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JoeViking245

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Posts posted by JoeViking245

  1. 21 hours ago, ZeusMP said:

    how can I tell if I have amerged or split romset?

    Joe's rendition take-away from https://docs.mamedev.org/usingmame/aboutromsets.html using ROMS for the game 1941.

    A merged set will have 1 zip file containing the parent game data and all clone games data.  For example "1941.zip"  will contain 19 files & 3 folders. (MAME 0.201)

    split sets and  non-merged sets will have the parent and clone game data in separate zip files.  i.e. 1941.zip, 1941j.zip, 1941r1.zip, 1941u.zip.  In this case "1941.zip" contains 19 files  and no folders.   Look inside "1942u.zip".  If it contains 19 files it part of a non-merged set .  If it only contains 4 (or 5?) files, it with a split set.

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  2. Open your 1942.zip file in explorer.  How many Files are inside the zip file? Any folders?  If I'm correct on this, you should have 27 files.  If you do, 1942 should work.  (At this point, not to confused with 1942a, 1942w, 1942p...etc). 

  3. You won't need to convert the batch file to exe just for LaunchBox.  Either will work. 

    Based on your exe file (...Launcher.exe), I assume it's a game through Steam which makes this actually an issue with Steam and not LB.  However a quick search indicates there have been issues (and resolutions) for 'forcing' DOA-5 to read the ini file.  I don't have the game so I don't know, but since you're getting the option to Start the game OR run Settings Configuration, it might not be reading your ini file (via its' actual location).  I presume the startup screen (after the short video clip) should look like:

    image.thumb.png.ab22685aa8793b0f5e0298726aa421e6.png...in which case, passing the "Enter" key is easier than passing a mouse click.  May want to look at the SteamCommunity for more.

  4. On 1/13/2019 at 7:38 AM, johnnyskullhead said:

    I am using 1.7.5 is there another version coming

     

    1.7.5 is the latest stable release. But you can use this Great app by @wyzrd to update to the latest Nightly builds. Simple and easy to use.

     

    On 1/13/2019 at 7:38 AM, johnnyskullhead said:

    do i need to start fresh ?

    At the risk of having to completely re-setup RA, it would eliminate a potential culprit.

    As for your ssd (vs an hdd?), if it's older (with 'old' ssd technology) or has had a lot of use (a lot of writes) or is near capacity... it could definitely be the problem.  

  5. So now got your Mame 0.201 Non-Merged full Set safely tucked away on your backup drive.  Your LaunchBox Arcade platform is all dialed in just the way you like it with only the games you want and only those files are in your "../../Games/Arcade" directory (or wherever).  Maybe added some. Removed some.  Perfect!

    That's what I thought until I found the 0.202 thru 0.205 update packs.  I know ClrMamePro is (more than likely) able to apply the updates to both my backup (full) set and my LB (partial) set.  And now (literally  just now) that I think about it, can probably do them both at the same time (vs doing the procedure once on the LB set, then again on the full set).  Oof.  Anyway...

    My resolve was use ClrMamePro to update the backup full-set and a single command-line batch file to copy/overwrite only the files that are in the LB set and only if their dates or sizes are different.  The command is "robocopy" which is built into Windows 7 and above and, of course, a variant of "copy" and "xcopy".

    "xcopy" has a parameter "/u" that will copy (update) only files that exist in the destination folder as well. But in my searching to see if it matters if the date stamp is older/newer, I found "robocopy". (Which for sure, the actual date/size difference is insignificant).  The command line to put in your batch file is (all one line):

    robocopy "source_directory" "destination_directory" /LOG:"filename" /XL /R:10 /W:10


    source_directory  =  location of your full set
    destination_directory  =  location of your LB set
    /XL  -  Copies a file from the source directory only if a file of the same name already exists in the destination (regardless if the destination file is newer or older OR different size. But does NOTHING if they are the same in both respects)

    (optional)
    /LOG:file  -  Writes a log file of what all it did, overwriting the file if it already exists. The file will be created in the same directory the batch file was ran.
    /TEE  -  Shows "what all it did" in the DOS window AND in the specified file in /LOG
    /R:n        Specifies the number of retries on failed copies. (The default is 1 million.)
    /W:n        Specifies the wait time between retries. (The default is 30 seconds.)

    - The last 2 are good if your copying over a network and something weird happens.
    - Add a "pause" on a 2nd line if you want to see the summary in the DOS (sorry. Old school. "Command Prompt") Window before it closes. 
    - The quotes may not be required, but may save some headaches.
    - No trailer \ (slash) at the end of the directories.

    Example:

    robocopy "F:\Backups\MAME_0.205_Full_Set" "D:\LaunchBox\Games\Arcade" /LOG:"MameLog.txt" /TEE /XL /R:10 /W:10
    pause

     

    Now that we've gotten this far, we probably could keep the Bios and Device files in the same Games directory.  And the chd directories for that matter. ?

  6. Just some thoughts..

    a) Look at the different platforms and see if there's a new one like "PS2" or "Sony Playstation 2" or "Playstation 2".

    b) Under platforms click All.  Then above that search for a name of one of your new games and see if it sows up.

  7. 8 hours ago, deuxcolors said:

    I still say post it in the tips.

    I don't see a 'tips section'. I just figure people would search the forums and come across this.

    As an update to the "..manual things that need to be done"..., I remembered reading somewhere in the LB forums about Mame Rom file placement.  You can put the non-playable files/directories in a separate folder than the game files (i.e. qsound_hle.zip file and  simpbowl chd folder).  By default, these MUST be placed in your roms folder. But you can put them anywhere provided you tell Mame their locations.  Example:

    Game (rom) files are here: 

    ../Games/Arcade

    CHD folders are here:

    ../Games/Arcade/CHD

    Others (like qsound_hle.zip and namco54.zip) here:

    ../Games/Arcade/others

    (I'm sure there's a proper name for these "others" files.  Like maybe 'support' files. But like I said... "just enough to be dangerous". :))

    With said items in these new sub-directories, if you update your rom set, revamp your import-filters... or whatever and do the "Take 2" procedure, you'll be a little better off.  A new caveat presented is potential updates to the 'support' files and chd's. (I guess it's not new as Take-2 doesn't cover them to begin with.)

    "...tell Mame their locations."  Since they are rom files, you'll add to your ROMs Directories.

    Open Mame
    “Configure Options”
    “Configure Directories”
    “ROMs”
    “Add Folder”
    Add the new “CHD” and “others” folders respectively. 
    Be sure to “Save Configuration” when you’re done.
     

     

  8. 52 minutes ago, deuxcolors said:

    Bingo! Thank you very much. This works like a charm.

    You should repost it in the tips section for everyone else.

    You're welcome.  

    It's not the end-all cure-all though.  There are some manual things that need to be done to make all the games work. For example CPS2 games need qsound_hle.zip (and maybe qsound.zip) copied to the roms folder in order to work.  Some namco* files too for others.  I'm guessing these are some of the files I mentioned in the disclaimer. :) 

  9. Take 2.  A bit less convoluted AND will handle clones.  

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    Goal:  Using LaunchBoxs' built-in "Import MAME Arcade Full Set Wizard" and its filters, keep only the filtered imported Roms (including clones when pulling from a Non-Merged Set) in your Roms folder. 

    Purpose: Reduce storage space by eliminating the non imported MAME Rom files. 

    Needs:     LaunchBox.  A Full Non-Merged MAME Rom Set (for a fresh set up).  An empty directory that will be the 'final resting place' for your Mame Rom files used in LB.

    Notes:  This write up is geared towards Full Non-Merged Rom Sets. If you're starting fresh, continue on.  If you already have your Arcade Platform setup, skip (A) and jump to (B).

    Warning:  Make a back up of your stuff before starting this!

    Disclaimer:  I only know a little more that "just enough to be dangerous".  That is, this worked great on my basic test run.  If you get into games needing external BIOS files and Chd folders and the sorts... this procedure won't help with those.
    -----------------------------
    (A)
    Start LaunchBox
    Click    Tools 
        "Import" 
        "Mame Arcade Full Set..."
    Go through the Import Wizard selecting "Arcade", your Full-Rom-Set folder, MAME emulator ...etc...

    Exit LaunchBox.

    (B)
    Make a copy of the "..\..\LaunchBox\Data\Platforms\Arcade.xml" file and place it somewhere other than the  ..\Data\Platforms  directory.

    Start LaunchBox
    In the Arcade platform, select all games (Ctrl-A).
    Right-click  - "Expand Selected Games"  -  "YES",  "OK"

    Select all games (Ctrl-A) again. (just to make sure)
    Click Tools 
         "Export/Copy ROM Files from Selected Games to New Folder..."
        "Yes"  (It warns only the Main games will be copied but since we "Expanded" everything, all Main and Clones will be copied)
    Browse to and select the location you want your LB roms to be. The 'final resting place'.  (i.e. ..\..\LaunchBox\Games\Arcade).  Make sure it's a different location than where your Full Set is.  If there are Mame zip files already in the location you select, delete them 1st. Especially if you've updated your Rom Set.
    "OK"
    Exit LaunchBox.

    Put the copy of Arcade.xml you made earlier back into the "..\Data\Platforms" directory. "YES" Replace existing Copy.

    Start LaunchBox
    In the Arcade platform, select all games (Ctrl-A).
    Click Tools
         "Change ROMs Folder Path for Selected Games..."
    Browse to and select the folder you used above to Export/Copy to.  "OK".  "Yes". "Yes". "OK"

     
    That's it. You can do whatever with your Full Set you want.
     

     

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  10. 8 hours ago, Lesoquiaque said:

    just changed copy --> move, because copy didn't work

    Ya, later found that out too.  If the files already exist in the destination folder you need to add a "/y" option (force copy).

    copy /v 1on1gov.zip NoFiller

    The only problem using move is you Full Set [backup] is now not complete. But in the spirit of saving space, ?.

  11. ...not totally.  Using the Import Mame Full Set Wizard, it (partially) depends on your filter options.  In using a non-merged full set, this is what (I think) I found:

    image.thumb.png.f73385e14e0b67b909e422a21bef65ed.pngUsing the Import clones as additional apps option, you'll only see the clone versions by right-clicking. As you stated. However ReadLaunchBox will only list the main rom.  So using my method, you won't get the clones.

    Skip clones entirely, no problem.

    Import all clones as separate games (mostly) works. I say mostly because:

    image.thumb.png.60159a1019781fb0659d8f915c189ab1.png...maybe it's a 'glitch in the Martix'...  The 3 different 1945Kiii's are separated but 1944 is not. But the other 2 1944's are there if you right click.  (Right clicking the 3 1945's do NOT have the option for playing the clones.)  A ReadLaunchBox analysis reflects this.

    So.... my aforementioned process is not without fault.  And OMG!...  I hope I'm not screwing up semantics with 'clones' vs 'versions'.

  12. Ya. I forgot to add "...if my understanding is correct..." ?

    I do see what you're saying regarding if you right-click, the other versions are shown.  

    Note: My original LB imported rom set was merged.   I then used ClrMamePro on my Full set to make them non-merged.  Then my steps above with ReadLaunchBox and the modified No Filler batch file.  Also my "original LB (only) roms" [merged set] were imported checking all the 'Do not include' boxes (no clones, mahjong.. etc) and copied to ../../games/Arcade.  But yes, the clones were inside the original roms.

    Let me know what you find.  I may do a completed 'reset' of my Arcade platform using my "new" non-merged set as well.  Just to see.

  13. I would think so.

    ReadLaunchBox is looking at all the games you have listed in your LB platform.  Each game is pointing to a rom file.  And since we're using a non-merged set, each rom zip-file (or 7z-file) holds just the one game.

  14. I'm using LaunchBox 9.3 as well.  Let me try again with better pictures. :) This will be for setting up Visual Pinball X (VPX).

    1st you'll need to set up the emulator for VPX.  Go to Tools, Manage Emulators.

    image.thumb.png.fb4ab34e62743943ca14eb2e93f99e9e.pngClick Add

    (1) Enter the name you want to give it.  (2) Browse to where your vpinballx.exe file is located and select it.  (3) Enter the Default Command-Line parameters: 

    -minimized -exit -play

    image.thumb.png.d5ba0233303b0bd306ba53b1f348acad.pngGo to the Associated Platforms tab and select your Visual Pinball platform.

    image.thumb.png.631995801c22283a8f5a0664f9c148c9.pngClick OK.   Click Close.

    Now when you edit a Visual Pinball X table, in the Launcher tab, Browse to your VPX table.  You will need to change it to All files (*.*) to see your vpx tables.  Select your table and "Open".

    image.thumb.png.220e9bd3d8119630ed7eba8dd2a62ae3.png

    image.thumb.png.5aae77a60ff3d7dd56aa5c86d6562616.pngSwitch to the Emulation tab. Check "Use an emulator to play this game...".  Choose the emulator you just created.  Click OK.

    image.thumb.png.f8971ec483413b67c3fe5a64dd630160.png

    All assuming Visual Pinball X works outside of LaunchBox, you should be good to go.  And when in-game, hitting Esc should close VPX and return you to LaunchBox.

  15. On 1/15/2019 at 2:19 AM, deuxcolors said:

    OKAY!!! Back to the original question.

    Is there an easy way to compare imported arcade ROMs into Launchbox and the actual files in MAME's rom folder, so that one can delete all the non imported games?
    Yes, it is a non-merged set... All 150GB of it.

    I'm trying to be lazy here. ???

    [***Edit*** The following method will only work for the main games and NOT clones if using a non-merged set.  If using a merged set OR don't care about clones, go for it.***]

    [***Edit #2***  Please see "Take 2.  A bit less convoluted AND will handle clones." on page 2 of this thread for a better solution.***]

    Using a couple 3rd party apps so kindly created by others on this site and a little computer work/knowledge, yes! 

    You'll need @Lordmonkus Mame No Filler Version 2 and @nicknamex ReadLaunchBox and of course, your non-merged set.

    Open ReadLaunchBox
    Select LB location
    Select Arcade (or Mame. However you have it listed)
    Select Box-Front (doesn’t matter which)
    Media Exist:    All
    Click Analyze
    Click Export to Excel
    Close

    Open the exported spreadsheet
    In column E, edit a cell with the rom path\game
    Highlight and copy everything before the rom name

    image.png.a3dd27d3b73b4b76f89dd848d5e0c380.png
    Ctrl-F (Find/Replace) – click the Replace tab
    In Find what: paste the path you copied above
    Replace All
    Close

    (Column E should now show ONLY the roms’ file name [except row 1])

    Copy all the cells with rom names starting at cell E2

    image.png.1818acea91fcb19bf2c7ce4aa9609e9e.png

    Open Lordmunks’ Mame NoFiller spreadsheet.
    Paste the copied cells into cell B1
    Your column B will now probably have more rows filled than column C, so you’ll need to copy the formula in C down to the last row B is filled in to.

    image.png.4dd5c9d662a8ad59119e4660c5a8600d.png
    Copy all the [filled in] cells in column C

    Create a new txt document (call it whatever you want)
    Edit it and in the 1st line type “md NoFiller” (without quotes) and hit Enter. (this will make a directory called NoFiller. You can change the name to whatever you want)
    Now paste the cells (which will simply become different lines) you copied.

    image.png.73b52c86214ccefaff803942832e937b.png 
    File, Save as.. filename.bat.  Change Save as Type: to All files. Save

    image.png.3f65ecc5590605f258fe9f365a7c776c.png

    From Lordmunks’ README file:
    Then simply copy the batch file [you just created] into the folder with all of the roms and double click the bat file, it will make a new folder [“NoFiller”] within that folder and acopy all of the roms into that newly created folder. From there you can copy that new folder of roms to anywhere you like and import them into Launchbox, be sure to update your rom path in your mame.ini to point this rom set location. You can now do whatever you like with your full set you downloaded, it is no longer needed for the NoFiller set to function, though you may want to keep a backup just in case.?

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