Forums · Known GBA Problem fixes
Full credit goes to Monso of G-masters (gmforum.net)
Credit goes to Grim Reaper for adding in "Dragon Ball GT: Transformation" Fix
Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
When I reach a certain planet, VBA says "This game must be run on official equipment"
Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM + Sensor. Save and reset game.
Baldur's Gate - Dark Alliance
The game won't save
The rom uses EEPROM save types. Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM. You will either have to delete your old save and save again, or start over.
Boktai
I can't fill my Sun Power meter
Hold L/R and tap left/right to increase/decrease the meter.
Dragonball Z: Buu's Fury
When you walk into Grand Kai's house, VBA says it will not run on the hardware found
Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM --> Start a new game.
Dragonball Z: Legacy of Goku 2
There is some weird problem in the part where its raining
Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM --> Start a new game.
Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban
My game constantly messes up
Try getting a newer version of VBA.
Harvest Moon
My game constantly messes up
Try getting a newer version of VBA.
Pokemon Emerald
I can't save
Try applying an IPS patch that should come with it, or change your save type to Flash 128k.
Pokemon Fire Red
I get a white screen/I can't save
Download FR version 1.1, and use VBA 1.7.1 or 1.7.2 for the white screen. To save, you need to set the save game to Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> Automatic --> Flash 128k. Deleting your vba.ini and re-setting the controls works for some, but not all people.
Pokemon Leaf Green
I get a white screen/I can't save
Download LG version 1.1, and use VBA 1.7.1 or 1.7.2 for the white screen. To save, you need to set the save game to Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> Automatic --> Flash 128k. Deleting your vba.ini and re-setting the controls works for some, but not all people.
Robopon 2
When I make a robopon it won't show the picture, and when I view the parts all different colors come up and it freezes
Try downloading a newer/older version of VBA, and possibly download the Rom from another source.
Sonic X
When I play Sonic X, it plays audio, but no video
Try using BatGBA.
Can't get the classics to work
The classic NES (Famicom) games won't work on GBA
Apply the ips pathces to the roms. To apply the patch, rename the .ips to the same name as the rom you're trying to play (use the correct .ips patch), and use any patch applier onto it. Or, you can use VBA's automatic IPS-patching feature, Options --> Emulator --> Automatic IPS Patching.
Games run slow
When there are a lot of bad guys, or action on my screen, my VBA runs slow
Some newer versions of VBA (1.7+) might run slow when theres a lot of stuff on the screen. Try using 1.5 or 1.5.1. Also, if you turn sound off (OFF, not MUTE), VBA will run faster because it doesn't have to process sound (whereas on Mute it still processes it, it just doesn't play it).
Playing older roms with newer emulators
When I try to play an older rom with a newer emulator, it doesn't work
Get an older version of the emulator.
VBA Linking
I can't link 2 VBA's together
Use vbalink to link 2 vba games together. Copy + Paste the save (so there is 2) and rename them back to the original, with .sa1 and .sa2 extentions. I would suggest putting the roms and vbalink in their own, separate folder.
White Screen
When I try to play roms, all I get is a white screen
For some roms, and ips patch usually included with the rom can fix the white screen. We have been told that VBA 1.7.2 also fixes the white screen problem. Some have said 1.1 fixed it, some have said 1.5. I suggest getting an older version (or 1.7.2) of VBA.
When new problems are found I will update this list with the solutions for them.
Thank You
Credit goes to Grim Reaper for adding in "Dragon Ball GT: Transformation" Fix
Rom Related
Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
When I reach a certain planet, VBA says "This game must be run on official equipment"
Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM + Sensor. Save and reset game.
Baldur's Gate - Dark Alliance
The game won't save
The rom uses EEPROM save types. Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM. You will either have to delete your old save and save again, or start over.
Boktai
I can't fill my Sun Power meter
Hold L/R and tap left/right to increase/decrease the meter.
Dragonball Z: Buu's Fury
When you walk into Grand Kai's house, VBA says it will not run on the hardware found
Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM --> Start a new game.
Dragonball Z: Legacy of Goku 2
There is some weird problem in the part where its raining
Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> EEPROM --> Start a new game.
Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban
My game constantly messes up
Try getting a newer version of VBA.
Harvest Moon
My game constantly messes up
Try getting a newer version of VBA.
Pokemon Emerald
I can't save
Try applying an IPS patch that should come with it, or change your save type to Flash 128k.
Pokemon Fire Red
I get a white screen/I can't save
Download FR version 1.1, and use VBA 1.7.1 or 1.7.2 for the white screen. To save, you need to set the save game to Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> Automatic --> Flash 128k. Deleting your vba.ini and re-setting the controls works for some, but not all people.
Pokemon Leaf Green
I get a white screen/I can't save
Download LG version 1.1, and use VBA 1.7.1 or 1.7.2 for the white screen. To save, you need to set the save game to Options --> Emulator --> Save Type --> Automatic --> Flash 128k. Deleting your vba.ini and re-setting the controls works for some, but not all people.
Robopon 2
When I make a robopon it won't show the picture, and when I view the parts all different colors come up and it freezes
Try downloading a newer/older version of VBA, and possibly download the Rom from another source.
Sonic X
When I play Sonic X, it plays audio, but no video
Try using BatGBA.
Emulator Related
Can't get the classics to work
The classic NES (Famicom) games won't work on GBA
Apply the ips pathces to the roms. To apply the patch, rename the .ips to the same name as the rom you're trying to play (use the correct .ips patch), and use any patch applier onto it. Or, you can use VBA's automatic IPS-patching feature, Options --> Emulator --> Automatic IPS Patching.
Games run slow
When there are a lot of bad guys, or action on my screen, my VBA runs slow
Some newer versions of VBA (1.7+) might run slow when theres a lot of stuff on the screen. Try using 1.5 or 1.5.1. Also, if you turn sound off (OFF, not MUTE), VBA will run faster because it doesn't have to process sound (whereas on Mute it still processes it, it just doesn't play it).
Playing older roms with newer emulators
When I try to play an older rom with a newer emulator, it doesn't work
Get an older version of the emulator.
VBA Linking
I can't link 2 VBA's together
Use vbalink to link 2 vba games together. Copy + Paste the save (so there is 2) and rename them back to the original, with .sa1 and .sa2 extentions. I would suggest putting the roms and vbalink in their own, separate folder.
White Screen
When I try to play roms, all I get is a white screen
For some roms, and ips patch usually included with the rom can fix the white screen. We have been told that VBA 1.7.2 also fixes the white screen problem. Some have said 1.1 fixed it, some have said 1.5. I suggest getting an older version (or 1.7.2) of VBA.
When new problems are found I will update this list with the solutions for them.
Thank You
Pokemon Emerald (U) - Hall Of Fame Save Problem [SOLUTION - No Patch Needed]
I've seem to have got around the problem some how, heres what happened. Like some of you I had problems continuing the game after I beat the Elite 4, I tried some of the suggestions but when I switched over to save as 128k it still saved as 64k, this should help you fix this and continue the game. After the save in the Hall of Fame, a message came up saying the Save File is corrupted and his been erased. But luckily I saved a VBA state just before it Saved, I hope you have to or this will not work. Anyway if you have, heres what to do; Go to the folder of the rom, delete the SAV file, Start up VBA (I use 1.8.0 beta) go to Options > Emulator > Real Time Clock, this resolves the time based events problem. Now go to Options > Emulator > Save Type > Flash 128k, mine was set on 64k before. Now load the Pokémon Emerald (U) Rom, there should be no error messages at the start since you got rid of the SAV file in that folder. Start a new game. At the point where you have freedom to move around Hit Start and save the game, and then hit CTRL + R to Reset. Check your folder where the rom is located again and confirm that the SAV file is now 128k and not 64k. Now load your VBA state (Again, mine was set just before it saves in the Hall of Fame), let it everything happen as normal, after the ending credits hit CTRL + R on your keyboard to Reset (if it doesn't do so itself after 'THE END' screen), go to the folder of your rom again to confirm that the SAV file is still 128k. Now when the Main Screen comes up a message saying "The save file is corrupted, the previous one will be loaded" that isn't exactly what it says but its something like that. And thats it, you will be upstairs in your bedroom. Go down stairs to find out your the new Champion. When your outside Save the game, reset your emulator and there will be no error messages, this may sound weird but it actually did work, somehow. This Has Nothing To Do With Using The IPS Patch People Are Talking About, I Haven't Used It Myself.
I've seem to have got around the problem some how, heres what happened. Like some of you I had problems continuing the game after I beat the Elite 4, I tried some of the suggestions but when I switched over to save as 128k it still saved as 64k, this should help you fix this and continue the game. After the save in the Hall of Fame, a message came up saying the Save File is corrupted and his been erased. But luckily I saved a VBA state just before it Saved, I hope you have to or this will not work. Anyway if you have, heres what to do; Go to the folder of the rom, delete the SAV file, Start up VBA (I use 1.8.0 beta) go to Options > Emulator > Real Time Clock, this resolves the time based events problem. Now go to Options > Emulator > Save Type > Flash 128k, mine was set on 64k before. Now load the Pokémon Emerald (U) Rom, there should be no error messages at the start since you got rid of the SAV file in that folder. Start a new game. At the point where you have freedom to move around Hit Start and save the game, and then hit CTRL + R to Reset. Check your folder where the rom is located again and confirm that the SAV file is now 128k and not 64k. Now load your VBA state (Again, mine was set just before it saves in the Hall of Fame), let it everything happen as normal, after the ending credits hit CTRL + R on your keyboard to Reset (if it doesn't do so itself after 'THE END' screen), go to the folder of your rom again to confirm that the SAV file is still 128k. Now when the Main Screen comes up a message saying "The save file is corrupted, the previous one will be loaded" that isn't exactly what it says but its something like that. And thats it, you will be upstairs in your bedroom. Go down stairs to find out your the new Champion. When your outside Save the game, reset your emulator and there will be no error messages, this may sound weird but it actually did work, somehow. This Has Nothing To Do With Using The IPS Patch People Are Talking About, I Haven't Used It Myself.
[quote]A simpler method, which I have posted a hundred times but which you must've overlooked, would just be to load your game before the E4, save your game using a save state (optional but recommended), delete your .sav file, change save type to 128k, kill the E4, save your game. [/quote]
I've tried that, it still only saves as 64k :P, for me anyway, and I can't load the game before the elite 4
[quote]Another method would be to use the latest .ips file, which fixes all that. IPS patching is not difficult, so either you have not bothered to read what's already been posted or you are simply not intelligent enough. Just rename the .ips file to the same name as your rom, and checking the Enable Automatic IPS pathing in Options>Emulator. [/quote]
Yeah, well i'm using a dial-up connection and I can't find a link to the patch, i'm not going to download the whole Rom again just for it.
I've tried that, it still only saves as 64k :P, for me anyway, and I can't load the game before the elite 4
[quote]Another method would be to use the latest .ips file, which fixes all that. IPS patching is not difficult, so either you have not bothered to read what's already been posted or you are simply not intelligent enough. Just rename the .ips file to the same name as your rom, and checking the Enable Automatic IPS pathing in Options>Emulator. [/quote]
Yeah, well i'm using a dial-up connection and I can't find a link to the patch, i'm not going to download the whole Rom again just for it.
if your pokemon emerald wont save
1.save right before battling steven twice since it might corrupt 2 times(happened to me)battle steven and the save file should then go on beating him again for the second time then it will work
Note:reset the vba emulator right after u save (do not reset the vba emulator after/during the credits)
2.I've seem to have got around the problem some how, heres what happened. Like some of you I had problems continuing the game after I beat the Elite 4, I tried some of the suggestions but when I switched over to save as 128k it still saved as 64k, this should help you fix this and continue the game. After the save in the Hall of Fame, a message came up saying the Save File is corrupted and his been erased. But luckily I saved a VBA state just before it Saved, I hope you have to or this will not work. Anyway if you have, heres what to do; Go to the folder of the rom, delete the SAV file, Start up VBA (I use 1.8.0 beta) go to Options > Emulator > Real Time Clock, this resolves the time based events problem. Now go to Options > Emulator > Save Type > Flash 128k, mine was set on 64k before. Now load the Pokémon Emerald (U) Rom, there should be no error messages at the start since you got rid of the SAV file in that folder. Start a new game. At the point where you have freedom to move around Hit Start and save the game, and then hit CTRL + R to Reset. Check your folder where the rom is located again and confirm that the SAV file is now 128k and not 64k. Now load your VBA state (Again, mine was set just before it saves in the Hall of Fame), let it everything happen as normal, after the ending credits hit CTRL + R on your keyboard to Reset (if it doesn't do so itself after 'THE END' screen), go to the folder of your rom again to confirm that the SAV file is still 128k. Now when the Main Screen comes up a message saying "The save file is corrupted, the previous one will be loaded" that isn't exactly what it says but its something like that. And thats it, you will be upstairs in your bedroom. Go down stairs to find out your the new Champion. When your outside Save the game, reset your emulator and there will be no error messages, this may sound weird but it actually did work, somehow. This Has Nothing To Do With Using The IPS Patch People Are Talking About, I Haven't Used It Myself.
1.save right before battling steven twice since it might corrupt 2 times(happened to me)battle steven and the save file should then go on beating him again for the second time then it will work
Note:reset the vba emulator right after u save (do not reset the vba emulator after/during the credits)
2.I've seem to have got around the problem some how, heres what happened. Like some of you I had problems continuing the game after I beat the Elite 4, I tried some of the suggestions but when I switched over to save as 128k it still saved as 64k, this should help you fix this and continue the game. After the save in the Hall of Fame, a message came up saying the Save File is corrupted and his been erased. But luckily I saved a VBA state just before it Saved, I hope you have to or this will not work. Anyway if you have, heres what to do; Go to the folder of the rom, delete the SAV file, Start up VBA (I use 1.8.0 beta) go to Options > Emulator > Real Time Clock, this resolves the time based events problem. Now go to Options > Emulator > Save Type > Flash 128k, mine was set on 64k before. Now load the Pokémon Emerald (U) Rom, there should be no error messages at the start since you got rid of the SAV file in that folder. Start a new game. At the point where you have freedom to move around Hit Start and save the game, and then hit CTRL + R to Reset. Check your folder where the rom is located again and confirm that the SAV file is now 128k and not 64k. Now load your VBA state (Again, mine was set just before it saves in the Hall of Fame), let it everything happen as normal, after the ending credits hit CTRL + R on your keyboard to Reset (if it doesn't do so itself after 'THE END' screen), go to the folder of your rom again to confirm that the SAV file is still 128k. Now when the Main Screen comes up a message saying "The save file is corrupted, the previous one will be loaded" that isn't exactly what it says but its something like that. And thats it, you will be upstairs in your bedroom. Go down stairs to find out your the new Champion. When your outside Save the game, reset your emulator and there will be no error messages, this may sound weird but it actually did work, somehow. This Has Nothing To Do With Using The IPS Patch People Are Talking About, I Haven't Used It Myself.