How to use NucleoF401 eval Example code without X-nucleo board?

[TChap.3]

I have the X-nucleo VL53L5 board and have modified the example code for a project. Now I need to connect the VL53L5 remotely using my own breakout board that manages its pull-up/down needs. Nucleo only connects scl sda. But the i2c does not run unless X-Nucleo board is on it. What pin/code is checking to be sure the X- is there so I can turn it off? This code will get ported to smaller F401 “pill�? with only scl sda.

[TChap.3]

The person working on the code for me told me it was not the code. It was a board issue not letting the STM boot up without a board attached.

[TChap.3]

“these seems to work. Add a pull-up between 3.3V and NRST, or short these two pins�?.