Compilation error '/esptool.exe' not recognized

jacv2 · March 1, 2023, 6:23pm

'/esptool.exe' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

exit status 1

Compilation error: exit status 1

Arduino ide 2.0.4 suddenly gives me this error. First time it happens...
how to fix this?

jacv2 · March 1, 2023, 8:51pm

Found the answer. Install previous version of ESP32 Espressif and then reinstall latest version.

rcmontrose · March 1, 2023, 11:40pm

Uninstall 2.0.7 of esp32 and then reinstall does the same thing. Thanks for the pointer - I had the same issue after updating to 2.0.4.

Richard_van_Gestel · March 2, 2023, 12:30pm

You saved my day!

thorathome · March 2, 2023, 4:33pm

Thank you @jacv2 and @rcmontrose for the quick fix to this goofy problem.

I was also surprised this morning, days after installing and using IDE2.0.4, to find my ESP32s suddenly didn't compile.

Much appreciated. Life is better now. Sun is out. Snow melted. Ahhhh.

john_tritton · March 3, 2023, 7:51am

Thanks Guys
Same problem
it worked fine for a couple of weeks and then crashed before the error raised its head
reinstalled all fine now

ptillisch · March 3, 2023, 9:20am

Hi all. I did some investigation and found the cause of the error was a change made to the ESP32 package index. I reported the problem to the ESP32 developers:

github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32

Path to esptool not discoverable due to post-release tool dependency bump

opened 09:08AM - 03 Mar 23 UTC

per1234

Status: Awaiting triage

### Board All ### Device Description N/A ### Hardware Configuration … N/A ### Version v2.0.7 ### IDE Name Arduino IDE 1.8.19, 2.0.4, Arduino CLI 0.31.0 ### Operating System All ### Flash frequency N/A ### PSRAM enabled yes ### Upload speed N/A ### Description The [package index](https://arduino.github.io/arduino-cli/latest/package_index_json-specification/) provides support for installation of the platform via the Arduino Boards Manager. In addition to the platform itself, Boards Manager also installs the tool dependencies that are defined in the release entry. The package index data is also used by the Arduino development tools to expand [the `runtime.tools.TOOLNAME.path` properties](https://arduino.github.io/arduino-cli/latest/platform-specification/#how-to-retrieve-tools-path-via-runtimetools-properties) used in the command patterns defined in `platform.txt` to the paths of the tool dependencies installed on the user's computer. The [`packages[*].platforms[*].toolsDependencies[*].version`](https://arduino.github.io/arduino-cli/0.31/package_index_json-specification/#platforms-definitions:~:text=core%20archive%20file)-,toolsDependencies,-%3A%20the%20tools%20needed) field for the `esp32:esptool_py` tool dependency of the 2.0.7 platform release was changed from `4.5` to `4.5.1`: https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/commit/50269f6ec02bb341d878ff57d7ea5fc8c9ac82fe This causes compilation or upload to fail under the following conditions: - The user installed version 2.0.7 of the platform before [the change](https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/commit/50269f6ec02bb341d878ff57d7ea5fc8c9ac82fe) was made to the package index. - The [ESP32 package index URL](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json) is in their "**Additional Boards Manager URLs**" IDE preference. - The package index file has been updated on the user's computer (the Arduino development tools do this automatically). #### Suggested Fix Make a new release of the platform. #### Workaround The user can use Boards Manager to uninstall and then reinstall the platform: ##### Arduino IDE 1.x 1. Select **Tools > Board > Boards Manager** from the Arduino IDE menus. A "**Boards Manager**" dialog will appear. 1. Wait for the updates to finish, as shown by the messages printed at the bottom of the "**Boards Manager**" dialog. 1. Scroll down through the list of boards platforms until you find the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. Click on it. Some buttons will appear on the entry. 1. Click the **<kbd>Remove</kbd>** button on the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. 1. Wait for the removal to finish. 1. Click the **<kbd>Install</kbd>** button on the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. 1. Wait for the installation to finish. 1. Click the **<kbd>Close</kbd>** button on the "**Boards Manager**" dialog. ##### Arduino IDE 2.x 1. Select **Tools > Board > Boards Manager** from the Arduino IDE menus to open the "**Boards Manager**" view in the left side panel. 1. Scroll down through the list of boards platforms until you find the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. 1. Hover the mouse pointer over the "**INSTALLED**" label on the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. You will now see it change to an "**UNINSTALL**" button. 1. Click the "**UNINSTALL**" button. 1. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click the "**YES**" button. 1. Wait for the uninstallation to finish. 1. Select "**2.0.7**" from the dropdown version menu at the bottom of the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. 1. Click the "**INSTALL**" button at the bottom of the "**esp32 by Espressif Systems**" entry. 1. Wait for the installation to finish. #### Additional reports - https://github.com/arduino/Arduino/issues/11866 - https://forum.arduino.cc/t/t-display-s3-esp32s3-how-to-reset-to-factory-settings-after-burn-bootloader/1096636 - https://forum.arduino.cc/t/esptool-exe-is-not-recognized-as-an-internal-or-external-command-an-executable-program-or-batch-file/1096495 - https://forum.arduino.cc/t/esp32-s3-stuck-with-manual-uploading-resetting/1096945/3 - https://forum.arduino.cc/t/compilation-error-esptool-exe-not-recognized/1096550 - https://forum.arduino.cc/t/problem-latest-update-ide/1095897/5 ### Sketch ```cpp void setup() {} void loop() {} ``` ### Debug Message **Arduino IDE 2.x** / **Arduino CLI**: ```text cmd /c IF EXIST "C:\\Users\\per\\Documents\\Arduino\\sketch_mar2a\\bootloader.bin" ( COPY /y "C:\\Users\\per\\Documents\\Arduino\\sketch_mar2a\\bootloader.bin" "C:\\Users\\per\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\arduino-sketch-D4D9383D25724F4612E543EFB0213587\\sketch_mar2a.ino.bootloader.bin" ) ELSE ( IF EXIST "C:\\Users\\per\\AppData\\Local\\Arduino15\\packages\\esp32\\hardware\\esp32\\2.0.7\\variants\\esp32\\bootloader.bin" ( COPY "C:\\Users\\per\\AppData\\Local\\Arduino15\\packages\\esp32\\hardware\\esp32\\2.0.7\\variants\\esp32\\bootloader.bin" "C:\\Users\\per\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\arduino-sketch-D4D9383D25724F4612E543EFB0213587\\sketch_mar2a.ino.bootloader.bin" ) ELSE ( /esptool.exe --chip esp32 elf2image --flash_mode dio --flash_freq 80m --flash_size 4MB -o "C:\\Users\\per\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\arduino-sketch-D4D9383D25724F4612E543EFB0213587\\sketch_mar2a.ino.bootloader.bin" "C:\\Users\\per\\AppData\\Local\\Arduino15\\packages\\esp32\\hardware\\esp32\\2.0.7\\tools\\sdk\\esp32\\bin\\bootloader_qio_80m.elf" ) ) '/esptool.exe' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. 1 file(s) copied. ``` **Arduino IDE 1.x**: ```text ___REMOVE___/esptool.exe --chip esp32 --port COM10 --baud 921600 --before default_reset --after hard_reset write_flash -z --flash_mode dio --flash_freq 80m --flash_size 4MB 0x1000 C:\Users\per\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_build_839818/foo_bar.ino.bootloader.bin 0x8000 C:\Users\per\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_build_839818/foo_bar.ino.partitions.bin 0xe000 C:\Users\per\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.7/tools/partitions/boot_app0.bin 0x10000 C:\Users\per\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_build_839818/foo_bar.ino.bin java.io.IOException: Cannot run program "___REMOVE___/esptool.exe": CreateProcess error=2, The system cannot find the file specified ``` ### Other Steps to Reproduce 1. Use Boards Manager to install version 2.0.7 of the platform if it is not already installed: https://docs.espressif.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest/installing.html#installing-using-arduino-ide 1. If you have installed the platform after the time of the package index change, adequately simulate the conditions by renaming the folder at the following path to `4.5`: - **Windows**: ```text C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\tools\esptool_py\4.5.1 ``` (where `<username>` is your Windows username) - **Linux**: ```text ~/.arduino15/packages/esp32/tools/esptool_py/4.5.1 ``` - **macOS**: ```text ~/Library/Arduino15/packages/esp32/tools/esptool_py/4.5.1 ``` 1. Trigger an update of the package index: - **Arduino IDE 1.x**: 1. Select **Tools > Board > Boards Manager** from the Arduino IDE menus. A "**Boards Manager**" dialog will appear. 1. Wait for the updates to finish, as shown by the messages printed at the bottom of the "**Boards Manager**" dialog. 1. Click the **<kbd>Close</kbd>** button on the "**Boards Manager**" dialog. - **Arduino IDE 2.x**: 1. Press the <kbd>**Ctrl**</kbd>+<kbd>**Shift**</kbd>+<kbd>**P**</kbd> keyboard shortcut (<kbd>**Command**</kbd>+<kbd>**Shift**</kbd>+<kbd>**P**</kbd> for macOS users) to open the "Command Palette". 1. Select the "**Arduino: Update Package Index**" command from the menu. 1. Wait for the "**Downloading index: ...**" notification to close. 1. Select any ESP32 board from Arduino IDE's **Tools > Board** menu. 1. Select a serial port from Arduino IDE's **Tools > Port** menu. 1. Select **Sketch > Upload** from the Arduino IDE menus. 🐛 The process fails due to an incomplete path to `esptool`. ### I have checked existing issues, online documentation and the Troubleshooting Guide - [X] I confirm I have checked existing issues, online documentation and Troubleshooting guide.

michaelduncan · March 5, 2023, 8:54am

Good lookin out, was about to be a night destroyer for me probably

yony445 · March 7, 2023, 2:34am

Can someone guide me to go back to the previous version? I have version 2.0.7

ptillisch · March 7, 2023, 2:40am

Hi @yony445. It is not necessary to go back to the previous version. You can solve the problem by uninstalling and reinstalling version 2.0.7 of the ESP32 boards platform.

Which version of Arduino IDE are you using (e.g., "2.0.1")? The version is shown on the window title bar and also in the Help > About dialog.

I ask for this information because I want to give you the appropriate instructions for the IDE version you are using.

zSarge · March 13, 2023, 10:30pm

Hi @ptillisch! Just wanted to follow up on this.

I just updated to Arduino IDE version 2.0.4, and I have been facing the same issue:

'/esptool.exe' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

exit status 1

Compilation error: exit status 1

Would you be able to provide/reference instructions on how to downgrade to the version of ESP32 boards that does not have this issue?

Thanks!

ptillisch · March 13, 2023, 10:44pm

Although the downgrade is one workaround, it is not necessary. You can simply uninstall and then reinstall 2.0.7 so that you will benefit from using the latest and greatest version of the ESP32 boards platform.

Here are the instructions for doing that:

Select Tools > Board > Boards Manager from the Arduino IDE menus to open the "Boards Manager" view in the left side panel.
Scroll down through the list of boards platforms until you find the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" entry.
Hover the mouse pointer over the "INSTALLED" label on the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" entry. You will now see it change to an "UNINSTALL" button.
Click the "UNINSTALL" button.
A confirmation dialog will appear. Click the "YES" button.
Wait for the uninstallation to finish.
Select "2.0.7" from the dropdown version menu at the bottom of the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" entry.
Click the "INSTALL" button at the bottom of the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" entry.
Wait for the installation to finish.

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems while following those instructions.

simonsko · April 22, 2023, 6:26pm

When I wont to uninstall or update I got message "java.lang.NullPointerException" and nothing happens

ptillisch · April 22, 2023, 6:35pm

Hi @simonsko. I'm going to ask you to post some additional information that might help us to identify the problem.

Please do this:

Close all Arduino IDE windows.
Start Arduino IDE.
(this restart was done to start from a blank console panel)
Select Tools > Board > Boards Manager from the Arduino IDE menus.
Attempt to update the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" boards platform.
After the process fails, click the Close button.
Click on the black console panel at the bottom of the Arduino IDE window.
Press Ctrl+A to select all the text.
Press Ctrl+C.
This will copy the selected text to the clipboard.
Open a forum reply here by clicking the Reply button.
Click the <CODE/> icon on the post composer toolbar. This will add the forum's code block markup (```) to your reply to make sure the error messages are correctly formatted.
Press Ctrl+V.
This will paste the copied text into the code block.
Move the cursor outside of the code block markup before you add any additional text to your reply.
Click the Reply button to post the output.

I'm hoping there will be some additional information in the Arduino IDE console that might help us to understand the cause of the error you experienced. There are a lot of possible causes of this generic "java.lang.NullPointerException" error.

simonsko · April 22, 2023, 6:41pm

I cannot do enything. I got an error

simonsko · April 22, 2023, 6:42pm

This I got from window

java.lang.NullPointerException
java.lang.RuntimeException: java.lang.NullPointerException
	at cc.arduino.contributions.packages.ui.ContributionManagerUI.lambda$onInstallPressed$2(ContributionManagerUI.java:179)
	at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:748)
Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException
	at cc.arduino.contributions.packages.ContributionInstaller.remove(ContributionInstaller.java:275)
	at cc.arduino.contributions.packages.ui.ContributionManagerUI.lambda$onInstallPressed$2(ContributionManagerUI.java:170)
	... 1 more

crashsoft · April 22, 2023, 6:46pm

I have the same issue. Unable to uninstall esp32 from boards manager.
Should we remove install files manually?

java.lang.NullPointerException
java.lang.RuntimeException: java.lang.NullPointerException
at cc.arduino.contributions.packages.ui.ContributionManagerUI.lambda$onRemovePressed$3(ContributionManagerUI.java:213)
at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:748)
Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException
at cc.arduino.contributions.packages.ContributionInstaller.remove(ContributionInstaller.java:276)
at cc.arduino.contributions.packages.ui.ContributionManagerUI.lambda$onRemovePressed$3(ContributionManagerUI.java:210)
... 1 more

simonsko · April 22, 2023, 6:56pm

How to manually remove files?
I did try to remove package_esp32_index.json and cache directory from C:\Users\simon\AppData\Local\Arduino15
but when I run arduino IDE was resorted automatically. And of course same problem..

ptillisch · April 22, 2023, 10:11pm

@simonsko and @crashsoft, which version of Arduino IDE are you using (e.g., "1.8.19")? The version is shown on the window title bar and also in the Help > About dialog.

Please also tell me which operating system you are using (e.g., "Windows").

I ask for this information because I just tried updating my ESP32 boards platform from 2.0.7 to 2.0.8 with Arduino IDE 1.8.19 on my Windows machine. I do see some warnings, but I didn't experience the error you reported and the update was succesful.

crashsoft · April 23, 2023, 7:48am

Arduino 1.8.13 on Windows 10

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Compilation error '/esptool.exe' not recognized

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