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libretro/wiki/faq.md
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Abdessamad Derraz ba3d519189 docs: explain setups without a ZIP
FAQ entry, the release_pack field and how to revisit it from download
counts, the get/ pages, and RetroPie 4.8 now installs from a computer with
the Pi's network folder as --dest. The start pages are back under their
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---
level: start
order: 50
---
# Common questions
## Do I need BIOS files?
- **Yes** for PlayStation 1 and 2, Saturn and Neo Geo.
- **Better with it** for Dreamcast: some games need it.
- **Usually not** for NES or Super Nintendo.
[What is a BIOS?](what-are-bios-files.md)
## How do I know which BIOS I need?
Add `--dry-run`. It lists the files, changing nothing.
<!-- os-tabs -->
```sh
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Abdess/retrobios/main/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run
```
## Do I need every file of a console?
No. To keep only your region's BIOS, add it, like `--region us`.
## Does the BIOS set the game's language?
Rarely. It comes from the game. Some games follow the console's setting, like Flycast's **Language**
option.
## Zip or unzip? { #zip-or-unzip }
Unzip it into the folder your setup's page names. Leave
the ZIPs inside zipped, like `neogeo.zip`.
## Does a BIOS work on every setup?
Usually. The command installs each setup's own version, like its `neogeo.zip`.
## My arcade game does not start
The game set must match the emulator's version, and `neogeo.zip` stays zipped.
Reference: [Which version each emulator reads](technical-faq.md#which-mame-version-do-the-arcade-bios-sets-match).
## Keys, firmware or BIOS?
- **BIOS** or **firmware**: the console's own program, like `scph5501.bin`.
- Newer consoles need a system update, like `PS3UPDAT.PUP`, installed from the
emulator's menu.
- **Keys** unlock encrypted games, like `prod.keys` for Switch.
## Can I play without the BIOS?
Sometimes, with an emulator's stand-in, but some games fail.
## Is the command safe? { #is-piping-the-installer-into-a-shell-safe }
- It stops if the installer does not match its expected fingerprint, and checks
each file.
- It writes in your BIOS folder, and for some emulators your save folder.
- It never touches a game or a save.
- It keeps each file it replaces in `retrobios-backup`. `--restore` puts it
back.
Read them first: [install.sh](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/blob/main/install.sh),
[install.ps1](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/blob/main/install.ps1),
[install.py](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/blob/main/install.py).
## Windows or my antivirus blocks the command
Use your setup's ZIP, if it has one: [Get your files](../which-pack.md).
## Why is there no ZIP for my setup?
ZIPs are made for the setups most people download. The command installs every
setup's files and checks each one. `--dry-run` shows the list first.
## Fill an SD card from a computer?
Yes. Name your setup and the card's BIOS folder. For RetroArch on a Switch
card in drive `E:`:
<!-- os-tabs windows: --platform retroarch --dest E:\retroarch\cores\system -->
```sh
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Abdess/retrobios/main/install.sh \
| sh -s -- --platform retroarch --dest /path/to/sdcard/retroarch/cores/system
```
## No internet on the device?
Fill its folder from a computer, as above, or unzip your ZIP and check it with
`--from-pack`: [Without a network](installer.md#without-a-network-offline-install).
## My setup is not in the list
- Name your emulator's BIOS folder with `--dest`.
- ES-DE, LaunchBox: the command fills the folders of the emulators they start.
- iPhone, iPad: no terminal. Use the ZIP.
## Why is a file missing from the ZIP?
Some come with the emulator, so the ZIP skips them.
## My game shows a black screen
Often a missing BIOS: [When a game does not start](troubleshooting.md).
## Is this legal?
Laws differ by country. [Is it legal?](legal.md)
## Next steps
- [Get your files](../which-pack.md)
- [Words used on this site](glossary.md)