theSLAYER

Consider using this instead (or any other option with a similar name; they differ between emulators): It provides a proper .SAV. This may only works if you saved in-game at least twice and perform a soft reset first.

You exported it wrong. I took a look at your file under a Hex editor. This is not a save,

yes.

you mind uploading that file here, there's something I want to check real quick.

As far as I know, there is no cross generation Pokesav. There's a Pokesav that handles Gen 4 saves, and there's another Pokesav that handles Gen 5 saves. Hence, neither can work with Gen 3 saves. That error appearing is not an indication that maybe it could load Gen 3 saves. Programs are not magic, you know ><. Why don't you try to load a Gen 3 save not from a ROM hack, and see if that works, if you are so convinced. Gee, I wonder why. It's almost as tho there's a whole platitude of ROM hacks out there, where they can all do different things to a save's structure. Some might even get released after a save editor is developed. Anyhow, if the ROM hack you're using does minimal changes to the save structure, then at least try loading it in PKHeX or maybe this (either at your own risk, of course ;P) If neither works (not even partially), then you gotta perform RAM editing (cheats) to get what you want. [Do note standard cheat codes will probably not work. You gotta make your own]

Pokesav cannot open gen 3 saves. Why aren't you using PKHeX for Gen 3 saves?

urgh. At the very least, you should know what you're doing and what CFW you're using. Looking at your second picture from earlier, there's no Luma folder, and there's a Steelhax folder, so I can only assume you're using an old CFW entry way using Steelhax or something. Now, to go back to your main issue. If you dumped the save from the VC game, and edited said save with PKHeX, no reason for the save to not work. You're using a different save manager (that I've never heard of), so the best advice I can give you is to remove main from that folder, only then try to restore it. (I know the main is your other save, but who knows if the entire folder is being squeezed back into your game. And if that's the case, main should not be there) If it doesn't work, then I can't help you. What you need to do is to update your CFW, and please use an updated text guide as opposed to a video. It's imperative that you at least try to understand what you're doing. (Also, any 3DS can be hacked, you just need the requisite accessories). Finally, use JKSM or Checkpoint. We have tutorials on our site regarding backing up and restoring saves using either of those methods.

Oh. You're not on Luma, right?

Well the solution is right there. Update your CFW. Turn off your 3DS. Then turn it on, and immediately hold down the select button while your screen is still dark. What version of Luma3DS does it say you're on? (Top line of top screen) Also, how was it booted? (Bottom line of bottom screen)

no worries, just explain properly what is happening.

what doesn't help at all. Too vague. start up of what. Error of what. What were you doing.

Do you remember how you did it then? Installing the .3DSX version of Checkpoint is exactly the same.

That doesn't really answer how you installed it. What format was the save manager in, .CIA or .3DSX? Did you place the .3DSX in your SD card, or did you install the .CIA using FBI/dev_menu. How did you install it?

How did you install your existing save manager?

Either install the .CIA or use the Homebrew version (the 3dsx)..? How did you install your existing save manager?

Use Checkpoint instead. https://github.com/FlagBrew/Checkpoint/releases Then use Checkpoint to dump fresh saves. Then on your computer, make a copy of a VC Crystal save folder, then replace the sav.dat with your edited copy, then restore that into the game.

Your save backup does not look right. Are you using Checkpoint or JKSM?

The first image. If you're restoring a save for VC, main should not be there.

mind showing me a screenshot of inside the folder you're trying to restore?

and what issue are you having? PKHeX can edit the save just fine.

so that means you have 3DS CFW, yes? Are you trying to edit a VC save, and then replace that VC save, or are you trying to place a save from the emulator into VC?

No, I mean do you have the ability to obtain/restore the save to/from the emulator/cartridge.

are you able to extract your save?

were you the fella I've been trying to help on Discord?

In that reply, I’ve already pinged him. So what I’m saying is to just wait.