Failed to start GDB server Error in initialising ST-Link device

[ADabl.1]

Hello folks,

I am new to STM32 and have been using it (STM32H7A3ZIQ) for a while, everything was fine with download and debugging codes until a week ago when STM32CubeIDE suddenly has stopped launching the debug session. An error msg -failed to start GDB server (see attached) pops out whenever I want to debug codes, I have been trying to resolve this very problem for the past week by following other people's solutions on Youtube, but all my attempts were in vain.

In addition, I installed different ST-Link programs provided by ST such that ST-Link server (Utility), STSW 004, 007, and 009. But even by doing so, I couldn't resolve this matter and no device found remains.

NB:

• Even after having updated my device (V3.J8.M3) by using ST-Link 007, STM32CubeIDE doesn't recognise it at all (no device found on target).
• ST-Link utility also cannot connect to the target

I hope someone could help me to get back coding.

I look forward to hearing your expert thoughts on how to resolve it.

BR,

AD

[khauenst321]

I began having the "failed to start GDB server" error after changing the version of STM32CudeIDE. The solution was to create a new Debug launch configuration using these steps.

Run > Debug Configurations... > New Launch Configuration*

* New Launch Configuration is the icon on the left of the Debug Configurations dialog window.

It may be necessary to copy some of the settings from a previously working launch configuration into the new one.

[Navaneethan]

Hello ADabl.1,

I understand your frustration with the STM32CubeIDE not launching the debug session and the issues with the ST-Link connection. I experienced a similar problem recently with my STM32F401CCU6, and I found a solution that worked for me.

Solution:

The key was to press both the RESET and BOOT0 buttons on the MCU during the programming and debugging process. Here's the step-by-step procedure that resolved my issue:

1. Connect Your STM32 to Your Computer: Ensure your STM32 board is connected to your computer via USB.
2. Set BOOT0 to High: Press and hold the BOOT0 button. This puts the microcontroller into system memory boot mode, allowing it to enter the built-in bootloader.
3. Press RESET: While holding the BOOT0 button, press the RESET button on the MCU. This action resets the microcontroller and ensures it starts in bootloader mode.
4. Release RESET: Release the RESET button while still holding BOOT0.
5. Release BOOT0: After a few seconds, release the BOOT0 button. This sequence ensures that the microcontroller enters a state where it can be reprogrammed and debugged.
6. Start Debugging in STM32CubeIDE: Open STM32CubeIDE and attempt to start the debug session again.

Additional Tips:

• Update Firmware: Ensure your ST-Link firmware is up to date. You've already updated to V3.J8.M3, which is good.
• Check Connections: Double-check all connections between your ST-Link programmer and the MCU. Loose connections can often cause issues.
• Try Different USB Ports/Cables: Sometimes, the issue might be with the USB port or cable, so try different ones if possible.
• Reinstall STM32CubeIDE and ST-Link Utilities: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the STM32CubeIDE and ST-Link utilities.

After following these steps, my STM32CubeIDE successfully recognized the device, and I was able to debug my codes without any issues.

I hope this solution works for you as well. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Best regards, 
Navaneethan.

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