Noob question coming at you... How do you update to different versions of RetroArch?

RetroArch General
#1

So, I just started learning about hypersion/rocket launcher and RetroArch days ago and I am very intrigued. I have ran into a few issues during my initial install, but with the help of all the good posts and videos out there I have worked my way through almost all of them.

Currently I am running an older version of RetroArch that came from the RetroArch Master 1.7z zip(1.1 Genesis Plus GX 1.7.4). I was interested in setting up Dreamcast and based off the videos I was watching you needed to download a newer version of RA. What is the best way to update RA without losing your setting?

I have tried a few methods to run 1.3.6 No Core (which I think is the latest stable release), but when I go into HS and try to load a ROM I get an error that says your LibRetro_SNES dll is set to dsnes_balanced_libertro but could not locate this file: J:\HyperSpin\Emulators\RetroArch\cores\bsnes_balanced_libretro.dll

I could be totally overthinking this, but any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I can’t wait to get this whole project rolling.

#2

I suppose this is because there are no cores, open retroarch menu, go to “online updater > core updater”, and select the core you want to download.

#3

So, how do I setup the new version to keep the config of the old version? like the paths and all that or do I have to manually configure them all again?

Thanks for the response!

#4

You don’t need to update the config files each update. For the most part, you only need the .exe files.

You could also make a backup of your current config prior to updating, then load it through Retroarch.

#5

Interesting, so I can just download the fresh version and it should work? I tried loading the config and the screen just goes black and I have to exit out. something seems funky.

What i did was download the new version name it RetroArch and renamed the current RetroArch folder. Is that the correct way?

#6

That’s why I said, “For the most part.” If you’re coming from too old a version, your config may not be fully compatible with the latest version and give issues.

All I typically do is grab the latest version from buildbot, (you can download the smaller .zip file, unless you’re doing a full install) and just unzip the two .exes and overwrite the ones in my current Retroarch folder.

#7

I still can’t get it to work. I tried configuring it all from scratch and get the same error. I did notice the system folder was empty (not sure if that is normal) so I just brought the data from the old system folder. I tried loading a dreamcast ROM via the correct core and Retroarch just crashes… I have something screwed up here.

#8

This is also a noob question I guess, but for off-line installations which just get new core versions added manually (eventually), is it safe to just overwrite the old .exe file with the newer one when RA gets a new version? Is there a place to check the RA version required by every core’s latest update?

(Sorry for not helping with the opening question.)

#9

There are very few cores that don’t work with arbitrarily old versions of RA. ParaLLEl is one, the libretro-gl cores (mupen, ffmpeg, ppsspp) are, as well, if you go back far enough (like 3+ yrs).

#10

Ah, good to know, thanks. For updating RA manually, what’s your suggestion then?

Regards.

#11

As you said, replace the executables. Make backups of the known-working versions first.