Fix: Visual Boy Advance Won't Load Saved Game (.sav) – Complete Troubleshooting

Common Causes & Fixes

1. Wrong Save Folder
   • Options → Emulator → Save Type → ensure "Flash 128K" (most GBA) or "EEPROM 64K" (Pokemon).
   • Check File → Save Directory – .sav must be there, named exactly gamename.sav.
2. Save Type Mismatch
   • Some games need "Save Type: Automatic" → restart VBA after change.
   • Try each type (Flash 64K/128K, EEPROM, SRAM) if unsure.
3. Corrupted .sav
   • Backup → delete .sav → start new game → save → overwrite with backup (hex edit if needed).
4. Version Mismatch
   • Save from v1.0 ROM won't load on v1.1 ROM (different header). Match ROM CRC (Tools → ROM Information).
5. Permissions / Path Length
   • Run VBA as Administrator. Avoid paths >260 chars or non-ASCII folders.

Advanced Recovery

• Open .sav in HxD (hex editor); verify header "GBA Save" / game code.
• Use GBATA to fix checksum.
• Convert to .sgm (VBA savestate) → load state → in-game save → new .sav.

Always keep multiple .sav backups.