Getting errors when using GitHub for Windows

Question

I suddenly got errors when I was using git last week, for no apparent reason. I only have access to a windows PC.

The errors I\'m getting doesn\'t seem to give me an

Answer 1

Sorry I don't have the rep to comment yet, but, are you sure you have the latest version of "GitHub for Windows"? I have had problems before when it didn't auto-update.

Also, do you usually use the "Git Shell" that comes with it? This is what I usually do, so I didn't have any problems with losing configurations when I re-installed, not sure what happens if you use the main GUI program...

Answer 2

Once you start your Powershell command window, run git --version. Github for windows installs msysGit

GitHub for Windows includes a fully functional version of msysGit — no need to install anything extra. You can pull up a PowerShell console within the context of any repository.

Github for windows download here

Help Here

There is some information on the uninstall github for windows page about removing left over files.

Github for windows uses posh-git for git to be used by powershell.

Verify execution of scripts is allowed with Get-ExecutionPolicy (should be RemoteSigned or Unrestricted). If scripts are not enabled, run PowerShell as Administrator and call Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser -Confirm.

Answer 3

I encountered the same problem on my laptop and I spent a lot of time to understand and to solve it. Here is my experience.

The git error message (Couldn't open /dev/null (or dup failed) : No such file or directory) is a linux/unix one. In fact, what git is trying to say is that it cannot access to the null device of your system. In windows, there is a actually a null device that corresponds to an empty and invisible file, present in each folder.

1. Here you can open a window console (cmd) and type the command echo sample > nul. If you get an error message, you actually have a problem with your null device.

2. Identifying the problem :

   • Open the Device Manager
   • Menu View > Show hidden devices
   • Search for Null in Non-Plug and Play Drivers

3. If it exists but is in warning, try this (source) :

   • Control Panel > Power Options
   • Change Plan Settings
   • Change Advanced Power Settings
   • Multimedia Settings
   • When sharing media > Setting : a setting other than Allow the Computer to Enter Away Mode
   • Restart the computer : if the problem continues, I would suggest you to backup the %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\null.sys, remove the Null device (Right click > Uninstall) and go the the step 4.

4. If it doesn't exist (or the step 3 doesn't repair the problem and after removing the Null device) :

   • Install the Null device by following this How-To (for Windows XP but it also works for Vista).
   • Restart the computer.