Verifying MD5 Checksums

In order to ensure that you are using the correct BIOS file for a given system, we recommend verifying the MD5 checksum of a BIOS image against the official MD5 checksums listed in the BIOS table.

Windows 10

The open-source HashCheck Shell Extension featured in these screenshots makes checking an MD5 checksum in Windows 10 fairly straightforward.

Action Screenshot
1. Select the BIOS file you would like to verify in Windows Explorer. This example uses a file which claims to be a Magnavox Oddessy2 BIOS. Select the BIOS file in question
2. Right-click and then select Properties. Generally, this option appears at the bottom of the right-click context menu. Right-click context menu in Windows 10 explorer
3. Select the Checksums tab and locate the MD5 checksum. In this case the checksum of 562d5ebf9e030a40d6fabfc2f33139fd is a match. Windows 10 checksum calcuation
4. Rename the BIOS file to match the table below, being sure to match the case. Sometimes Windows makes it difficult to see or change the file extension – be sure that the extension is also correct. renaming BIOS to match the table
5. Transfer the BIOS image into the Lakka system folder so it can be used to load the corresponding libretro emulator core. copy BIOS images to the system folder

Windows 7

MD5sums is a lightweight and portable tool that works hassle-free using the drag-&-drop method. Simply drag each file over md5sums.exe and the resulting sum will be displayed. BIOS files, usually light on size, will be displayed immediately, however, ROMs, typically large files, will produce a percentage bar indicating when to expect the output.

MD5sums.exe

Alternatively, md5summer, is another option.

Linux

md5sum should be available by default. If otherwise, install coreutils package.

  1. Open a Terminal.
  2. Go to directory where files are placed by typing: cd /path/to/directory/.
  3. Type md5sum XXXX where XXXX is the name of your BIOS.

Mac

  1. Open a Terminal
  2. Type md5
  3. Drag and drop your file to the terminal then press Enter.

Online

Sums can be checked online, too.

DAT Verification

You can verify all BIOS files automatically, with System.dat, through one of the following programs: