

@Arcuza I don't think that's quite correct. The SD card will have a few partitions on it already. 1 of them is readable by windows, the others are not. The Boot partition should be readable by windows.