The error message "No main boot entries found... check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries" is a common issue with the Hekate bootloader on the Nintendo Switch. It typically means the configuration file that tells Hekate how to launch your Custom Firmware (CFW) is missing, empty, or incorrectly formatted. Common Fixes
If you are seeing this error, check the following common causes and solutions based on community consensus:
File Extension Issue (Most Common): Ensure the file is named exactly hekate_ipl.ini and is not actually hekate_ipl.ini.txt. In Windows, you must enable "File name extensions" in the View tab of File Explorer to see and remove the hidden .txt extension.
Missing Entries: Hekate does not come with boot options by default; you must add them yourself or use a premade template. A standard entry for Atmosphere often looks like this:
[Atmosphere CFW] payload=bootloader/payloads/fusee.bin icon=bootloader/res/icon_payload.bmp Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Wrong Directory: The file must be located at the root of your SD card in the /bootloader/ folder. It cannot be inside a subfolder or renamed.
Outdated Configuration: If you recently updated, older lines like fss0=atmosphere/fusee-secondary.bin may no longer work and should be updated to fss0=atmosphere/package3.
Archive Bit (Mac Users): If you use a Mac to transfer files, the "archive bit" can cause read errors. In Hekate, go to Tools -> Arch bit • RCM • Touch • Partitions -> Fix Archive Bit to resolve this. Where to Find Valid Configs
For a ready-to-use configuration, you can refer to authoritative community resources: bootloader hekateiplini has boot entries hot
Hekate Official Templates: Official examples from the developer.
NH Switch Guide: Provides a standard hekate_ipl.ini file for most setups.
When the Hekate bootloader displays the message "No main boot entries found... check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries," it means the bootloader cannot find or read the specific instructions needed to launch your Custom Firmware (CFW) or Stock OS. Why This Happens
Missing hekate_ipl.ini File: Hekate does not include boot options by default; you must manually add this file to the /bootloader/ folder on your SD card.
Incorrect File Extension: Often, the file is mistakenly named hekate_ipl.ini.txt because Windows hides known file extensions. It must end strictly in .ini.
Wrong Folder Location: The file must be placed in the /bootloader/ folder on the root of your SD card, not in a subfolder or the root itself.
Empty or Corrupted File: If the file exists but has no content or incorrect syntax (like missing section brackets []), Hekate will not see any valid "entries". How to Fix It
To resolve this, you need to create or edit the hekate_ipl.ini file in your /bootloader/ folder and add valid boot sections. 1. Basic Template The error message "No main boot entries found
Below is a standard configuration for Atmosphere CFW and Stock booting. You can copy this into a text editor and save it as hekate_ipl.ini:
[config] autoboot=0 autoboot_list=0 bootwait=3 autohosoff=0 autonogc=1 updater2p=1 backlight=100 [Atmosphere CFW] payload=bootloader/payloads/fusee.bin icon=bootloader/res/icon_payload.bmp [Stock SysNAND] fss0=atmosphere/package3 stock=1 emummc_force_disable=1 icon=bootloader/res/icon_switch.bmp Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 2. Key Terms in the Config CTCaer/hekate - A GUI based Nintendo Switch Bootloader
The error message "No main boot entries found... check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries" indicates that your Nintendo Switch's bootloader cannot find or read the configuration file that tells it how to launch your Custom Firmware (CFW). This often happens because the file is missing, misnamed, or improperly formatted. Common Fixes
Fix File Extension (Windows Users): Windows often hides file extensions. You might have accidentally named the file hekate_ipl.ini.txt. In File Explorer, go to the View tab. Check the box for File name extensions. Ensure the file is exactly hekate_ipl.ini and not a folder.
Correct File Location: The file must be placed exactly at the root of your SD card in the /bootloader/ folder (e.g., SD:/bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini).
Repair Corrupt Folders: If the file exists but won't load, the /bootloader folder may be corrupted. Delete the existing folder and replace it with a fresh copy from the official Hekate GitHub. Sample Configuration
If your file is empty or missing, create a new text file, rename it to hekate_ipl.ini, and paste the following standard entries used by many Switch modding guides:
[config] autoboot=0 autoboot_list=0 bootwait=3 autohosoff=0 autonogc=1 updater2p=1 backlight=100 [CFW - sysMMC] fss0=atmosphere/package3 kip1patch=nosigchk emummc_force_disable=1 icon=bootloader/res/icon_payload.bmp [CFW - emuMMC] fss0=atmosphere/package3 kip1patch=nosigchk emummcforce=1 icon=bootloader/res/icon_payload.bmp [Stock - sysMMC] fss0=atmosphere/package3 emummc_force_disable=1 stock=1 icon=bootloader/res/icon_switch.bmp Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Advanced Troubleshooting Step 1: Emergency Cooldown
Here’s an informative text regarding Hekate (the bootloader for Nintendo Switch custom firmware) and its hekate_ipl.ini configuration file, specifically focusing on hot boot entries (often referred to as auto-boot or reboot-to-payload features).
The Hekate IPL (Initial Program Loader) is the standard bootloader for the Nintendo Switch custom firmware scene. It acts as a multi-tool menu that allows you to launch CFW (Custom Firmware), Android, Linux, or stock firmware.
When users refer to boot entries being "hot," they usually mean one of two things:
boot.ini entries and the auto-boot configuration.The phrase is commonly seen in debug logs or verbose output when Hekate is scanning the ini for payloads. Specifically, if you have a "More Configs" folder or if you are using payload forwarding, Hekate flags those entries as "hot" to ensure they can switch contexts quickly.
In short: If you see this message, it is usually a sign that everything is working correctly. The boots are "hot" because the system is ready to go.
Grab your SD card and edit bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini with a text editor (like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code).
fusee.bin) exists in the specified folder.payload=reboot_payload.bin for chainloading; this is not a hot boot per se but can be paired with auto-boot.If you are using a version older than 5.5.0, you are missing power management patches.
Action: Download the latest hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.bin from GitHub and replace the file on your SD card.