Troubleshooting Opencore Booting Issues - Failed to Retrieve Boot File

Guide:

Introduction: If you're encountering booting issues with Opencore and receiving errors like "Failed to retrieve boot file from DMG," this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Follow the steps carefully to identify and fix the issue.

Requirements:

• Opencore EFI folder
• Basic understanding of Opencore configuration
• Patience and attention to detail

Step 1: Verify EFI Configuration:

1. Confirm that your EFI folder is set up correctly. Check for any missing or incorrectly configured files.
2. Ensure that you followed the Opencore guide for your specific hardware.

Step 2: Check Boot Drive:

1. Confirm that your USB drive is correctly formatted and contains the Opencore EFI folder.
2. Use a known-working USB port for the bootable drive.

Step 3: Verify Config.plist:

1. Open your config.plist file using ProperTree or any plist editor.
2. Check for errors in configuration, especially in the Booter and Kernel sections.
3. Confirm that the ScanPolicy in Misc > Boot > ScanPolicy is set appropriately.

Step 4: DMG and Boot File Issues:

1. Check for any issues with the Opencore DMG file. Redownload Opencore if necessary.
2. Make sure that the boot file specified in your config.plist exists in the EFI folder.
3. Verify that the boot file path in config.plist is correct.

Step 5: USB Port Compatibility:

1. Test booting from different USB ports on your machine.
2. Some motherboards might have compatibility issues with certain USB ports.

Step 6: Remove Unnecessary Kexts:

1. Remove any unnecessary kexts from the Kexts folder in your EFI.
2. Only include kexts that are essential for your hardware.

Step 7: Test with Minimal Configuration:

1. Create a minimal config.plist with only essential settings for booting.
2. Remove unnecessary drivers and kexts temporarily for testing.

Step 8: Update Opencore and Kexts:

1. Check for the latest version of Opencore and update if necessary.
2. Update essential kexts to their latest versions.

Step 9: Review the Log:

1. Examine the error log for any additional details.
2. Look for specific error messages or patterns that may indicate the root cause.

Step 10: Seek Community Support:

1. Visit Opencore forums or relevant Hackintosh communities.
2. Share details of your issue and logs for assistance.

Step 11: Reinstall Opencore:

1. If all else fails, consider reinstalling Opencore from scratch.
2. Follow the guide carefully and double-check your configuration.

Conclusion: Resolving Opencore booting issues requires a systematic approach and attention to detail. By following these steps and seeking support from the community, you can identify and fix the problem. Remember to document changes and seek assistance if needed. Good luck with resolving your Opencore booting issue!