libretro / libretro/RetroArch

[Feature Request] When running the uninstaller on Windows, have the process warn if Save Data is in RetroArch's Directory.

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feature request
Dominant language
C
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Forks
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Avg merge
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Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

The default save location is within RetroArch's install directory, which is removed when it is uninstalled.

No warning is given on Installation or Uninstallation about how this will delete save data for your games.

Most software chooses to keep files like game saves in a User directory (such as in AppData) or equivalent - away from the directory the software is in.

Having a warning in the uninstaller (and probably the installer) about this would be helpful to avoid losing many hours of play.

A practical example of this issue being forced is with LRPS2. It doesn't (yet) respect RetroArch's management of Save Files. Despite having my RetroArch configured to keep Saves in the Content Directory, LRPS2 keeps them in files under RetroArch-Win64\system\pcsx2\memcards\Mcd001.ps2 (and Mcd002.ps2). So, uninstalling RetroArch can lead to the loss of those saves if this issue isn't known about beforehand.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by locating RetroArch's Windows installer and uninstaller entry points, then inspect how removal handles the RetroArch-Win64 directory and save paths. Verify the behavior around system\pcsx2\memcards\Mcd001.ps2 and Mcd002.ps2; done should include a clear warning before installation or uninstallation can remove saves stored there.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c
Domain
desktop, release
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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