mirror of
https://github.com/Abdess/retroarch_system.git
synced 2026-10-24 12:49:03 -05:00
Abdessamad Derraz
8361575be8
The safety list names the save folder, every install command shows its Windows form, first install reads the last line of a run, the FAQ answers zip or unzip and the arcade version rule, and each page keeps one name.
108 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
108 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
---
|
|
level: start
|
|
order: 50
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
# Common questions
|
|
|
|
## Do I need BIOS files?
|
|
|
|
For many consoles, yes: PlayStation 1 and 2, Saturn, Dreamcast, Neo Geo and
|
|
many home computers. For NES or Super Nintendo cartridges, usually not.
|
|
[What is a BIOS?](what-are-bios-files.md)
|
|
|
|
## How do I know which BIOS I need?
|
|
|
|
Run the command with `--dry-run`. It lists what it would install and changes
|
|
nothing.
|
|
|
|
<!-- os-tabs -->
|
|
```sh
|
|
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Abdess/retrobios/main/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
Your setup's page lists every file.
|
|
|
|
## Do I need every file of a console?
|
|
|
|
No. A console often has one BIOS per region. The ZIP holds them all. To keep
|
|
only yours, add your region, like `--region us`.
|
|
|
|
## Zip or unzip? { #zip-or-unzip }
|
|
|
|
Unzip the ZIP you downloaded once, into the folder your setup's page names.
|
|
Leave the ZIP files inside it as they are, like `neogeo.zip`. Arcade emulators
|
|
read them zipped.
|
|
|
|
## Does a BIOS work on every setup?
|
|
|
|
The same file usually works everywhere. Some setups also check the version and
|
|
report one they do not expect. Arcade files like `neogeo.zip` change with the
|
|
emulator. The command installs the version your setup expects.
|
|
|
|
## Can I play without the BIOS?
|
|
|
|
Sometimes. Some emulators carry a stand-in for it. Some games then glitch or
|
|
do not start.
|
|
|
|
## Is the command safe? { #is-piping-the-installer-into-a-shell-safe }
|
|
|
|
- It checks the installer's fingerprint first. If it does not match its expected
|
|
fingerprint, it stops.
|
|
- It checks each file before saving it.
|
|
- It writes in your BIOS folder. For some emulators it also adds files to your
|
|
save folder.
|
|
- It never changes or deletes a game or a save.
|
|
- It keeps any file it replaces in a `retrobios-backup` folder, next to your
|
|
BIOS folder. `--restore` puts it back
|
|
([details](installer.md#files-you-already-had)).
|
|
|
|
Read the script first: [install.sh](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/blob/main/install.sh),
|
|
[install.ps1](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/blob/main/install.ps1) and
|
|
[install.py](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/blob/main/install.py).
|
|
Details: [How the installer checks itself](installer.md#what-the-bootstrap-does).
|
|
|
|
## Windows or my antivirus blocks the command
|
|
|
|
Download the ZIP of your setup instead, from [Get your files](../which-pack.md).
|
|
It holds the same files.
|
|
|
|
## Can I run it again?
|
|
|
|
Yes, to update. It downloads only what is missing or wrong.
|
|
|
|
## Fill an SD card from a computer?
|
|
|
|
Yes. Name your setup and the BIOS folder on the card. On Windows, `E:` stands
|
|
for the card.
|
|
|
|
<!-- 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
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Why is a file missing from the ZIP?
|
|
|
|
Some files come with the emulator. The ZIP leaves those out.
|
|
|
|
## Required or optional?
|
|
|
|
- **Required:** the emulator does not start games without it.
|
|
- **Optional:** games start, with small differences, like no start-up screen.
|
|
|
|
## My game shows a black screen
|
|
|
|
Most of the time, a BIOS file is missing or is the wrong version.
|
|
[When a game does not start](troubleshooting.md) shows how to check.
|
|
|
|
## Is this legal?
|
|
|
|
Laws differ by country, and nothing here is legal advice. Details, and how to
|
|
ask for a file to be removed: [Is it legal?](legal.md)
|
|
|
|
## Next steps
|
|
|
|
- [Get your files](../which-pack.md)
|
|
- [Words used on this site](glossary.md)
|