I'm wrapping up a cabinet build, and am having some challenges with getting the software side completed.
I've got Ultimarc ServoSticks setup, and have them hot-keyed to F4 and F8 to switch between 4-way and 8-way. The Ultimarc software (JoyTray.exe) is loaded at startup, and when I open and close LaunchBox or BigBox it works perfectly. I can switch the restrictor plate easily whenver I need/want to.
Now that I have all the ROMs, emulators, etc., all loaded and working, I'm attempting to get my BigBox to start as the Windows Shell with JoyTray still running in the background (so I can still change joystick restrictor plates). Initially, I attempted to go into BigBox, then options, and selected to start BigBox as the Windows Shell...seemed easy enough. Prior to this, I had gone into LaunchBox and setup within the startup script to run "JoyTray.exe" when opening both LaunchBox/BigBox.
When restarting the machine, everything works as I'd hoped...except the JoyTray somehow didn't start, so I have no control over moving joysticks. BigBox does start up and everything looks/runs great, but I really want/need the ability to change between 4-8 way.
After trying this multiple different times, I deselected the BigBox to Windows Shell, and decided to try it the older way - by using the shell:startup I had read about and watched videos of. By cleaning the desktop off, hiding recycle bin, etc., and adding BigBox shortcut to the shell:startup, I am able to get the machine to restart into BigBox directly, with the JoyTray running...which allows me to switch as desired. I'd be fine using this method to load into BigBox, however, when the machine startup into BigBox, the Taskbar "pops-up" and requires me to use mouse/click to get it to go into BigBox. I'm not planning on having my keyboard and mouse accessible every time I turn on the computer, so having to use the mouse isn't a good option either.
So, bottom line, I'd like my Win 10 machine to load directly into BigBox when powered up, which makes it look/feel more like arcade cabinet. Happy to do this either way, but need to JoyTray.exe to be "running" so I can switch within BigBox. Any insight or advice would be appreciated.