[Game Not Launching in LaunchBox – Need Help]

1 hour ago, avalynn11 said:

The game still refuses to start from LaunchBox, even though other games work normally.

What's the game and what emulator?

Verify the games Application path is correct.  (Edit the game and look in the Launching section and make sure it's pointing to the correct file)

When you say other games work normally, I assume "other games" in the same platform using the same emulator?

[Golden Tee Live 2006 Teknoparrot]

It's not 'calling the batch file'.  It executing the commands to do the same thing the batch file did. But using AutoHotkey (AHK) verbiage.

 

The lines in the script that start with a semicolon are comments.  e.g.  ;start database

Words between percent symbols are variables in which you replace them with what they are equal to, noted earlier in the script.  e.g.  %appPath%

 

;start database
Run, "%A_ScriptDir%\%appPath%" %startCmd%

This [comment] says "the next line in the code will start the database".

"Run" says to execute the following command.   

Now replace the percent symbols and what's in between them with what they are = to and leave the rest as is.

"%A_ScriptDir%\%appPath%" %startCmd%   Each part broken down:

• "   (note, this is a literal quote that needs to be there)
• %A_ScriptDir%  this is AHK lingo for the full path to where the script is located
  • e.g.  D:\Games\Golden Tee Live 2006
• \
• PostgreSQL\8.3\bin\pg_ctl.exe
• "
• {space}
• start -D PostgreSQL\8.3\data -s

Put these all together and you get 

• Run, "D:\Games\Golden Tee Live 2006\PostgreSQL\8.3\bin\pg_ctl.exe" start -D PostgreSQL\8.3\data -s

 

The last line in the code is what is stopping (closing) the database

 

[Problems with savestates in the pause menu and OpenMSX emulator]

37 minutes ago, Sbaby said:

Send {!F8 down}
Sleep 50
Send {!F8 up}

These should be !{F8 down}  vs.  {!F8 down}

[Wiki or help Docs?]

2 hours ago, AdamL said:

Is there anything similar (to the Strategy Guide) for BigBox?

If you go to the LaunchBox for Windows section, it covers both LaunchBox and Big Box.

Grabbing one at random... Additional Apps, at the bottom of the article it has the section Accessing Additional Apps in Big Box.

 

Note, on the Strategy Guides' main page, the Search for articles field actually does fairly well.  I believe it's AI driven, pulling from misc. LaunchBox resources.

[Golden Tee Live 2006 Teknoparrot]

1 minute ago, Jabb3rJaw said:

I can’t wait to get home from work to try this!! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help!!!  Thanks again!!

You can thank me IF it actually works.  

[LaunchBox 13.25 Beta Thread]

14 hours ago, MysterNybble said:

Improvement: The Edit Game window now includes Next/Previous buttons, allowing you to quickly navigate through the list you opened it from

Editing a game then navigating left/right saves changes without issue.  

When navigating in Edit, e.g. 3 games "to the right" and clicking "X" to close the window, the initial game in the Main panel is [still] selected.  But the last game that was in "Edit" is what's shown in the Game Details panel

Same scenario but clicking OK instead of "X" selects/shows the 'last game' in both panels.

[Wiki or help Docs?]

9 minutes ago, AdamL said:

Is there a Launchbox/Big Box wiki or other help documentation?

The LaunchBox Strategy Guide 

 

12 minutes ago, AdamL said:

I know there are YouTube tutorials, but it’s difficult to find the right one

The main YouTube page can be difficult to navigate though.  To me, the Tutorials page is a little easier to at least be able to scroll through.

 

15 minutes ago, AdamL said:

and then there usually isn’t the info or detail that you were looking for

When looking for something specific (here on the Forums), I find the Search (top of the page) results are hit or miss. Weighing heavy on the miss side.  So if what I'm after is not in the Strategy Guide or is a unique asking, Googling "LaunchBox I need info about xyz" usually works pretty well.

[Golden Tee Live 2006 Teknoparrot]

16 hours ago, Jabb3rJaw said:

I think I found the window titles for the batch file and the game file below which is Teknobudgie. The game itself is a bin file. There is also the Teknoparrot window running as well.  I'm not very good with AHK  any suggestions on how to do what you said above

Give this a try. 

• In the same folder your batch file is in, create a new text file.
  • name it whatever you want.  e.g. MyGTLscript.txt
  • Copy and paste the code below into the file
  • Save and close
  • Change the file extension to .ahk
    • e.g. MyGTLscript.ahk
    • Make sure it doesn't save it as MyGTLscript.ahk.txt
• In LaunchBox, add an additional app to the game
  • For the Application Path:
    • Browse to your \LaunchBox\ThirdParty\AutoHotkey folder and select AutoHotkey.exe
      • i.e. D:\LaunchBox\ThirdParty\AutoHotkey\AutoHotkey.exe
  • For the Application Command-Line Parameters:
    •  type, "inside quotes", the full path to your saved .ahk file [from above]
      • i.e. "D:\Games\Golden Tee Live 2006\MyGTLscript.ahk"
  • Check the box Automatically Run Before Main Application
  • Click OK to save and close
• Remove the Additional App you had using the batch file
• Cross your fingers and play the game

SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%
#SingleInstance Force

appPath = PostgreSQL\8.3\bin\pg_ctl.exe
startCmd = start -D PostgreSQL\8.3\data -s
stopCmd = stop -D PostgreSQL\8.3\data -m smart
gameWindowTitle = TeknoBudgie

;start database
Run, "%A_ScriptDir%\%appPath%" %startCmd%

;wait until gameWindowTitle exists
WinWait, %gameWindowTitle%

;waits until gameWindowTitle does NOT exist anymore
while winExist(gameWindowTitle)
    sleep 700

;stop the database
Run, "%A_ScriptDir%\%appPath%" %stopCmd%

 

[Launchbox crashing when importing media]

That said... it should be resolved in the latest beta release.

 

[Launchbox crashing when importing media]

1 hour ago, Blackstar00 said:

When i try to download images or videos launchbox crashes.

This is a known issue.

https://feedback.launchbox.gg/p/launchbox-error-when-attempting-to-download-video-media-from-steam

[Help with Dolphin showing the GUI when booting a game, startup screen not a perfect solution]

Using the command line parameters -b -e should take care of it.

For mine I also add confirm exit=false and fullscreen=true (I know I could just set those via the UI) 

-b -C Dolphin.Interface.ConfirmStop=False -C Dolphin.Display.Fullscreen=True -e

I also have the startup screen delay set to 5 seconds.

Quote

Usage: dolphin [options]... [FILE]...

Options:
  --version             show program's version number and exit
  -h, --help            show this help message and exit
  -u USER, --user=USER  User folder path
  -m MOVIE, --movie=MOVIE
                        Play a movie file
  -e <file>, --exec=<file>
                        Load the specified file
  -n <16-character ASCII title ID>, --nand_title=<16-character ASCII title ID>
                        Launch a NAND title
  -C <System>.<Section>.<Key>=<Value>, --config=<System>.<Section>.<Key>=<Value>
                        Set a configuration option
  -s <file>, --save_state=<file>
                        Load the initial save state
  -d, --debugger        Show the debugger pane and additional View menu options
  -l, --logger          Open the logger
  -b, --batch           Run Dolphin without the user interface (Requires
                        --exec or --nand-title)
  -c, --confirm         Set Confirm on Stop
  -v VIDEO_BACKEND, --video_backend=VIDEO_BACKEND
                        Specify a video backend
  -a AUDIO_EMULATION, --audio_emulation=AUDIO_EMULATION
                        Choose audio emulation from [HLE|LLE]

If you need something more aggressive (which really, you shouldn't with the startup screens), you can try checking the box for Aggressive Startup Window Hiding.  and//or Hide Windows that are Not Exclusive Fullscreen.

[Problem with a them with Big Box]

5 minutes ago, legolas119 said:

do you think that it is necessary to format it in NTFS?

The [paraphrased] error "Could not find a part of the path  ..\Core\Themes\....\fileName.ext",

Quote

most of the time that error means your drive isn't formatted NTFS and so the symlinks can't be created properly. 

This was in my notes, quoted from one of the developers.  From where (either here or on Discord) or when I got it, I don't recall.  But I read it somewhere, so it must be true.  

So to answer your question, most likely yes (based on the quote above).  
 

[Golden Tee Live 2006 Teknoparrot]

19 minutes ago, Jabb3rJaw said:

Ok thanks Joe. Ya I was referring to when Teknoparrot closes. To run Golden Tee I need to run a batch file first to start the online database or the game won’t run and this batch file  closes with a key press so I would need Teknoparrot to close then a key press sent. Maybe I’ll see if I can get the batch file to run minimized then I will be hitting keys playing or scrolling after that anyway I’m sure. 

I assume you have this batch file set as an Additional App for Golden Tee and checked to Run Before Main Application.

With just a little bit of work/investigation/discovery, you could make this work automatically.

Steps (generically written)

• Find out what the games window actually is
  • Typically, it's linked to an exe. But you indicated this game doesn't have one.
  • In that case, you need to find what the windows Title is.
• Convert what your batch file does into an AutoHotkey script
• This [new] script will
  • Start the online database
  • Wait around for the games window to exist (a.k.a. The actual game is running)
  • Wait around for the games window to not exist anymore (a.k.a. The actual game has exited)
  • Disconnect/close the database (whatever sending F12 does)
• Set this script as an Additional App for Golden Tee and checked to Run Before Main Application
• Remove the batch file as an Additional App

 

Alternately, it looks like you can just add the database to the game directly in TP by adding the Postgres info (as seen in this pdf file).  I personally don't run TP, so don't know how all that works.

[Golden Tee Live 2006 Teknoparrot]

19 minutes ago, Jabb3rJaw said:

Would anyone know how to send a keypress on exit?

The issue with TeknoParrot is it's a launcher for its games.  What happens is, you have LaunchBox start TP with the necessary parameters to start a game.  TP launches, then starts "the game", then closes itself (while the game continues to play).  LaunchBox sees TP closing as "the game exiting".  So it (LaunchBox), can't tell when the actual "game" has exited.  

If you're referring to "when LaunchBox exits", that a different scenario.

[Need help want startup screen but don't want game over screen]

9 minutes ago, Jayinem said:

I have around 400 PC games and there's no setting that I know of that would allow all of them to have it where there's a startup screen but no game over screen, or is there?

Sure there is.  Edit the game. In the Startup/Pause section, check Override Default Screen Settings, then click Customize.  Check the box to Enable Game Startup Screen and un-check the box to Enable Game Shutdown Screen.  Click OK to save and close.

 

15 minutes ago, Jayinem said:

it doesn't give you the option to disable game over screen

Sure it does.   Select the games and press Ctrl+E to start the Bulk Edit Wizard.  For the Field, select Startup Screen - Enabled, and for the Value, check the box to enable it.  Click Next, Next.  Click Yes, I would like to make more changes.  This time for the Field, select Startup Screen - Shutdown Enabled, and for the Value, un-check the box to disable it.  Click Next, Next.  Click No.... to close the wizard.

 

22 minutes ago, Jayinem said:

I'm on an old Launchbox from 4 or 5 years ago and can't update for my own reasons so maybe it's different with an updated Launchbox. 

I'm pretty sure this logic hasn't changed in quite a long while.

[Auto Hotkey Scripts]

10 minutes ago, Jayinem said:

That's what I mean nobody's really asking anything I was the first post since October. But I think that 90%+ of Launchbox users don't use autohotkey or at least they don't use it with Launchbox. 

Or... they have 66 pages of script tips and tidbits that they read through and find what their after, fulfilling their every need.  

[Auto Hotkey Scripts]

10 hours ago, Jayinem said:

I used F8 and then used Joytokey to map it to a controller combo

As an option, you can detect the controller combo without the need for joytokey.

1Joy7::
{
  If GetKeyState("Joy8")
  {
     WinActivate, ahk_exe Launchbox.exe 
     MouseMove, 586, 657, 0
     Click
  }
}

Here, you need to press and hold Joy8 1st, then press Joy7 to have it run.  Change the buttons accordingly.

Regarding the SystemCursor method, is your script calling that from somewhere else?  Because what you provided doesn't even use it.

 

10 hours ago, Jayinem said:

It's a shame this thread doesn't get updated very much anymore

It's updated pretty much every time someone posts a question.   

[Game on Launchbox Database Not Showing Up on Search]

1 hour ago, Hifihedgehog said:

However, when I search for it within Launchbox itself, I see no listing for it:

Go to: Tools < Download < Force Update Games Database Metadata...

When that's done, try it again.

 

I tried [close to] the same thing...

• Pressed Ctrl+N to add a new game 
• Manually typed in the platform Microsoft Xbox 360
• Typed in the Title Ride
• Pressed Enter to have it search..
• LB said the local database needed an update, so clicked Yes to downloaded it
• Got the same results as you did (everything except Ride)
• Closed that and ran the Force Update
• Add... Platform... Title...
  • Ride was the only game that showed up
• Success!

[Xbox Wireless Controller - Exit sequence causing issues suddenly.]

With Steam not running in the background, do you experience the same thing? e.g. with MAME

If so, disable Steam Input. It's known to cause "controller confusion" (for lack of better words).

Quote

With your controller on and  connected, open Steam client. In the menu go to Settings > Controller. On that page go to Desktop Layout and then press edit. Then in that Window disable Steam Input. Save and close.

 

[Problem with a them with Big Box]

25 minutes ago, legolas119 said:

.i don't know why

The 2nd and 3rd line in the error message tells you what's wrong.  It can't find that file.

Are you running Big Box as admin?

Is your D drive formatted as NTFS?

Those are the 2 primary reasons that, if the file does actually exist, it can't be read from the symlink folder under /Core/,

Another possibility is that the path to the image is hard coded in the theme and you put the theme in a folder other than /LaunchBox/Themes/Neon Deluxe Arcade/.  e.g. /Neon Deluxe Arcade - Custom/

[How do I populate hybrid view 4]

In the Default theme, PlatformHybrid4View.xml should be disabled in ThemeSettings.xml.  Though the View file does physically exist, there's nothing in it.  Well, except a TextBlock that that says "HybridView4" (as you can see).  It's meant as a placeholder**.

That said, in the Themes Demo, that may be a bug... showing a view that's set not to show [per the ThemeSettings.xml].  Or it's by design to show "everything" existing.

So, as far as that specific View is concerned, as they say.... "Move along. Nothing to see here."

 

**Feel free to edit and customize to your specific needs.  You can find more information about doing that here:  Hybrid Views - LaunchBox

[Error When Clicking "Configure" Under "More Options" Menu on a ROM]

49 minutes ago, DenjinTV said:

Here's my problem: I click the "More Options" (3 dots) menu below a ROM (for example in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System platform), then click "Configure", and I receive an "An error occurred

The "problem" is, Configure shouldn't appear there.   

That is (I'm pretty sure) just for MS-DOS/DOSBox games.  Edit the SNES game and look in the Launching section.  Is there something listed next to Configuration Application Path:?  Is whatever's in there, part of the game? My shoot-from-the-hip guess is, No. Remove it and click OK to save and close.

[Big Box Video Snaps Start Out Black]

21 minutes ago, Brett_00 said:

I just purchased Big Box

22 minutes ago, Brett_00 said:

work perfectly in LaunchBox and VLC.

What version of LaunchBox/Big Box are you using?  VLC was depreciated in version 13.21.

Note that setting the video playback engine (WMP or ffmpeg [v13.23 or newer]) is separated between the 2 UI's.  

• LaunchBox - Tools < Options < General < Video Playback
• Big Box - System Menu < Options < Videos < Video Playback Engine

In Big Box, try going in there and selecting "the other" playback engine.  (Since LaunchBox is working, DON'T TOUCH IT in its options! )

[mame.ini Second Screen?]

6 minutes ago, Muzikarcade said:

screen \\\\.\\DISPLAY2

That version must double up the slashes.  I double checked mine (MAME 0.283) and it showed:

Video: Monitor 65537 = "\\.\DISPLAY1" (primary)  (I only have one monitor hooked right now) 

But hey, can't argue with the verbose readout.  Glad you got it working!

[mame.ini Second Screen?]

23 minutes ago, Muzikarcade said:

this is what it looks like after I made the change. but still only games can be seen on screen 1

Change this to 2.