Can't run DS games. Tried EVERYTHING!!

[VegasDude]

Guys, I desperately need help.  I just bought the NEO MAX package with 512Mb flashcard and 1GB Kingston SD card and I can't get any DS games to run.  I can't get any of the menues running either.  I have a silver DS that I bought on release day so it's not a new BIOS. 

I've actually got one of the menus to work two times but no matter what I try (flashing v.4, v.6-a, v.6b) via NeoPower 2.3 or New Max 1.7 I can't get the menus to boot anymore.  I've tried formatting the flashcard several tmes and even tried Moonshell.  Won't boot.  I can't think of anything I changed either.

I've also tried flashing a proven homebrew file straight to the flash card and it won't work.  I've tried using Tetris DS and Castlevania in the pass through slot.

Please help!!  Could I have ruined something on the MK3 the two times it worked?

[bruceg]

I'm assuming here that not working means your are just getting white screens....

It probably won't make a difference, but have you tried Neomax 1.9A4 to try to flash the menu??  You can also try to install moonshell again and see if that works.  What exactly is the homebrew file you were using to test (did it work before, and now it doesn't anymore)?? 

Does your neomax cart work if you flash gba roms to it, using Neo Power kit in gba mode??  When running gba roms, you don't connect the magic key 3 at all...

Can you check all the connections on the neomax cart and magic key 3 for any possible obstructions or signs of damage.  You can clean the "golden fingers" with a q-tip and a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol.

The menu shouldn't damage the hardware... What were you doing when it worked (just running roms, or were you trying to flash the menu to the menu space on the mk3 unit itself?)

Hopefully, you have a return policy since you just purchased the unit...

BruceG

[VegasDude]

By not working, I mean that the MK3 menus don't boot.  I've tried the latest versions of the MK2_MK3 menu as well as Moonshell.  When I boot the DS, it gives me the normal DS boot screen, not the menues.  i've tried using Neo Max 1.7 and Noew Power Kit 2.3.  They both work to load GBA ROMs but I can't get the MK3 menus to load.  I've checked all connections of the Flash Card, SD card, retail DS card and the MK3.  Still nothing.

I'm not sure what "Newmax 1.9A4" is.  Can you include the link?  Yes, I can load any GBA ROM on my flashcard and it works fine (saving games is another story - and thread) but they work.  So I then tried flashing DS ROMs directly to my flashcard and those don't work (the homebrew I tried from Dr. NEO's previous FAQ was "GridChallenge.ds.gba".  This is telling me that there's something wrong with the MK3.  I guess I can try cleaning the leads but it's brand new.  The couple times I got the menus to work, I just tried flashing a game to the flash card and it errored out stating not enough space.  I couldn't get it working since.  Is there any way to format the MK3 without booting it up?  I also got moonshell to work twice but not since.  I didn't even get an opportunity to load anything.

Lastly, I've tried contacting Linker4U and I've received no response about returning it.  Does NewFlash provide a replacement program for warranty items?

[bruceg]

The more recent downloads are all located in the neo announcements forum (based on what you have told me, I unforunately don't think neomax 1.9A4 will solve the situation)

http://www.neoflash.com/forum/index.php/board,7.0.html

The only formatting options are available within the menu itself.  The cart seems to be working, so I would agree it's the mk3 unit.

The reason I mentioned cleaning the connections/looking for bent pins is that if the mk3 unit or the ds game cartridge are not making proper contact with the slots, then the regular ds menu will load (as you have described). 

However, if cleaning still doesn't fix the problem, I would agree that the unit should be replaced, since it's brand new.  The seller would need to exchange the unit for you (I just checked their site, and it indicates that they have a product warranty)...

BruceG

[VegasDude]

Bruce, thanks for your help!

[bruceg]

I hope you are able to get them to exchange the unit for you...  I usually pay with a credit card, so I have the option to dispute the charge, in case they are not responsive.

BruceG