Can't compile programmes.

JOHNELL · March 2, 2019, 3:40pm

I've been running Windows 7 for many years and up to now (February 2019) have had no difficulty in loading programs and compiling them. I have just updated the IDE to ver. 1.8.8. and I can no longer compile programs written for WeMos D1 R1, NodeMCu and other ESP8266 systems.. It looks to me as if the data in File:Preferences is not being transferred and added to the BOARD or FILE libraries.

In an attempt to fix the problem I deleted 1.8.8. and installed 1.8.6 that is running OK on an different Netbook I use as a backup. No good!

I then re-updated to 1.8.8. and still have no result. I then attempted to delete the IDE again and went into the C:/Users/Users/Arduino files and tried to delete everything in sight!

I then reinstalled 1.8.8. with the same result.

As a note, when the system tries to update libraries from the two files in File:Preferences it looks as if something is getting in the way.

What am I doing that is stupid (I'm 85 so can easily make stupid errors).

HELP!!

pert · March 2, 2019, 9:29pm

When you encounter an error you'll see a button on the right side of the orange bar "Copy error messages" (or the icon that looks like two pieces of paper in the Arduino Web Editor). Click that button. Paste the error in a message here USING CODE TAGS (</> button on the forum toolbar). If the text exceeds the forum's 9000 character limit, save it to a text file and post it as an attachment. If you click the "Reply" button here, you will see an "Attachments and other settings" link.

JOHNELL · March 2, 2019, 10:13pm

Thanks for your reply. It's late at night and I'm tired of battling with this thing all day so I'll do what you suggest tomorrow. That's if you are prepared to accept what seems a bit impertinent!

pert · March 2, 2019, 10:17pm

Get some rest and start with fresh energy. I'll be here to help whenever you're ready to continue.

JOHNELL · March 3, 2019, 10:32am

Ah, the benison of sleep!!

I have tried and failed to get any Error Messages in response to the failure of the program to compile.

Having noted a suggestion made to another questioner, earlier today I deleted all the App Data Files containing index.json entries. Immediately after having done so and then restarted IDE 1.8.8., the Boards library appears to have downloaded the data for the WeMos D1 R1 from the Preferences listing for which the programme (WiFiScan) had been written. However, this didn't last and the next time I tried a similar approach, all the data for WeMos D1 R1 and associated ESP8266 boards had vanished.

I'm sorry to be a pain but can you suggest any means by which I can get this programme to give me a listing of Error Messages (Orange strip)? When, after having attempted to compile the programme, I hit the button over the orange strip, absolutely nothing happens. I've tried all sorts of crazy stunts to get the Error Message for your to read and have failed. I don't want to waste your time with my fruitless efforts as, without a listing of the Errors, you can hardly be expected to advise or assist me.

Would it help if I deleted the whole bang shoot of IDE 1.8.8. and then re-uploaded for about the third time?

pert · March 3, 2019, 10:37am

JOHNELL:
When, after having attempted to compile the programme, I hit the button over the orange strip, absolutely nothing happens.

It appears to do nothing, but when you click that button, it copies the error messages to your clipboard. Please do this:

Click the "Copy error messages" button.
Click in the "Quick Reply" window on this forum thread.
Press "Ctrl + V". This will paste the contents of the clipboard to the "Quick Reply" window.
Click the "Post" button.

JOHNELL · March 3, 2019, 3:05pm

Arduino: 1.8.8 (Windows 7), Board: "Generic ESP8266 Module, 80 MHz, Flash, Disabled, ck, 26 MHz, 40MHz, DOUT (compatible), 512K (no SPIFFS), 2, v2 Lower Memory, Disabled, None, Only Sketch, 115200"

Board generic (platform esp8266, package esp8266) is unknown

Error compiling for board Generic ESP8266 Module.

This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.

Gosh! I've learned something today! I'll' do this again after adding verbose to the Preference menu.. Hang on for a moment.
Arduino: 1.8.8 (Windows 7), Board: "Generic ESP8266 Module, 80 MHz, Flash, Disabled, ck, 26 MHz, 40MHz, DOUT (compatible), 512K (no SPIFFS), 2, v2 Lower Memory, Disabled, None, Only Sketch, 115200"

C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\arduino-builder -dump-prefs -logger=machine -hardware C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware -hardware C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages -tools C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\tools-builder -tools C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr -tools C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages -built-in-libraries C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\libraries -libraries C:\Users\User\Documents\Arduino\libraries -fqbn=esp8266:esp8266:generic:xtal=80,vt=flash,exception=disabled,ResetMethod=ck,CrystalFreq=26,FlashFreq=40,FlashMode=dout,eesz=512K,led=2,ip=lm2f,dbg=Disabled,lvl=None____,wipe=none,baud=115200 -ide-version=10808 -build-path C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_build_676859 -warnings=none -build-cache C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_cache_928621 -prefs=build.warn_data_percentage=75 -prefs=runtime.tools.esptool.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\esptool\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.esptool-2.5.0-3-20ed2b9.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\esptool\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.mkspiffs.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\mkspiffs\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.mkspiffs-2.5.0-3-20ed2b9.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\mkspiffs\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc-2.5.0-3-20ed2b9.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -verbose C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\hardware\esp8266\2.5.0\libraries\ESP8266WiFi\examples\WiFiScan\WiFiScan.ino

Board generic (platform esp8266, package esp8266) is unknown

Error compiling for board Generic ESP8266 Module. Wow! Ain't modern science wonderful. At my age I learn something new every day.. Thanks so much

pert · March 3, 2019, 4:08pm

The "Board ... is unknown" error occurs when a Boards Manager installation of a different version of a hardware package fails to completely uninstall the previous version. Here's how you solve it:

Click the link on the line following File > Preferences > More preferences can be edited directly in the file. This will open the C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15 folder.
Navigate to the C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\hardware\esp8266 folder.
You will see two folders. One is named by the version of the package you currently have installed, the other is named by the version of the package you previously had installed. Delete the folder with the previous version name. Please be very careful when deleting things on your computer. When in doubt back up!

JOHNELL · March 4, 2019, 3:00pm

Many thanks. I'll give it a go right now.

JOHNELL · March 4, 2019, 4:27pm

I can't win!

The error report I tried to upload is so enormous that the post wouldn't send it. I did save the data as a Draft but whether this will work or not, I have no idea.

In desperation I have deleted one of the two optional additional URL files in Preferences and the system is prepared sometimes to Compile a Wemos D! R1 sketch. I still cannot see any reference to the Wemos D1 R1 specs in the Boards library but must assume it is lurking somewhere.

Isn't it time to delete everything Arduino IDE 1.8.8.and as many other relative files I can find and having done so, to reload 1.8.8.?

I really don't want to waste any more of your time. Perhaps I should go back to School on this !

Regards

pert · March 4, 2019, 10:49pm

JOHNELL:
The error report I tried to upload is so enormous that the post wouldn't send it. I did save the data as a Draft but whether this will work or not, I have no idea.

Only you can see your drafts. Please do this:

Save the error report to a .txt file.
On this forum thread, click the "Reply" button near the bottom of the page.
Click the "Attachments and other options" link that's below the post input field.
Click the "Browse" button.
Select the .txt file you saved.
Click "Open".
Click "Post".

JOHNELL:
In desperation I have deleted one of the two optional additional URL files in Preferences

For ESP8266, the URL you should have in File > Preferences > Additional Boards Manager URLs is:
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
Please verify that is the URL you have there.

JOHNELL:
Isn't it time to delete everything Arduino IDE 1.8.8.and as many other relative files I can find and having done so, to reload 1.8.8.?

Without seeing the error report, I don't have any idea what the problem is that you're having now so I can't say whether that is a reasonable solution. Please wait until I have the error report and then I'll give you my advice.

JOHNELL:
I really don't want to waste any more of your time.

Don't worry about it at all. I'm here to help you if I possibly can for as long as it takes. Hopefully we can solve the issue quickly so you can get back to having fun with your ESP8266, but if it takes longer I don't mind at all.

JOHNELL · March 5, 2019, 7:29am

I did try to send the error report but it was so long that it couldn't be sent. I remembered that you said there was some way in which one could partition the thing but by that time I had lost patience with the whole matter. When a hobby becomes a chore it's best to drop it! The final insult was that when I had finished fiddling about, I found I had deleted all the data and files in my sketch library! That was the final straw. Happily I have a backup copy of my most important efforts on a netbook so I can restore some of my work.

In all these circumstances I have decided to delete all references in this computer to Arduino and having, as it were, cleaned the Augean stable, will then re-install IDE 1.8.8. and start all over again.

Apart from the usual delete process are there any other deletions you can advise me to do so as to prevent any nasties lurking around?

Again my sincere thanks for your help. I'm sorry your efforts haven't availed but with an untutored idiot like me, what else could you have expected ?!!

JOHNELL · March 5, 2019, 10:26am

Alas, I did what I said I would do and deleted everything in sight for Arduino on my Computer. I re-started my computer and uploaded the latest copy of IDE 1.8.8.. The problem persists and I am now at my wits end. I'll try to download the Error reportArduino: 1.8.8 (Windows 7), Board: "WeMos D1 R1, 80 MHz, Flash, Disabled, 4M (no SPIFFS), v2 Lower Memory, Disabled, None, Only Sketch, 921600"

C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\arduino-builder -dump-prefs -logger=machine -hardware C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware -hardware C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages -tools C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\tools-builder -tools C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr -tools C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages -built-in-libraries C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\libraries -libraries C:\Users\User\Documents\Arduino\libraries -fqbn=esp8266:esp8266:d1:xtal=80,vt=flash,exception=disabled,eesz=4M,ip=lm2f,dbg=Disabled,lvl=None____,wipe=none,baud=921600 -ide-version=10808 -build-path C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_build_367705 -warnings=none -build-cache C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_cache_534296 -prefs=build.warn_data_percentage=75 -prefs=runtime.tools.mkspiffs.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\mkspiffs\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.mkspiffs-2.5.0-3-20ed2b9.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\mkspiffs\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.esptool.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\esptool\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.esptool-2.5.0-3-20ed2b9.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\esptool\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -prefs=runtime.tools.xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc-2.5.0-3-20ed2b9.path=C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp8266\tools\xtensa-lx106-elf-gcc\2.5.0-3-20ed2b9 -verbose C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\untitled1232091298.tmp\sketch_mar05a\sketch_mar05a.ino

Board d1 (platform esp8266, package esp8266) is unknown

Error compiling for board WeMos D1 R1.

pert · March 5, 2019, 10:30am

When you deleted everything, did you also delete the C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15 folder?

JOHNELL · March 5, 2019, 3:02pm

No, I didn't! I have done so now and everything is beginning to work fine. Just one question. I have uploaded two unofficial URL's into Preferences and they both now appear in the library. If I need to add a couple more, do I have to start all over again by deleting the AppData Arduino15 file and then reloading the full complement of URLS that I need?

I am now about to start cleaning up the notebook that I lso mucked up when changing to IDE 1.8.8.. Should I follow the same process as a cursory glance has shown several dissimilarities from my Main Machine?

pert · March 5, 2019, 8:49pm

JOHNELL:
I have done so now and everything is beginning to work fine.

I'm so glad to hear this!

JOHNELL:
Just one question. I have uploaded two unofficial URL's into Preferences and they both now appear in the library. If I need to add a couple more, do I have to start all over again by deleting the AppData Arduino15 file and then reloading the full complement of URLS that I need?

You can have as many URLs as you like in the File > Preferences > Additional Boards Manager URLs. They should be separated with commas (or you can click the icon on the right side of the input field and then add each on its own line at the subsequent dialog.

However, you should only have a single URL for ESP8266 in "Additional Boards Manager URLs":
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json

You should never need to delete the Arduino15 folder under normal circumstances. In fact, it wasn't even necessary to do it in this case. Instead, you could have done a more precise deletion of only the problematic folder, following my instructions at reply #7. Deleting Arduino15 accomplished the same thing, but in a much more drastic manner.

The "Board generic (platform esp8266, package esp8266) is unknown" type of error should not occur during normal operation. This is caused by a glitch in the Boards Manager update process that causes the previous version to not be fully removed. It does happen from time to time, but it's quite rare.

JOHNELL:
I am now about to start cleaning up the notebook that I lso mucked up when changing to IDE 1.8.8.. Should I follow the same process as a cursory glance has shown several dissimilarities from my Main Machine?

As long as it's working fine, I wouldn't bother. On the other hand, it doesn't do much harm. The only thing in the Arduino15 folder that is unique is your File > Preference settings, so you do need to reconfigure those after deleting Arduino15. Other than that, the main inconvenience of deleting the Arduino15 folder is that you need to re-install all boards you had previously installed via Boards Manager. Some of those packages are quite large and take a while to download.

JOHNELL · March 7, 2019, 10:28am

Okay, The system is beginning to work fine. One query: When I compile a program one line of the compile report shows "dump prefs" Is this serious?
I can compile a program for WemosD1 R1 and this board appears on the board listing. However, the library doesn't show the full list of the boards covered by this preference such as "generic 8266" and so on. "http;//arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json" I have also listed preference " http://dl.espressif.com/dl/package-esp32_index.json" These two should cover most of the ESP8266 and E32 boards I want to work with. If I need more, can I add to the list of preferences and if I do should I delimit each preference with a comma or simply a CR?

Needless to say, I didn't take a backup when I started this process and, of course I have now lost all of my work and the programs I built up over the past couple of years. I suppose you hear this all the time but I'm not happy with myself!

Thanks... John

pert · March 7, 2019, 10:53am

JOHNELL:
When I compile a program one line of the compile report shows "dump prefs" Is this serious?

No, that's completely normal. That's simply an option passed to the arduino-builder tool that tells it to output your preferences. You can see more information about it here if you like:

github.com

arduino/arduino-builder/blob/master/README.md#usage

**DEPRECATION WARNING:** This tool is being phased out in favor of [Arduino CLI](https://github.com/arduino/arduino-cli), we recommend to use Arduino CLI for new projects.

The source code of the builder has been moved in the `arduino-cli` repository (as a [`legacy` package](https://github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/legacy)) where it will be maintained and developed and eventually moved outside the legacy package once properly integrated in the Arduino CLI codebase.

The `arduino-builder` is now just a wrapper of `arduino-cli`. We will continue to provide builds of this project for some time to allow a smooth transition period to our users.

## Arduino Builder [![Build Status](https://travis-ci.org/arduino/arduino-builder.svg?branch=master)](https://travis-ci.org/arduino/arduino-builder)

A command line tool for compiling Arduino sketches

This tool is able to parse [Arduino Hardware specifications](https://github.com/arduino/Arduino/wiki/Arduino-IDE-1.5-3rd-party-Hardware-specification), properly run `gcc` and produce compiled sketches.

An Arduino sketch differs from a standard C program in that it misses a `main` (provided by the Arduino core), function prototypes are not mandatory, and libraries inclusion is automagic (you just have to `#include` them).
This tool generates function prototypes and gathers library paths, providing `gcc` with all the needed `-I` params.

### Usage

* `-compile` or `-dump-prefs` or `-preprocess`: Optional. If omitted, defaults to `-compile`. `-dump-prefs` will just print all build preferences used, `-compile` will use those preferences to run the actual compiler, `-preprocess` will only print preprocessed code to stdout.

* `-hardware`: Mandatory. Folder containing Arduino platforms. An example is the `hardware` folder shipped with the Arduino IDE, or the `packages` folder created by Arduino Boards Manager. Can be specified multiple times. If conflicting hardware definitions are specified, the last one wins.

This file has been truncated. show original

Generally, when something is serious it will be marked as "error".

I can compile a program for WemosD1 R1 and this board appears on the board listing. However, the library doesn't show the full list of the boards covered by this preference such as "generic 8266" and so on.
[/quote]
What do you mean by "library"? You should be able to select Tools > Board > Generic ESP8266 Module as well as many other ESP8266 boards after installing the ESP8266 core via Boards Manager.

JOHNELL:
"http;//arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json" I have also listed preference " http://dl.espressif.com/dl/package-esp32_index.json" These two should cover most of the ESP8266 and E32 boards I want to work with. If I need more, can I add to the list of preferences

Those cover ALL the ESP8266 and ESP32 boards. You should not add any other URLs for ESP8266 or ESP32 to File > Preferences > Additional Boards Manager URLs.

JOHNELL:
If I need more, can I add to the list of preferences and if I do should I delimit each preference with a comma or simply a CR?

If by "more", you mean other boards packages, then sure. If you are adding them to File > Preferences > Additional Boards Manger URLs then you should delimit them with commas. If you are adding them to the dialog that shows when you click on the button to the right of File > Preferences > Additional Boards Manger URLs then you should us a CR.

JOHNELL:
Needless to say, I didn't take a backup when I started this process and, of course I have now lost all of my work and the programs I built up over the past couple of years. I suppose you hear this all the time but I'm not happy with myself!

I'm very sorry to hear that. Generally, people will store the programs they write to the sketchbook folder, after which they can be accessed via File > Sketchbook. The sketchbook folder location is configured at File > Preferences > Sketchbook location. When you deleted the C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15 folder, your previous preferences were lost and the sketchbook location reverted to the default location (C:\Users\User\Documents\Arduino). If you previously had your sketchbook set to a different location, it might appear that the contents of the sketchbook were lost when the preferences were reset. However, if you set File > Preferences > Sketchbook location back to the previous location (assuming you didn't delete that folder), you will again see the sketchbook contents under File > Sketchbook. It is very unlikely that you would have saved any of your personal programs under C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Arduino15 so deleting that folder should not have caused you to lose anything unique, other than the preferences (which don't take much time to reconfigure so not a huge loss).

JOHNELL · March 9, 2019, 3:08pm

I have a problem. I need to compile a new Weather Station program using the Wemos D1 and the BME 280 sensor. The Library Manager shows files for the BME280 sensor (several) and I have |INSTALLED all of these.
However, when I attempt to Compile the Sketch I get an error message that the thing doesn't know anything about the BME280.

I'll try to send the Error Message as follows: http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Libraries. Thats all!

I may have mucked up the Preferences setup. What should the headline contain. I've got C://Users/User/Documents/Arduino. Is this wrong?

I'm really getting fed up with the struggle. Maybe I'll take up knitting!!

Should I delet everything and start again with a new IDE likje 1.8.5. which never gave me any trouble? I this is a good idea please give me precise instructions ( pf the sort you'd give an idiot!
Regards

pert · March 9, 2019, 6:28pm

JOHNELL:
when I attempt to Compile the Sketch I get an error message that the thing doesn't know anything about the BME280.

When you encounter an error, you'll see a button on the right side of the orange bar "Copy error messages" (or the icon that looks like two pieces of paper at the top right corner of the black console window in the Arduino Web Editor). Click that button. Paste the error in a message here USING CODE TAGS (</> button on the forum toolbar). If the text exceeds the forum's 9000 character limit, save it to a text file and post it as an attachment. If you click the "Reply" button here, you will see an "Attachments and other settings" link.

JOHNELL:
I may have mucked up the Preferences setup. What should the headline contain. I've got C://Users/User/Documents/Arduino. Is this wrong?

I don't understand what you mean by "headline". If you're talking about File > Preferences > Sketchbook location, then C://Users/User/Documents/Arduino is fine.

JOHNELL:
Should I delet everything and start again with a new IDE likje 1.8.5.

No. Please don't do that. That is almost never necessary.

Topic		Replies	Views
Error compiling IDE 1.x	3	1065	May 5, 2021
Error compiling for board XXXX IDE 1.x	5	1918	May 5, 2021
Compile errors IDE 1.x	3	653	May 5, 2021
Improper compile issue <SOLVED> IDE 1.x	2	393	May 5, 2021
All my versions except for 1.0.5 are not working IDE 1.x	2	496	May 5, 2021

Can't compile programmes.

Related topics