# led-bar

## Recovery: when the board is stuck and you have to nuke the flash

**Option A – clear startup files (no reflash)**  
If the board runs but REPL/Thonny is blocked by `main.py` or `boot.py`, remove them so the next boot drops straight to REPL. From your PC (with the Pico connected via USB):

```bash
# Remove startup files (paths are on the device; try without colons if one form fails)
mpremote fs rm boot.py
mpremote fs rm main.py
mpremote reset
```

If that fails, try one of these:

```bash
mpremote rm boot.py
mpremote rm main.py
```

Or in **Thonny**: Stop the running program (Ctrl+C or Stop button), then **View → Files**, right‑click the device, delete `boot.py` and `main.py` on the device, then **Tools → Reset**.

If the board doesn’t respond to serial at all, use Option B.

**Option B – full flash erase (Pico 2)**  
1. Unplug the Pico 2.  
2. Hold **BOOTSEL**, plug USB in, then release BOOTSEL.  
3. It should mount as a drive. Delete any existing UF2 if you want a clean state.  
4. Copy the MicroPython UF2 for Pico 2 (RP2350) onto the drive. The board will reboot with a fresh install and empty filesystem.