How to transfer DS saves to R4i
0This isn't really a tutorial, but could be a used as a guide by people who are stuck with the same problem…
So earlier I decided I was going to try and figure out how to transfer my save file from Rune Factory, onto to my R4i. How hard could that be, right? It turns out there is a lengthy process involved. The things you need to get started are an Xploder 'cheats system' save transfer USB device, a Micro SD card reader (comes with the R4i) and a computer/laptop (These are self explanatory to an extent).
1) Install the software that comes with the Xploder device (It comes with a CD. I'm sure there's an ISO of the CD online if your copy is lost/broken).
2) Open the software, plug in the USB card reader, and put the game cartridge into the slot.
3) Select the transfer option for copying the save to the PC. The first input box is the folder name, the second is what you're naming this file, and the 3rd is a description. This doesn't matter as this is all stored in an XML file (which took me a while to figure out)
4) Navigate to the saves directory of the Xploder software (Quickest way to find it is to open a documents window (Eg, 'My Documents' from the start menu) and type %appdata% into the directory box, then press enter. You should be in a folder that ends in \AppData\Roaming\'.
5) Go 1 folder up (\AppData\) and do a search for 'Saves', or 'Xploder', and make sure you end up in the '\Saves\' folder
6) Your save files will be here under random names, with the extension '.GDS'. Make sure you know which file is your save. To check this, open the file in Notepad, and look for text on the first line that reads like a game title (Eg, 'Rune Factory')
7) Copy the directory path (remember where these files are basically), and then go to this URL: http://www.shunyweb.info/convert.php
8) Select your GDS file. Source format is '.gds'. For the target format, this is trial and error as it doesn't seem to convert properly. Choose from:
Acekard RPG | EXFlash V | RAW Format | Force [32kb] (.sav)
Acekard RPG | EXFlash V | RAW Format | Force [64kb] (.sav)
Acekard RPG | EXFlash V | RAW Format | Force [128kb] (.sav)
Acekard RPG | EXFlash V | RAW Format | Force [256kb] (.sav)
Acekard RPG | EXFlash V | RAW Format | Force [512kb] (.sav)
Acekard RPG | EXFlash V | RAW Format | Force [1024kb] (.sav)
Yeah, sorry I can't be more help -.- but it does seem to be temperamental. I recommend first checking what size the file R4i creates, then working out which of the above options creates a file higher than a power of 2 under the file size. Yeah, that probably didn't make sense, so I'll try to explain:
Say the file R4i makes is 64kb. If 1 of the above generates something under 32kb, then it'll convert to 32kb. If it's higher (this case, 40kb), then it'll convert up to 64kb. Like I said, trial and error
9) Copy this converted file to the same directory on your Micro SD card as the game is, then rename this file using the EXACT name as the save file as the R4i has generated. If there isn't already a save file, I recommend having your R4i make one by having it boot up the game (creating a blank file, that is the correct size), and then doing the above. If windows complains there are 2 files of the same name now, delete the blank save file, and then rename it. Your file size may not be a multiple of 2 now, but upon launching the game, it will be converted automatically.
This all took me a few hours to piece together -.- If anyone is still using the R4i, let me know how this step by step guide helped in the comments section. I hope it helps someone!