Error while lauching Node-Red: "It looks like serialport didn't compile properly. This is a common problem and its fix is well documented here https://github.com/voodootikigod/node-serialport#to-install"

General
1

Hi Guys,
While I was updating "Node-Red Dashboard" to the latest version, Node-Red crashed on me and when I tried to re-launch it, I started getting this error:
"It looks like serialport didn't compile properly. This is a common problem and its fix is well documented here https://github.com/voodootikigod/node-serialport#to-install"
I have tried re-installing NodeJs, Node-Red, npm! What else can I do?
Has anyone had this error before and what did you do to resolve it? Supposedly it must be a common problem, but the link to GitHub provides no help on this.
Thank you for your help!

2

What platform are you on ?

3

Windows10.

4

Do you have the windows-build-tools installed? If not, Node.js can't compile any binary code.

5

Shouldn't need to. I thought serialport precompiled for windows. Which version of nodejs ?

6

I have updated to the latest 12.3.0. I have have tried completely uninstalling and re-installing as well.
Nothing seems to work!

7

So, I think I got it! I uninstalled everything, deleted any/all related files I could find, re-installed NodeJs and ran this: "npm install --global --production windows-build-tools"

At least it is running again! I just have to re-install all of my Nodes that I was using and restore my backups! :):+1:

1 Like
8

It is easy to forget that not everyone knows the ways of the Node! Yes, on Windows, after installing Node.JS, one should always immediately do a global install of the build tools. Saves lots of bother later.

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