# Dummy needs basic OS help

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [18 July 2020 17:42 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296 "2020-07-18T17:42:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![RASelkirk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/raselkirk/32/57425_2.png) [@RASelkirk](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/RASelkirk)\
**Post date:** [18 July 2020 17:42 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/1 "2020-07-18T17:42:05Z")

</div>

Hi All,

After taking a year off, I'm trying to get back into using my RasPI. I upgraded both N-R and N-R dashboard to the latest versions and now N-R refuses to run from the menu shortcut. I checked the shortcut properties and it's command line is "node-red-start" which fails. But if I run that same line from terminal, it starts.

I am soooo unfamiliar with any flavor of Linux, how do I fix the shortcut so it works correctly?

Thanks!

Russ

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [18 July 2020 20:12 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/2 "2020-07-18T20:12:54Z")

</div>

Most here, I suspect, don't use shortcuts to start node-red. Usually it would be configured to run automatically on boot, which can be done with the command  
`sudo systemctl enable nodered`  
That won't actually start it (unless you reboot) so use `node-red-start` to start it as you already know, and if you want to stop it `node-red-stop`.  
I imaging that most also run the browser in their PC connected to node-red on the pi as that gives a much quicker UI (unless you have a Pi4 in which case there isn't as much difference).  
None of my Pis have a keyboard, mouse or display connected and are entirely controlled via the network via the browser and via ssh for terminal control.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nodi.Rubrum](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/nodi.rubrum/32/107482_2.png) [@Nodi.Rubrum](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Nodi.Rubrum)\
**Post date:** [20 July 2020 04:20 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/3 "2020-07-20T04:20:02Z")

</div>

And I would use node-red-log, to watch what is going on, if in fact, node-red is tripping over something unexpected as it starts.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![RASelkirk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/raselkirk/32/57425_2.png) [@RASelkirk](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/RASelkirk)\
**Post date:** [22 July 2020 22:09 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/4 "2020-07-22T22:09:58Z")

</div>

OK thanks, I'll try sorting this out. Found a few threads here showing how to install NR correctly, not sure if I did it that way, will reinstall if not.

Bigger problem is I can only sit at my desk for an hour before the old back acts up, then it's a couple days away from it. Sucks to be old!

Russ

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nodi.Rubrum](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/nodi.rubrum/32/107482_2.png) [@Nodi.Rubrum](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Nodi.Rubrum)\
**Post date:** [22 July 2020 23:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/5 "2020-07-22T23:23:54Z")

</div>

Hey, hey, you might offend those of us that REALLY ARE VERY OLD... [cough]... I bet my back pain is worse than yours... [And the next guy says the same]...[And the next guy says the same]...[And the next guy says the same]...[And the next guy says the same]...[And the next guy says the same]...

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [23 July 2020 06:58 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/6 "2020-07-23T06:58:04Z")

</div>

Use the install script for installing on a pi from the node red docs.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/1X/d073cd938eafa2e558d7c2cd59003b3ef4963033.png) [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [21 September 2020 06:58 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/dummy-needs-basic-os-help/30296/7 "2020-09-21T06:58:09Z")

</div>

This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.