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-McFly-

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Everything posted by -McFly-

  1. Can you give me 2 screenshots: LaunchBox\Images\Sony PlayStation folder properties (or dir /AL output) The exact platform name shown in LaunchBox (Tools → Manage Platforms) That should help point me in the right direction.
  2. Working on the first release right now. If you've tried this already and want something added or changed, let me know so I can include it.
  3. I'm waiting for a new rig for my arcade, this is on hold until I get it. Expect an update in about 2 weeks. (update - i went back to this a little early as I found some time)
  4. This is still in Beta. I've been working on this for a few weeks now, let me know if you find any bugs so I can squash 'em please. Use this at your own risk though, you know the deal with beta software... I'm not responsible if this breaks your setup.
  5. Version 1.1 PS

    58 downloads

    LaunchBox Precache Manager (LPM) Mass image optimizer + precache system for LaunchBox libraries (PowerShell 5.1, ASCII-only). TL;DR LPM scans your LaunchBox Images folder, builds a compressed WebP/JPEG precache into: LaunchBox\Images\_Precache …then (optionally) swaps your original image folders for the precache using NTFS junctions. Original art is protected in: Images\_Originals LaunchBox/Big Box browsing gets faster and lighter You can restore originals at any time Designed for very large libraries (hundreds of thousands to millions of images). What’s included This package contains two main scripts: LB-Precache-Manager.ps1 – interactive front-end menu (the “manager”) Build-LaunchBox-Thumbnails-Parallel.ps1 – the “engine” that does the heavy lifting Optional (recommended): cwebp.exe – Google WebP encoder (best compression / speed) Launcher: Launch-LPM.cmd (optional convenience) You can also run the manager directly with PowerShell. High-level workflow Audit your Images folder (counts, types, savings estimates). Build thumbnails (create/update files in Images\_Precache). Backfill later (fill gaps only after partial runs or new content). Activate Precache (parks originals into _Originals, junction-swaps to _Precache). Restore Originals (undo junction swap, put everything back). Rebuild existing precache later with a new profile if you want tighter compression. Important notes up front Close LaunchBox and Big Box before running (especially Activate/Restore). Locked folders will be skipped. Back up first. Make a backup/snapshot of your LaunchBox folder if you’re cautious (recommended for first-time users). LPM does not change your game metadata except when you explicitly use: Clean XML references (only removes references to images already moved to _BadImages). Remote / network / external path warning (important) LPM is built for local, fixed disks. If your LaunchBox path is a mapped drive / UNC path / remote share, some operations will refuse to run and you will see: Remote paths not supported; run on the Launchbox PC. This prevents multi-day failures, broken junctions, and extreme slowdowns. SAFE vs FULL run mode At startup you’ll choose a run mode: SAFE: low impact (older/USB systems) FULL: uses hardware recommendations for faster multi-threaded work (best on SSD/NVMe) FULL mode will also show detected hardware and recommended defaults (workers/batch sizing). Why counts don’t always match It’s normal to see differences between: a simple file count script, and what the engine prints during scanning/building Reasons: The engine may walk additional internal paths (depending on mode and what already exists in your Images tree). “Visited directories” and “files matched” are progress counters, not a strict “real folder count.” Bottom line: don’t panic if counts don’t line up perfectly, especially after multiple runs or after Activate/Restore operations. Handling locked folders / “file in use” During Activate/Restore (and sometimes builds), you may see locked items skipped. What it means: LaunchBox/Big Box/Explorer/AV has something open. What LPM does: prints a warning continues with the rest (doesn’t abort the entire run) Fix: close LB/BB re-run the option (safe to re-run) Installation Extract the zip anywhere (Desktop/tools folder). Run one of: Launch-LPM.cmd (recommended convenience) or open PowerShell and run: .\LB-Precache-Manager.ps1 Recommended: Run PowerShell as Administrator for: junction swap operations optional Defender exclusion standby-cache clearing (RAM file cache) Logging LPM supports two concepts: 1) Feature state (always-on) LPM-Answers-Last.json This stores the last answered prompts so you can re-run the same build easily (Repeat mode uses this). This is NOT a log and remains on by default. 2) Session logs (optional) You may be asked early in startup whether to disable session logs. Default: logs enabled If disabled: fewer files written; console output still appears Batch mode also maintains small state/summary files so it can resume safely. Main Menu (Manager) You’ll see: Main Menu [0] Audit images (recommended first step) [1] Build Thumbnails [2] Activate Precache (junction swap) [3] Restore Originals [4] Clean XML references [5] Backfill missing precache from Images [6] Rebuild existing precache at new profile [7] Exit [B] Batch run-all (50,000 cap per session) [R] Repeat last build (use saved answers) [T] Clean LPM temp files (optional) [0] Audit images Walks the Images tree and produces: counts convertible totals rough space saving estimates planning hints per profile Outputs: lb_audit.json lb_audit.csv [1] Build Thumbnails Creates/updates the precache under: LaunchBox\Images\_Precache\... Profiles: Fast Balanced Extreme Custom Notes: If cwebp.exe is present, WebP is used (best compression). You can force JPEG-only (optional). [2] Activate Precache (junction swap) “Turns it on.” Moves originals to Images\_Originals\... Creates junctions under Images\... pointing to _Precache [3] Restore Originals Undoes Activate: removes junctions moves originals back from _Originals [4] Clean XML references Advanced/optional cleanup for broken image refs linked to _BadImages. [5] Backfill missing precache from Images Fills only what’s missing: finds originals without corresponding precache output generates precache copies only for those [6] Rebuild existing precache at new profile Re-encodes existing precache using a different profile (only replaces when beneficial, depending on settings). [B] Batch run-all (50,000 cap per session) This is for huge libraries with hundreds+ platforms/folders. What it does: Iterates through platform folders under Images Processes them in segments capped at 50,000 per batch session Writes output into: Images\_Precache\<Platform>\... Can resume where it left off in later runs using a state file Behavior: Prompts per platform with an auto-default (so you can run unattended) Designed so you can run overnight without bogging down the machine for days in one “run all” Batch state: LaunchBoxRoot\LPM-Batch-State.json (resume point / continuation) Batch summary: Writes short progress summaries to the LaunchBox root (easy to find) Also: Batch runs can clear standby cache automatically (admin required) before segments to reduce cache thrash. [R] Repeat last build (use saved answers) Re-runs your last answered configuration using: LPM-Answers-Last.json This is the “do exactly what I did last time” option. [T] Clean LPM temp files (optional) Cleans LPM temporary working files (typically under Windows %TEMP% related to LPM processing). This is safe housekeeping and does not change your LaunchBox Images content. Notes about WebP + LaunchBox LaunchBox can display WebP files when they’re in place in the Images tree, but: Drag/drop and scraping workflows typically expect PNG/JPG sources. LPM’s approach keeps originals safe, while precache improves performance. Clear Logos: PNG sources are strongly recommended (transparency matters). Recommendation for first-time users Run Audit Run Build Thumbnails with Balanced Test LaunchBox/Big Box performance Then consider Activate Precache Support / community Let me know below if you have suggestions for improvement, or if you dfind something that doesn't work as intended. If you like this and want to help me out, buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/mcflylpm
  6. Launchbox Precache Manager - Speed up your build View File LaunchBox Precache Manager (LPM) V.1.0 PS (powershell version) Mass image optimizer + precache system for LaunchBox libraries (PowerShell 5.1, ASCII-only). TL;DR LPM scans your LaunchBox Images folder, builds a compressed WebP/JPEG precache into: LaunchBox\Images\_Precache …then (optionally) swaps your original image folders for the precache using NTFS junctions. Original art is protected in: Images\_Originals LaunchBox/Big Box browsing gets faster and lighter You can restore originals at any time Designed for very large libraries (hundreds of thousands to millions of images). What’s included This package contains two main scripts: LB-Precache-Manager.ps1 – interactive front-end menu (the “manager”) Build-LaunchBox-Thumbnails-Parallel.ps1 – the “engine” that does the heavy lifting Optional (recommended): cwebp.exe – Google WebP encoder (best compression / speed) Launcher: Launch-LPM.cmd (optional convenience) You can also run the manager directly with PowerShell. High-level workflow Audit your Images folder (counts, types, savings estimates). Build thumbnails (create/update files in Images\_Precache). Backfill later (fill gaps only after partial runs or new content). Activate Precache (parks originals into _Originals, junction-swaps to _Precache). Restore Originals (undo junction swap, put everything back). Rebuild existing precache later with a new profile if you want tighter compression. Important notes up front Close LaunchBox and Big Box before running (especially Activate/Restore). Locked folders will be skipped. Back up first. Make a backup/snapshot of your LaunchBox folder if you’re cautious (recommended for first-time users). LPM does not change your game metadata except when you explicitly use: Clean XML references (only removes references to images already moved to _BadImages). Remote / network / external path warning (important) LPM is built for local, fixed disks. If your LaunchBox path is a mapped drive / UNC path / remote share, some operations will refuse to run and you will see: Remote paths not supported; run on the Launchbox PC. This prevents multi-day failures, broken junctions, and extreme slowdowns. SAFE vs FULL run mode At startup you’ll choose a run mode: SAFE: low impact (older/USB systems) FULL: uses hardware recommendations for faster multi-threaded work (best on SSD/NVMe) FULL mode will also show detected hardware and recommended defaults (workers/batch sizing). Why counts don’t always match It’s normal to see differences between: a simple file count script, and what the engine prints during scanning/building Reasons: The engine may walk additional internal paths (depending on mode and what already exists in your Images tree). “Visited directories” and “files matched” are progress counters, not a strict “real folder count.” Bottom line: don’t panic if counts don’t line up perfectly, especially after multiple runs or after Activate/Restore operations. Handling locked folders / “file in use” During Activate/Restore (and sometimes builds), you may see locked items skipped. What it means: LaunchBox/Big Box/Explorer/AV has something open. What LPM does: prints a warning continues with the rest (doesn’t abort the entire run) Fix: close LB/BB re-run the option (safe to re-run) Installation Extract the zip anywhere (Desktop/tools folder). Run one of: Launch-LPM.cmd (recommended convenience) or open PowerShell and run: .\LB-Precache-Manager.ps1 Recommended: Run PowerShell as Administrator for: junction swap operations optional Defender exclusion standby-cache clearing (RAM file cache) Logging LPM supports two concepts: 1) Feature state (always-on) LPM-Answers-Last.json This stores the last answered prompts so you can re-run the same build easily (Repeat mode uses this). This is NOT a log and remains on by default. 2) Session logs (optional) You may be asked early in startup whether to disable session logs. Default: logs enabled If disabled: fewer files written; console output still appears Batch mode also maintains small state/summary files so it can resume safely. Main Menu (Manager) You’ll see: Main Menu [0] Audit images (recommended first step) [1] Build Thumbnails [2] Activate Precache (junction swap) [3] Restore Originals [4] Clean XML references [5] Backfill missing precache from Images [6] Rebuild existing precache at new profile [7] Exit [B] Batch run-all (50,000 cap per session) [R] Repeat last build (use saved answers) [T] Clean LPM temp files (optional) [0] Audit images Walks the Images tree and produces: counts convertible totals rough space saving estimates planning hints per profile Outputs: lb_audit.json lb_audit.csv [1] Build Thumbnails Creates/updates the precache under: LaunchBox\Images\_Precache\... Profiles: Fast Balanced Extreme Custom Notes: If cwebp.exe is present, WebP is used (best compression). You can force JPEG-only (optional). [2] Activate Precache (junction swap) “Turns it on.” Moves originals to Images\_Originals\... Creates junctions under Images\... pointing to _Precache [3] Restore Originals Undoes Activate: removes junctions moves originals back from _Originals [4] Clean XML references Advanced/optional cleanup for broken image refs linked to _BadImages. [5] Backfill missing precache from Images Fills only what’s missing: finds originals without corresponding precache output generates precache copies only for those [6] Rebuild existing precache at new profile Re-encodes existing precache using a different profile (only replaces when beneficial, depending on settings). [B] Batch run-all (50,000 cap per session) This is for huge libraries with hundreds+ platforms/folders. What it does: Iterates through platform folders under Images Processes them in segments capped at 50,000 per batch session Writes output into: Images\_Precache\<Platform>\... Can resume where it left off in later runs using a state file Behavior: Prompts per platform with an auto-default (so you can run unattended) Designed so you can run overnight without bogging down the machine for days in one “run all” Batch state: LaunchBoxRoot\LPM-Batch-State.json (resume point / continuation) Batch summary: Writes short progress summaries to the LaunchBox root (easy to find) Also: Batch runs can clear standby cache automatically (admin required) before segments to reduce cache thrash. [R] Repeat last build (use saved answers) Re-runs your last answered configuration using: LPM-Answers-Last.json This is the “do exactly what I did last time” option. [T] Clean LPM temp files (optional) Cleans LPM temporary working files (typically under Windows %TEMP% related to LPM processing). This is safe housekeeping and does not change your LaunchBox Images content. Notes about WebP + LaunchBox LaunchBox can display WebP files when they’re in place in the Images tree, but: Drag/drop and scraping workflows typically expect PNG/JPG sources. LPM’s approach keeps originals safe, while precache improves performance. Clear Logos: PNG sources are strongly recommended (transparency matters). Recommendation for first-time users Run Audit Run Build Thumbnails with Balanced Test LaunchBox/Big Box performance Then consider Activate Precache Support / community Let me know below if you have suggestions for improvement, or if you dfind something that doesn't work as intended. If you like this and want to help me out, buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/mcflylpm Submitter -McFly- Submitted 11/22/2025 Category Third-party Apps and Plugins  
  7. The archive has a new manager - Thanks everyone for your DM's.
  8. This archive needed someone like Hayato to take it over and do it justice, someone who can drill deeper into it that I ever did. I'm looking forward to seeing the work he does for the community.
  9. Many are incomplete due to them simply being missing from the web. Some games become available or found by people and ripped for everyone, some are incomplete due to bad rips, etc. The archiving should have started about 30 years ago when everything was new and available, but here we are.
  10. yes, i started there and gave up due to all the failures with uploading that way.
  11. All my files are there, uploading and downloading is simple and straightforward. I just don't have time for all the questions and requests.
  12. My repo is up for grabs to anyone who wants to take it over - 

     

  13. I'm giving up the entire repository that used to be at snaapgames.com as I don't have the time to manage it anymore. If you know what this is and are interested in taking it over, let me know. If you're not sure what this is; it's a MEGA site I used to upload my entire collection for archiving purposes. My goal was to keep everything available forever for anyone interested in preserving our collections, but the time I've had to give this has been far more than I anticipated and I just don't have the bandwidth anymore due to professional and personal reasons. It's currently sitting at 26TB and costs around $90 per month, payable on the 15th. ASparky was interested in taking this over but I haven't heard from him in a couple of months, so I'm opening it up to everyone. This is NOT FOR SALE - there is a monthly cost for this that will be payable to MEGA, not to me. There is / was a website associated with this and an email address. At a minimum I'll need an email address from whoever takes it over to forward messages to. I was asking for donations to help cover the monthly MEGA fees, you may need a website if you choose a similar path. Reach out to me via DM is interested. If no-one takes this over, it'll be cancelled before November 15th 2025 and gone forever.
  14. Hi everyone. I don't have the time to continue it so I'm closing the MEGA repository in 2 weeks on September 30th 2025. If anyone wants to take it over, PM me and we can discuss as there are several things that need to be done before the handover can happen, specifically email, web and banking back-end stuff. If anyone is interested in taking it over there are costs involved with hosting the repo. Thanks to everyone who grabbed what they could while they could, sorry it wasn't forever. I may make this its own post, I'll just put this here for now. Asparky - if you're still interested, let me know.
  15. I'm not using this, but it might be useful to you? https://nytric.com/clients-zapit-games/ I have several systems that don't have working emulators yet, I have everything queued up for when they arrive and work well.
  16. 1.2M titles, but they're not all strictly games. I've included cheats, videos and manuals as well so... probably about 800-900k games maybe? I haven't got a lot of the 'bigger' games like XBOX, Playstation etc. so my total storage is around 30+TB. 60TB is a lot of space for less than 100k games, I'm guessing you've chosen more recent systems?
  17. These .xml files only has the Metadata for each game... title, gameid's, details, etc. There are no game files in the playlists. These .xml files get built / updated by LB when you import your own games. My .xml files show all the games in the .xml files inside MY LB & BB, they are basically a shortcut for you if you already have all the games on your system already. Any games you don't have simply won't open when ran inside LB or BB as they're not there. You don't need these .xml files if you intend to run the importer yourself - I've simply added them here as a reference if you are looking for more titles to add to your own collection.
  18. Thanks for this! I have over 1000 playlists already, I could do all the ones you suggest, but someone will suggest others and someone else will suggest even more... I've reached a limit I'm happy with. Anyone can create playlists in Launchbox and upload them to these forums, you could help the community by doing these yourself?
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