Magic Lantern Forum

Using Magic Lantern => General Help Q&A => Topic started by: scrax on September 02, 2012, 11:09:15 PM

Title: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: scrax on September 02, 2012, 11:09:15 PM
Normally the camera when powered on make those things (correct me if wrong, please):
1. Bootloader starts up and checks card and boot settings
2. If all default it will load canon firmware from camera, (if no card inserted canon firmware will show warning)

To start up canon firmware and ML we use a setting that canon use for development or service the Boot Flag.
With this option set bootloader will check if the card is bootable if yes it will try to load a file called autoexec.bin.
So autoexec.bin is the main executable for MagicLantern, other file are needed or generated by the program in the ML folder.

This is what happen when ML is properly installed:
1. Bootloader starts up and checks card and boot settings
2. It will find the Boot Flag set so it will check for a bootable card
3. Once found it will load canon firmware and then ML's autoexec.bin

A low level formatted card (used normally) is not bootable.
this is what happen when card is NOT bootable:
1. Bootloader starts up and checks card and boot settings
2. It will find the Boot Flag set so it will check for a bootable card
3. Not found so it will load ONLY canon firmware

and this is what happen when autoexec.bin is NOT present on a bootable card:
1. Bootloader starts up and checks card and boot settings
2. It will find the Boot Flag set so it will check for a bootable card
3. Once found it will load canon firmware and then STUCK IN TRYING TO LOAD missing ML's autoexec.bin
4. battery pull needed.




So what is the install procedure for?

For working ML needs:
1.Boot Flag set on camera
2.bootable card
3.ML files on the card

So let's start from the last.
3. You can just copy the contents from the released zip or another working ML card to a bootable card with any system you use;
2. Making the card bootable can be done with MacBoot for mac and EOSCard for windows, check here (http://wiki.magiclantern.fm/3rd_party_software);
1. This is set with the firmware update procedure described in the guide. The .fir file included in ML package are false firmware updates that when loaded instead of installing a new firmware (dangerous thing) it sets Boot Flag and makes card bootable.

So to have all thing right for ML to load you can chose to:
1. Use always the .fir method and start with an in camera formatted card, copy all the zip contents and then update firmware from camera, waiting for green screen
2. Use only once the .fir method to set up the camera and then make card bootable from PC, and copy file and SETTINGS from the first card to others... ;)
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic)
Post by: scrax on September 03, 2012, 02:39:58 AM
What are files required on card?

autoexec.bin
ML/data/*
ML/cropmks/*
ML/settings/*

Note ML/settings folder required only for copying user settings (if not present it will be created by ML)
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic)
Post by: scrax on November 19, 2012, 06:02:54 PM
What is "installed" on camera
and how to restore it

Nothing is installed on camera!
On camera, in Canon's code, there is already all what is needed for ML to load. The bootflag is an option that Canon use, probably for service and develop.

ML install procedure will use the firmware update step only to set the bootflag to On since it's usually Off.

So if you have some concern about asking for service under warranty and you want to switch back the bootflag to Off you just need the ML .fir file for you camera (with supported canon firmware version of course). It's the one in the zip release with the name of your camera.

What is "installed" on card
and how to restore it
Installed on card there are all what you have on the zip release, but also the card needs to be recognized as bootable by canon's code.
But our card is just a poor "standard formatted card" (you formatted it before starting ML install procedure, right?)
To make canon code happy so it will recognize our card as bootable ML installation will change a couple of word in the filesystem of the card (al the rest will be untouched, files too).

So now you know why if you format the card from camera (without the option to keep ML, of course) or from PC it will be again empty and clean like when purchased ;)

Restore camera AND card to an original state from a working ML installation (for 2.3 supported models):

1. Start the firmware update procedure (with battery full, no accessory, M mode...) from canon menu and wait the green text.
(http://wiki.magiclantern.fm/_media/success.png)

2. change mode on the dial and wait the white text.
(http://i.imgur.com/J27mm.png)

3. Restart camera, clear settings and Custom Func. and format card, low level (NOTE: you will lose also your pics of course).
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Francis on December 12, 2012, 03:07:02 AM
This is great. Don't know how I missed it the first time around.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: deleted.account.01 on December 12, 2012, 05:05:47 PM
still i dont knwo why u guys need that program for  extra card format :O
,,,well i know what is this and what tat program doing but ...but still dont knwo for what
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Francis on December 12, 2012, 06:56:19 PM
Some larger capacity cards (over 16GB) are unable to enable the bootflag and thus unable to make the camera booth ML from the card. The card utilities are useful for this.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: utsikten on May 09, 2013, 10:48:43 PM
Hi !
I have formatted my card and copied 5D2-212.fir , autoexec.bin and the ML file containing cropmks, data , doc and readme .
When I click on INSTALL it show the text loading for half a second and then    -  nothing .
So I take out the battery an restart and the camera works like always.

What have I done wrong ?
Please help me .
/Gunnar

PS Why do I have to answer all these questions before I can post my mail ? DS
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: scrax on May 10, 2013, 12:12:46 AM
Quote from: utsikten on May 09, 2013, 10:48:43 PM
Hi !
I have formatted my card and copied 5D2-212.fir , autoexec.bin and the ML file containing cropmks, data , doc and readme .
When I click on INSTALL it show the text loading for half a second and then    -  nothing .
So I take out the battery an restart and the camera works like always.

What have I done wrong ?
Please help me .
/Gunnar

PS Why do I have to answer all these questions before I can post my mail ? DS
Or you have not waited enough or wrong firmware installed in camera?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: utsikten on May 10, 2013, 08:05:33 AM
Well , I waited for two minutes with no sign of activity on the camera .
The current Canon firmware  is 2.0.8 but I gave found a new one ( 2.1.2 )
I will update with this but should that make a difference ?
/Gunnar

Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: nanomad on May 10, 2013, 11:22:07 AM
Yes. You need the correct fw version to run ML  ::)
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: utsikten on May 10, 2013, 01:34:58 PM
Quote from: scrax on May 10, 2013, 12:12:46 AM
Or you have not waited enough or wrong firmware installed in camera?

Yes !! 
With the new canon update I could install ML !
So now I only have to get to know all the advantages with ML . :-)
/Gunnar
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Kraemer on May 26, 2013, 06:06:59 AM
Hey guys, Im using the 5D3 with firmware 1.1.3 with ML alpha 3 (magiclantern-5D3.113). 

What's going on when I need to re-update the firmware everytime I turn the camera off ?   
I thought I read something about it somewhere but cant find it now, thanks,
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic)
Post by: Mei Lewis on May 27, 2013, 11:45:41 AM
Quote from: scrax on November 19, 2012, 06:02:54 PM
Restore camera AND card to an original state from a working ML installation:

1. Start the firmware update procedure (with battery full, no accessory, M mode...) from canon menu and wait the green text.
(http://wiki.magiclantern.fm/_media/success.png)

2. change mode on the dial and wait the white text.
(http://i.imgur.com/J27mm.png)

3. Restart camera, clear settings and Custom Func. and format card, low level (NOTE: you will lose also your pics of course).

This doesn't work on 5dmk3 with the RAW firmware.

After doing the firmware update procedure the camera just goes straight back to working, the greentext on black screen is never shown.

As far as I can tell there is no repeatable way to fully uninstall Magic Lantern from a 5dmlk3!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: scrax on May 27, 2013, 12:46:03 PM
Quote from: Kraemer on May 26, 2013, 06:06:59 AM
Hey guys, Im using the 5D3 with firmware 1.1.3 with ML alpha 3 (magiclantern-5D3.113). 

What's going on when I need to re-update the firmware everytime I turn the camera off ?   
I thought I read something about it somewhere but cant find it now, thanks,
that's how alpha releases works, for safety reasons you have to manually load it with the firmware update procedure each time
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: theeastdistrict on May 27, 2013, 06:26:16 PM
So for Alpha release, we have to keep updating the firmware in order to use ML every time?

When will a stable release be out?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Kraemer on May 27, 2013, 08:48:28 PM
Quote from: scrax on May 27, 2013, 12:46:03 PM
that's how alpha releases works, for safety reasons you have to manually load it with the firmware update procedure each time

Alright Thank you Scrax!  I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.  DUH I just went back to re-read the 1st page:

NOTES
THIS VERSION OF MAGICLANTERN HAS AUTOBOOT DISABLED
Which means you'll have to re-run the firmware update every time you power off the camera.
It's a safety measure, so don't ask to remove it until the port is stabler

I've enjoyed playing around with this verion, waiting for my faster CF card to arrive before I put on the RAW update.

One other thing.. Could you please point me in the direction to get the still photo feature set? 
I seem to only get the video mods, and can't find the still shooting menus?  Thanks Scrax
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Kraemer on May 30, 2013, 05:44:32 AM
Got one more question:

Ive read several different reports on install methods, read this whole thread three times and I'm confused...  :'(

In the user guide it says:

"There are two ways of running user code on Canon DSLR cameras: 1. Using the update process with a .fir file, which must be digitally signed.

2. Using the bootdisk process: if the camera finds AUTOEXEC.BIN on the card, this file is loaded and executed. This file does not have to be signed, but the BOOTDISK flag must be enabled in the camera and the card must be prepared in a special way (labeled as "bootable")."

With this latest version (RAW update), when using install method #2 --Do I put the bootflag.fir on the camera, run the installer, then take the card out, delete the bootflag file from the SD card, then put the autoexec.bin and ml folder back onto the card?   This would be pretty easy, but not as easy as alpha 2.3.

Step2, Use macboot to make the CF card bootable?

Thanks in advance for the help,
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on May 30, 2013, 02:01:58 PM
at Kramer:

First of all it is a good idea to tell us what camera you are using since each camera has very specific things.  Now I just spent more time reading this entire thread to find out that you are working with a 5D3.  So in the future begin with.. I have a 5D3..

Second, as mentioned earlier in this post this thread is more specific to Nighty builds which mean this is the thread for more standard cameras so it does not apply to specifically to 5D3.

I have a 5D3 and have written:

RAW video & ML -- Beginners Guide and FAQ -- READ FIRST
http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=5520.0:



Inside this guide please jump to the section of:

FINALLY INSTALLATION OF RAW VIDEO...  read and understand all of it

dont miss the section...

SPECIAL CASES:

On the newer cameras there are new files that are uses instead or in addition to the autoexec.bin files.


As always read before you post.  Those are the forum RULES: http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=934.msg1141#msg1141

I know it is very frustrating but this is not easy stuff!!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Kraemer on May 30, 2013, 06:39:52 PM
Thanks Much Renato, I'll try and soak it all in.  Appreciate your help!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: KSphoto on May 31, 2013, 04:50:24 AM
I had ML confirmed running on my 50D and when I replaced the Auto Exec. file and replaced the ML files for raw rec, the camera will not load saying it is missing scripts. What have I done? There never was a scripts folder.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Kraemer on May 31, 2013, 08:37:12 AM
I finally got it on my 5D3 loaded with the recent raw release-- but i never got to the green screen of text.. 

Here's what I did:   I  put the bootflag.fir on an SD card, put it in the camera and updated the firmware. Then I took the card out, deleted the bootflag fir file, and put the ml folder and autoexec.bin card in and rebooted.  It seems to work. 

I noticed that it will only load the raw video module when booted in the movie mode..is this normal?  I thought I might have messed somthin' up?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: scrax on May 31, 2013, 11:01:40 AM
Quote from: KSphoto on May 31, 2013, 04:50:24 AM
I had ML confirmed running on my 50D and when I replaced the Auto Exec. file and replaced the ML files for raw rec, the camera will not load saying it is missing scripts. What have I done? There never was a scripts folder.
just make a folder called scripts in ML folder and it will no longer show the warning, it's because now you have scripts support in the build

Quote from: Kraemer on May 31, 2013, 08:37:12 AM
I finally got it on my 5D3 loaded with the recent raw release-- but i never got to the green screen of text.. 

The green screen is only for 2.3 supported models, Alpha versions have alternative methods to boot.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Aphrodite1 on September 13, 2013, 06:01:05 PM
Hi All

I am sure that I am just being simple but I cannot find the answer to my question the forum.

A couple of months ago I installed ML on a 600D bought new from Amazon. Install went fine and it works perfectly. I have just bought another new 600D also from Amazon and have copied the same files to the SD cards (Sandisk 32Gb Extreme) and installed ML and got the successful install message but ML just doesn't run on the new camera.

I downloaded EOScard 1.4 and tried again but still nothing.

All the cards work happily with the first camera but still zip on the second one.

Am I doing something stupid or have I  missed a trick somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on September 13, 2013, 06:45:51 PM
You probably forgot to put the xxx.fir file to enable the bootflag in the new camera.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Aphrodite1 on September 14, 2013, 08:31:49 AM
Hi

Thanks for the reply but I have everything apart from the instruction PDFs on all the cards, so all the .fir files and the autoexec.bin.

This is why I am wondering if I did something stupid as I am sure I did exactly the same as the first camera but this one just won't work but all the cards (4 in all) allow ML to run in the first camera!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: dima510 on September 14, 2013, 10:54:27 AM
hi,

bought a 5d3 FW 1.1.3 yesterday and tried to get ML up & running - no success. i have a 5d2 as well with ML running fine so i am not completely new to this. but:

the only ML version i can run on the new 5d3 is the alpha3 dated last year. however, after pressing "delete", a message appears, that this version has restricted functions - which is true... :-/

if i run ML FW update 113 WITH bootflag, the camera responds with "autoboot enabled :)". but in fact, it is NOT. when i turn off and on again with a card containing autoexec and ML folders AND the card has been made bootable with EOScard, the camera just loads CANON 1.1.3 - nothing else. it seems, that it is not possible, to enable the bootflag on this camera: if i run ML FW 113 WITH bootflag, and then insert a bootable card WITHOUT autoexec, the camera does not hang (which has been described in this forum) - it still loads CANON 1.1.3 - as if nothing had ever happend ---- WHY ???

is it possible that CANON have disabled the possibility to set bootflag on their latest produced cameras ??

thanx for your help !!

d.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: nanomad on September 14, 2013, 11:09:14 AM
Make the card bootable using MacBoot or EOSCard
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: dima510 on September 15, 2013, 11:46:44 AM
it's in my post - card has been made bootable with eoscard. no effect ... :-/
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on September 15, 2013, 01:59:23 PM
Quote from: dima510 on September 14, 2013, 10:54:27 AM
bought a 5d3 FW 1.1.3 yesterday and tried to get ML up & running - no success. i have a 5d2 as well with ML running fine so i am not completely new to this. but:

When you use EOScard make sure that:
1. You have the necesary files in the SD card: *.fir file, autoexec.bin file, plus the ML directory.
2. The Utility recognizes the card by identifiying it in the box next to Refresh.
3. You select the EOS_DEVELOP  check box
4. You select the BOOTDISK check box
5. Under Content, make sure EOScard recognizes: DCIM folder, autoexec.bin file, ML folder, and if required (to enable the boot flag on camera) the fir file.  When EOScard recognizes all of those files it should give you a check mark or something like that.
6. Press the Save button.
7. Look on the bottom of EOScard and should give you a confirmation that the card was written, ie. write successful.

I recently read about another situations with the newer EOScard utility in which the automatic function brought the files to the SD via internet connection.  I am not familiar with this function but Pelican seems to more about it since he created EOScard utility.  Anyway the issue was that EOScard utility had downloaded some files plus there were already some files in the card, the user noticed that in the fir file area it showed like 3 files so the user had to select the correct fir file for the EOScard utility to properly prepare the card!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: dima510 on September 30, 2013, 05:52:55 PM
hi renato,

thanx for your detailed reply! did all of your 7 steps: doesn't work :-/

question1: does it have to be the SD card, or can ML on a 5D3 run from the CF card, too?
question2: when you say "the ML folder" - what exactly does that include? just the nightly build from here http://builds.magiclantern.fm/#/
or anything else to start with before the nightly build is copied to the card (...and thus overwrites autoexec.bin + ML folder...) ??
in the "stable build" v2.3 the 5D3 is not mentioned. the only 5D3 build i found that actually starts on my cam by pressing the "delete" button has practically no functions and states something like "evaluation only with minor functions". overwriting this version with the actual nightly build does not work. what else can i try ???

thanx again, d.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on October 01, 2013, 01:20:37 AM
1. I have booted my camera with ML on SD card and also on CF card.  Prefferred method SD
2.  ML folder is the ML folder included in the zip package from http://builds.magiclantern.fm/#/.  In the zip package there is ML folder (directory) and autoexe.bin files.
3.  I suspect that the bootflag has not been set.

Read this and watch the videos included:
RAW video & ML -- Beginners Guide, FAQ & Useful Links -- READ FIRST
http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=5520.0

And.. (after watching the video guides) if you want more help then write detail step by step what you have done, beginning with setting the bootflag.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: dima510 on October 01, 2013, 07:41:09 AM
hi renato,

ref. 2: this 5D3 folder does not contain any .bmp in the subdirectory "doc". so from my point of view it is impossible to start ML just with these files ?!
ref. 3: the bootflag has been set with the 113 bootflag.fir" and it worked at least once - unfortunaltely only with that version missing any useful functions ...
from what i have read here, it is not possible to reset the bootflag - it is therefore still set. this is also indicated by the fact, that the camera does not start at all when the SD is bootable but no ML / autoexec is on the card. without the bootflag set, the camera would then start normal canon firmware, right? cheers, d.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on October 01, 2013, 01:05:06 PM
Quote from: RenatoPhoto on October 01, 2013, 01:20:37 AM
And.. (after watching the video guides) if you want more help then write detail step by step what you have done, beginning with setting the bootflag.

From what you wrote, I am guessing that you are mixing old files with new files.  Erase all of the old files from the card and put the new files on the card... and
write detail step by stepwhat you have done, from the start.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Aphrodite1 on October 02, 2013, 05:17:14 PM
At the risk of embarrassing myself I thought that I should let you all know the solution to my problem in case it is of any help to other members in the future.

It turns out that it was installed (which I knew) and working all along (which I didn't) I had just failed to press the "Info" button enough times to get ML to appear on the screen!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: dima510 on October 07, 2013, 11:48:06 AM
Quote from: RenatoPhoto on October 01, 2013, 01:05:06 PM
From what you wrote, I am guessing that you are mixing old files with new files.  Erase all of the old files from the card and put the new files on the card... and
write detail step by stepwhat you have done, from the start.

ok - i went back to step 1 and formatted my card in camera (firmware 1.1.3)
put the card into cardreader
copied 938047c files (august 21st) to card - including .fir, autoexec.bin and ML folder
copied actual nightly build to card and replaced (some) existing files
started eoscard.exe, made the card bootable - saved OK
put the card in camera, M-mode, video.mode
turned the camera on
it came up with a "card-test" for the first time (never had that before), and ML started without any modules loaded
in ML modules menu, turned all modules on for next reboot
rebooting brings up two errors: tcc: error: undefined symbol 'bfnt_printf' and error: undefined symbol 'free'
E (in brackets) failed to link modules

so the status is: ML seems to be running but without loading any modules. has anyone had that before? what can i do?? thank you!!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Joao on October 19, 2013, 02:31:24 AM
hi! i have done all the installation of magic lantern v2.3.55 on my canon 60D, and at the last step after put the magic lantern files in the root card, i can´t launch the firmware upgrade! i click ok in camera and goes again to menu!! somebody can help me?! thanks
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on October 19, 2013, 02:55:46 AM
Did you start the firmware update procedure in Canon menu (with battery full, no accessory, M mode...)
You should be running Canon firmware 1.1.1 before you try it.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: carlfino on November 28, 2013, 04:27:29 PM
I have a Canon 6D with firmware 1.1.3, and I'm trying to load ML.  I have loaded the night build files onto a low-level, camera formatted 16MB SDHC card.  I also have the 6D-112.fir file on the card.  The nightly build files and the .fir file are all loaded onto the root of the card, along with the 2 canon folders (DCIM & MISC). 

Camera switched to M.  I am able to perform the firmware update, and when I do I get a message on the screen for about 1/2 second that the firmware update is "Loading."  Then the screen goes black indefinitely - no green screen, no ability to autofocus.  All is well after I pull the battery and insert a new card, but no ML.

Any suggestions?

Carl...
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Walter Schulz on November 28, 2013, 05:08:20 PM
Quote from: carlfino on November 28, 2013, 04:27:29 PMI have a Canon 6D with firmware 1.1.3, and I'm trying to load ML.

http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=5530.msg37766#msg37766
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Krane on December 28, 2013, 10:26:57 AM
My issue is a filed install of ML Alpha 3 on my 5D MkIII. I followed the step-by-step tutorial of Charlie Locke's on youtube. My install used the files compiled in his dropbox.

I verified that all the files were present. My camera was updated with firmware 1.1.3. I formatted my new working Sandisk EP 32GB card in camera. I then imitated the EOScard program and with all the boxes check, I pressed the ML logo > Write successful! > Save.

I place the card in the camera and switched it on as normal and scrolled to format tab. The firmware screen did not show any of the additional ML information after the firmware as seen in the video. All that was there was the original current firmware version 1.1.3.

Any suggestion on how or why the ML did not show?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: RenatoPhoto on December 28, 2013, 12:57:49 PM
You did not mention anything about setting the bootflag on the camera.  You only mention making the SD card bootable.  If your SD card contains the 5D3-113-bootflag.fir file then you have to go to the Canon firmware screen and press the set button to update the firmware.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Krane on December 29, 2013, 01:04:53 AM
Quote from: RenatoPhoto on December 28, 2013, 12:57:49 PM
You did not mention anything about setting the bootflag on the camera.  You only mention making the SD card bootable.  If your SD card contains the 5D3-113-bootflag.fir file then you have to go to the Canon firmware screen and press the set button to update the firmware.
That's because I was afraid to. After I didn't get the same screen shown in the video, I figured I'd done something wrong.

However, after about a half dozen repeats of the setup procedure to verify that I hadn't missed anything, and many hours of pacing after that, I finally got up the courage to hit the set button and ML was installed!  ;D

Now comes the arduous task of figuring out how to operate it. I'm sure I'll be chiming in regularly from this point on. Thanks so much for your help.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: lostfeliz on January 06, 2014, 01:31:00 AM
Found myself in a pickle today. I made the mistake of renaming my SD card today. After that Magic Lantern wouldn't load. The firmware was reverted back to Canon. I tried many things. Finally went through the whole procedure: I reformatted the SD card in the camera, i copied the latest build and the boot flag for the 5d3. I updated the firmware, but the update was interrupted by the message: "retry data/fonts.dat". I tried a few times. No luck. Well. After trying a few things, I noticed the firmware is listed as the "1.1.3-ml-v2.3.nex". But it still acts funky on boot, tells me to load ALL the ML files, says "data/fonts.dat retry", and doesn't load ML. I've looked in the ML/DATA folder. There is no fonts.dat file. I checked old builds. Nothing, no fonts.dat file. I looked in a year old build folder that I had and there is a fonts.dat file in the DATA folder. So I went for it. I copied it over. Bingo, it says "enablebootdisk, :)". But ML still doesn't load. I restart it. Same thing. I can't even select "firmware ver" from the Canon menu. Hope I haven't destroyed my 5D (already had enough bad luck lately with lenses getting stolen).  Any help or guidelines?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: lostfeliz on January 06, 2014, 02:05:14 AM
MORE INFO: I can take pictures. None of the Canon menu buttons work (okay, revised, the set button doesn't work but i can select menu items by pushing on the mini joystick above it. i tried reinstalling the firmware and i got the same fonts.dat retry problem). The record video button doesn't do anything.


UPDATE: I somehow was able to get it running with the Alpha 5d3 software. Then I reverted to the Canon 1.1.3 and carefully went through all the steps to get back to the nightly builds. After the last step of updating the firmware with the boot flag, the same problem happened: "fonts.dat retry". but this time even though it said that, it's working okay!! wow. harrowing 24 hours!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Krane on January 07, 2014, 02:53:21 AM
Quote from: lostfeliz on January 06, 2014, 02:05:14 AM
MORE INFO: I can take pictures. None of the Canon menu buttons work (okay, revised, the set button doesn't work but i can select menu items by pushing on the mini joystick above it. i tried reinstalling the firmware and i got the same fonts.dat retry problem). The record video button doesn't do anything.


UPDATE: I somehow was able to get it running with the Alpha 5d3 software. Then I reverted to the Canon 1.1.3 and carefully went through all the steps to get back to the nightly builds. After the last step of updating the firmware with the boot flag, the same problem happened: "fonts.dat retry". but this time even though it said that, it's working okay!! wow. harrowing 24 hours!
Could you please be more specific? For example, specify which build by name or code rather than using the term "last." Like you did in your update above. 

I try to follow along with these posts but its hard to keep up when I don't know where you started form. And just to be clear what you mean when your refer to "revert": The default IS Canon software unless ML is launched correct? Thanks.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: krisc on January 07, 2014, 01:42:53 PM
ML installation - SD card want boot. When I got EOS M I wanted to use ML. Follow all instructions on the net ... the SD card would not boot.
The solution - as I use only UNIX/Linux systems the utility called fsck ( fsck from util-linux 2.22.2
fsck 1.42.7 version ) showed that "dirty bit is set ". It means that hard disk (SD in this case ) is corrupted so it can not be mounted nor used as boot disk. The fix is as follows, you have to be root or sudoer:
# fsck -a /dev/sdf1   ( where sd....1 what ever letter is your SD card ).  I do not know if this works on OSX.
I use 32GB class 10 SD cards. Did not try 64 or 128 GB yet. ML is great ....
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Krane on January 07, 2014, 07:17:38 PM
Quote from: krisc on January 07, 2014, 01:42:53 PM
ML installation - SD card want boot. When I got EOS M I wanted to use ML. Follow all instructions on the net ... the SD card would not boot.
The solution - as I use only UNIX/Linux systems the utility called fsck ( fsck from util-linux 2.22.2
fsck 1.42.7 version ) showed that "dirty bit is set ". It means that hard disk (SD in this case ) is corrupted so it can not be mounted nor used as boot disk. The fix is as follows, you have to be root or sudoer:
# fsck -a /dev/sdf1   ( where sd....1 what ever letter is your SD card ).  I do not know if this works on OSX.
I use 32GB class 10 SD cards. Did not try 64 or 128 GB yet. ML is great ....
I think you left out a step? Anyway, what brand is your card?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: krisc on January 09, 2014, 11:12:07 AM
The cards I use are: 32 GB SanDisk Extreme 45MB/s (no ML) and 32GB Transcend SDHC (10) with ML on it.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Krane on January 10, 2014, 06:40:09 AM
Quote from: krisc on January 09, 2014, 11:12:07 AM
The cards I use are: 32 GB SanDisk Extreme 45MB/s (no ML) and 32GB Transcend SDHC (10) with ML on it.
I can't see where the problem is but I use Windows. The best way to narrow down a problem is to use the scientific method. Replace the  SD card with another and see if that works. Or second, try it on another computer (preferable one with your OS and see what you get.

At least then you'll know if its the card or if you're doing something else wrong. I suspect your procedure. Its usually one step you're missing or are doing wrong. That's all I have maybe someone else can help.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: krisc on January 11, 2014, 10:42:22 AM
We have misunderstanding a bit here.
I did have "boot" problem. It took a bit of experimenting finaly I got it ML booting and running OK.
The fix I presenetd at first message was the solution for me - so I posted, it may halp some people.

Currently trying to get on the top of ML shooting raw video .....
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Krane on January 12, 2014, 05:30:19 AM
Quote from: krisc on January 11, 2014, 10:42:22 AM
We have misunderstanding a bit here.
I did have "boot" problem. It took a bit of experimenting finally I got it ML booting and running OK.
The fix I presented at first message was the solution for me - so I posted, it may help some people.

Currently trying to get on the top of ML shooting raw video .....
I see. Did you set up a file with all the missing folders should you need to reformat and start again? I have all that titled ML boot disc ready and waiting should I ever need it. Don't want to have to go searching for it and find it missing or deleted. Good luck.
Title: Boot sequence (on 5DII)?
Post by: factotum on January 13, 2014, 02:35:12 PM
Hello. It´s my first post and although I´ve been looking for in this and others threads, I don´t find the information (and/or because of my bad english ). It is about the start sequence of the camera when it switches on and load ML, it´s confusing for me. How many seconds it´s necessary to wait when I switch on the camera untill the load of ML is completed?. I´ve noticed that when I press any button during the boot sequence  ML firm is not loaded and I have to wait a few seconds , even in standby It´s more confused and sometines when I half-press the shoot button in standby ML goes out and original firmware is loaded.
Best regards
Title: Re: Boot sequence (on 5DII)?
Post by: Krane on January 13, 2014, 06:35:39 PM
Quote from: factotum on January 13, 2014, 02:35:12 PM
Hello. It´s my first post and although I´ve been looking for in this and others threads, I don´t find the information (and/or because of my bad english ). It is about the start sequence of the camera when it switches on and load ML, it´s confusing for me. How many seconds it´s necessary to wait when I switch on the camera untill the load of ML is completed?. I´ve noticed that when I press any button during the boot sequence  ML firm is not loaded and I have to wait a few seconds , even in standby It´s more confused and sometines when I half-press the shoot button in standby ML goes out and original firmware is loaded.
Best regards
I've never timed it exactly, but I'm sure it can't take more than 5 sec. I'm really not understanding your dilemma. Are you saying its taking too long to load?

Anyway, the only way I get the Canon menu is when I press information. Are you sure you're are not pressing any buttons during the load sequence?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: factotum on January 13, 2014, 10:52:36 PM
I say (I have already discovered) that when the camera is in standby if I press SET button it  loads the original firmware instead of ML firm. On the contrary if another button is pressed it loads itself ML firmware. I have read about this feature when the camera is started by pressing ON button but I didn´t know this. I have installed 2.1.2-mlv2.3. with raw module.
thanks
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: ihellos on February 25, 2014, 08:09:31 AM
I am new to Magic Lantern, but not to Canon DSLRs or computers. I'm trying to install ML on a Canon 5D Mark III I bought in December. I've read through all the guides, watched several tutorials but for some reason I cannot get ML to 'take' on my camera. I go to the firmware update (Which always says Canon 1.1.3 until I update it, when it switches to the ML firmware), and it runs and I get the Smiley face at the end that is supposed to mean you turn your camera off, turn it back on and then ML is there. It's not, though, and more often than not the ML build doesn't stick around in the current firmware display- it keeps reverting back to the Canon 1.1.3 firmware.

I've done it all step-by-step like I'm supposed to, and it's not working. The files I'm using came from Charlie Locke's vid: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ejs6aclfqqpeflk/ML%205D.zip, and I'm using the same process as described by Dave Dugdale here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AgyiJmrio4#aid=P-netHSreks , along with trying every other process I can find on the interwebs.

To my dumb, unfamiliar mind it seems like this I'm having trouble getting the bootflag installed, but I'm not entirely sure. Would really love some help on this one if anyone has any ideas. Thanks!
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Walter Schulz on February 25, 2014, 09:16:06 AM
Bootflag not set would result in ML not starting at all. It won't toggle by itself. Use EOScard to make your card bootable and copy latest Nightly build files over the existing AUTOEXEC.BIN and ML directory.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: ihellos on February 25, 2014, 06:07:45 PM
I'm using a Mac, so I'm using MacBoot to make the SD card bootable. Just made it bootable, and then replace the ML files and the autoexec.bin with the ones from the latest nightly build. Still getting the smiley face, and still just shows 1.1.3 when I turn it off and then back on. I have just the 5d3-113-bootflag.dir, autoexec.bin, DCIM, MISC, and ML folders in there. There is a ROM.DAT file that keeps getting added to the SD every time I try to update to ML firmware on the camera.

Any other ideas? Thanks so much for helping a newbie out- the file structure is mirroring everything I've seen online.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Walter Schulz on February 25, 2014, 07:44:19 PM
Start reading here: http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=10657.msg103676#msg103676
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Regele IONESCU on May 06, 2017, 03:59:34 PM
Hello!

I have been using ML since the first release without any problem on my 5D Mark II. A few days ago I tried to update to the latest nightly build(30 march 2017). After copying the files on card(Sandisk Extreme III, 32G), Magic Lantern installs without any error but won't boot at all. I noticed for the first time that during installation it backs up some ROM files. During installation it says Bootflag set OK and made card bootable OK. I tried EOScard without any success. I tried even to install an old ML build(2013). I formatted and re formatted the card both in camera and on my pc. Apart from ML not booting the rest of the camera works fine. I googled for this problem but all relevant links lead here. I also have two 16g no name CF cards with the latest ML build that work fine!

Is there anything left I can do to make ML boot?
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Walter Schulz on May 09, 2017, 05:52:20 AM
Remove card, remove battery.
Insert battery only.
Does the cam startup without card now? (Compartment doors shut, of course).
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Regele IONESCU on May 15, 2017, 06:13:18 PM
Yes, it does.
Title: Re: HOW ML START (or why it doesn't boot topic) & Restore Camera Settings
Post by: Walter Schulz on May 15, 2017, 10:43:21 PM
Copy extracted nightly build content to card and startup cam.
Results?