RedDog

Just poking this thread. Still hoping for some insight.

When looking through the GameEx Custom Menu Editor, there are a few features that I have not been able to figure out or turn on: TV Live - Most Played Live - Favorites How are these switched on?

Try ePSXe.

Hey morgoth, I have to support null's position. At one time, I also took the time to create an alternate database for several emulators in order to update missing information or make adjustments to mismatches. How I did it was to take a file, copy it, and then populate empty fields or edit existing data. While it worked fine for me, the downside is that if the structure of the database were to ever change, then all that work could be lost....I stopped with that project as Tom had announced that game ratings would soon be added to GameEx and I expected the database to change to accommodate it. My suggestion would be to stay within the intended functionality of the program. Also, if you are experiencing any errors or crashing while using these two custom databases, I would suggest retesting your GameEx install by reverting to the original databases and testing. If any issues occur with that 'proper' setup, then troubleshoot them first. Now, if you intend to continue forward with your database project...Do keep in mind that by altering the databases, you (and I) are stepping into areas the developer did not intend and are outside the scope of what most would want to get involved with. Play with it as much as you like, but realize that you may be on your own with it. I tested these two databases on my GameEx setup and they worked fine for the most part. The only thing I saw that was off was when I tried to view a game that had no entry in the database: If there was an exact title match in another database, GameEx would switch to that emulator/game. Of course, I assume your intention was to only list the game you had in your library, but you may still see that result. I did not experience any crashes or errors otherwise, although I did not try to run the games either. I did notice that you actually deleted some titles from your NES database. I think that was a mistake given the odd functionality I experienced above. That is about as much as I would like to get into it (since I myself abandoned that idea), but I hope the information was helpful.

Update: I've added an entry in the FIRST post along with some NEW screenshots of some of the new backgrounds. A lot of the work is done, but there is more to do. By the time it is finished, I estimate that there will be around 45 backgrounds. It does seam like a lot, but for the most part, I am enjoying the work. I also decided to spend some time cleaning up or creating logos that will go with with the backgrounds, so this has added to the project. They won't be anything super fancy, but they will be pretty clean. I have removed the GameEx logo from all of the backgrounds except for the Main Menu and Update screens. However, as a sort of ode to GameEx, I used the GameEx font in many of the non-game backgrounds (Main Menu, Themes, Statistics, Search, and Favorites to name a few). Maikerbushi asked about seeing the theme it in action. I did try to take a desktop video of GameEx with two different capture programs, but they either crashed or created a corrupt video file. I really didn't want to take the time to troubleshoot it as I do not have much experience with video capture and editing...so snaps will have to be enough for now. Also, while I REALLY do like the name 'Carty-Arty-Flarty-Blarty' as a theme name, I decided to go with a very simple name: Sidebar Enjoy the pics...and any feedback is appreciated.

I have noticed these files in the LOGOS directory for a while, but I have not been able to figure out what they are used for. They appear to be generated by GameEx. Anyone know how these are used by GameEx? Thumbs_Control.png Thumbs_Mame.png Thumbs_More.png Thumbs_MultiMedia.png

OK, I did some tinkering and found that some views also use StartImageMenuBak.png as the start image. Maybe that's the one you need for the icon view you want to use?!?!?!?????

If Zombies Ate My Neighbors (U) [!].zip worked, then one would expect Donkey Kong Country (USA).zip to work in the same way (assuming there are no issues with that specific game for that emulator). I would suggest you try running a bat file outside GameEx to confirm that it works. Otherwise, I have to admit that I have no more ideas for now. Hopefully nullPointer or another knowledgeable soul can offer some useful suggestions...

Another thought...I am wondering if this could be a GoodMerge related issue where the zip file contains a bunch of files (including roms AND videos) and the user is not a registered GameEx user. I wonder what file GameEx would attempt to run in that case...

Hi Dal, Here is what you logfile says happened when you ran Donkey Kong Country (USA): cmd.exe /c C: mame64.exe snes -rompath "C:\Emulators\_Roms\SuperNES" -cart "Donkey Kong Country (USA).avi" In other words, GameEx attempted to run a video file and not a rom file. I would not have expected that since your rom filter for SNES is set to *.zip;*.srm;. Please check the Donkey Kong Country (USA) zip file and let us know what files are actually in there. I was also wondering if you would mind providing another more simple example. Could you try a game that is not using the zip format, post that logfile, and let us know what game it is? As a side note, I have not used mame64 as a console emulator and I was unable not find a list of command line arguments that contained the -cart flag. Are you pretty confident that the command Line structure you have set up in GameEx is valid? this is what you have listed: mame64.exe snes -rompath "[rompath]" -cart "[romfile]" As for using a dedicated SNES emulator, as long as YOU know that mame64 can be used to run SNES games using a command line, then you certainly can do that. Personally, I use dedicated emulators because I felt that the result would likely be as good as it possible or there might be some feature that I really wanted. On a side note, I do think it is a little easier to troubleshoot dedicated emulators since they are isolated to one system, but not by much.

Howdy Dal, It would also probably help if you were to post your gameex.ini file. There are some settings in that file that will affect how your theme works. It can be found in the GameEx\CONFIG folder. Startbak is normally the file that is used for the start page, but I believe that it not always the case (depending on how you set up your theme and what VIEW you GameEx is currently in).

Hear, hear!!!! What he said!

@stigzler: Thanks for the praise. For the GameEx branding, I can see what you mean; after some thought, I may try to make the home page GameEx and remove the logo elsewhere (I do want to give prop to GameEx somewhere). I do intend to include templates so that anyone interested can make their own changes/additions too. @Draco: Thank you as well. Yeah, when I said systems from x-date to x-date, I really meant the most common ones. I certainly could not see doing ALL OF THEM. UG! But, the theme is simple enough that someone could do some on their own too. @tthurman: Thank you. It's funny that I didn't think of Art-Box as a name. I may go with that. I also came up with Art of the Game which I kind of like, but does not quite hit the mark. I will have to brainstorm a bit more though. And to everyone else who gave a like, Thanks to you as well. I will post updates when I have them.

This is my first theme for GameEx (or for anything else for that matter). When I first started making the theme, I did not expect it to be anything special, but at some point I really thought it started looking pretty good. After all the positive feedback and great suggestions from everyone who took the time to take a look at my work, I am ready to release it. The idea of the Sidebar theme is to give the GameEx user the feeling of looking at the box or jewel case that games might come in. It is fairly simple and minimalistic, but when combined with title/snap shots or videos, it looks nice. Hopefully someone else out there there in GameEx-land will enjoy it as well. Most assets have been altered or changed including: - 45+ Backgrounds (including optional alternate backgrounds) - 90+ Logos to match the backgrounds or game consoles - Update and Loading screen assets - Sound assets Here are some snaps of the theme in action: RELEASE: http://www.gameex.info/forums/files/file/529-sidebar-1920x1080/ ...and a big thanks to everyone who took part in this thread over the last few weeks. === 7-20-2016 === - Added Wii logo and background

I've not used Hyperspin, so I don't know how it is configured, but GameEx is an almost completely manual setup. At the start of the configuration, it does provide a suggestion as to where you may want to install your Mame, but it is not something that is required. One of the nice things about having a manual setup is that you have a lot of freedom in how you organize your files and how you might set certain aspects up...but one of the drawbacks is that you DO have to configure most everything. GameEx won't do much 'out of the box'. It is very important to take the time to walk through the BASIC configuration at least and the ADVANCED settings once you are ready to look at the fine details. Hope it works out for you. I've used GameEx for a LONG time and I really like the customization options it gives me.

Hey Methodman, This is odd because, like erlo above, your mame executable is also listed as Mame Mapping Magician.exe. Go into the SetupWizard > MAME Settings > MAME EXE and enter the name of the Mame Executable you are utilizing. Save the config, reverify that it took the change, maybe recheck the other settings on that page, and then try triggering the Mame list update again. Also, make sure GameEx is not running when you are using the SetupWizard. It is odd that both you and erlo would have Mame Mapping Magician.exe as the Mame executable. Do you recall setting it up that way or if it was somehow defaulted that way? I assume that you are aware that GameEx does not come with a version of Mame included...

Since you are familiar with Mame, you should have very little problem going through the Mame setup using the SetupWizard. It is pretty straight forward. However, there is a lot of potential configuration in GameEx because you can do A LOT of tinkering...so take it one section/emulation/etc at a time and it won't seem too daunting. Good luck with it.

Yup, Updated to 14.41 and Custom Menus are working again. Thanks Tom.

Hey again erlo, OK, I noted a few things about your Mame setup that look a little odd: You list the Mame executable as Mame Mapping Magician.exe. It should be the Mame executable... which I assume is in your Mame32 folder. Mame Mapping Magician.exe is actually a small program used to create .map files for GameEx. Now, I don't actually know the process that GameEx goes through to generate it's Mame files, but I would bet that it uses the Mame executable...so it's pretty likely that it's choking out on this thing called Mame Mapping Magician.exe.Your config says that your Mame Roms are located in C:\GameEx\DEMO;C:\GameEx\DEMO\MAME. While there is nothing wrong with putting roms in the Mame folder or two different folders, most people put them in a ROM folder (eg, C:\GameEx\DEMO\MAME\ROMS). That is only a problem unless your roms are NOT actually located in those two folders....and a side suggestion: Your Mame config is split between the C:\GameEx\DEMO folder, the C:\GameEx\DEMO\MAME folder, and the C:\Emulators\Mame32 folder. In my experience, most people keep assets for an emulator in the same folder. Again, this would not cause an issue as long as you are familiar with Mame and know how your config works. The way I do it is to place all the emulator 'stuff' in it's own folder outside the GameEx folder just in case I ever need to reinstall GameEx. I did not look any further than this, so I would suggest checking over your entire Mame configuration using the SetupWizard to make sure everything else is pointing in the right place and then give it another go. Good luck. Hope it helps.

Hey erlo, I just got done reloading my GameEx setup in the last two days, including setting up Mame again. I also noticed that GameEx took awhile to complete it's Mame initialization. Like you, I closed out GameEx a few times thinking it was hanging (even though the task manager reflected that it was still running). At one point, I just started the Mame initialization again and walked away from the PC for about 10 minutes (leaving focus on GameEx; ie, I didn't use the PC for anything else), and when I came back, GameEx had continued on. Once it was done, it was set up. How much time have you given GameEx to do it's thing? Also, as Draco said, if you do just try waiting and continue to have problems, please post your files.

So, I installed and registered GameEx 14.40 on a brand spankin new Vista install (yeah, I know...Vista...lovely ). Anyway, I tried enabling the default Custom Menus to no effect. I also edited down the existing Custom Menus to a few basic choices and they would not show up when running GameEx. Now, I should add that there are NO emulators, games, etc installed on this machine; so it may turn out that this is not a fantasic example. However, my guess is that there is something worth investigating here. I've attached the relative files for that Vista Install. GameEx.ini CustomMenu.ini log.txt

Hey null. Yes I did. I removed my file and allowed the GameExCustomMenu app generate a new one. No change in that issue. I see others commenting on similar things. SORRY GUYS! I've done gone and infected the internets!!!!! Funny enough, my menu issue started after I decided to reload after GameEx started crashing on me...so instead of upgrading from a previous version, I did do a fresh install. Now, I am not sure how GameEx performs it's upgrades, so I don't know if this observation helps or not. To see if it is a New Install issue, I will try putting GameEx 14.40 on a laptop that has never had it and see what happens with the custom menus. That should tell us something anyway. Oddly enough, I have run into another issue (sure, why not have one more, right?), but I don't want to officially report it yet. In TS this menu issue, I decided to cycle through the views on my theme in case something somewhere might get reset. Unfortunately, I am now stuck in one view and I cannot get the Change View option to show up again so I can continue cycling. I don't know if this may be related, but I wanted to mention it. I am continuing to TS this one.

Yes, GameExMenuEditor.exe does have admin rights and Custom Menus are enabled.

It looks like this is resolved. I am seeing connection messages when running GameEx, the GameExOnlineLog.txt is logging stuff, my profile on the GameEx Online website is populated, and (of course) the game card is being generated. Because of the other issue I was troubleshooting, I decided to uninstall GameEx and use CCCleaner before reinstalling. While testing the reinstall, the GameEx Online started working. Funny enough though, it was enabled before the reload and I did not do anything to it other than copy my original GameEx.ini file to the CONFIG directory as part of setting up the reinstall, but apparently something before was stopping GameEx from triggering to go out into the internets. Thanks for the help gents.

Hi Dazzle. Thank for the help. I am not sure I quite understand what you mean by checking the paths, commands, and drive allocations. Even if I create a simple custom menu with only the EXIT command, that custom menu will not be displayed when Custom Menus are active. However, I did check over each of the entries in my original CustomMenu.ini file and fixed a few icons that were not connected (no change in the issue though). OK, so I realized last night that I didn't do my last GameEx reload quite right (I forgot to run the SetupWizard after installation), so I did it again. Anyway, after uninstalling GameEx, removing the leftover files, and running CCCleaner a few times, I have loaded GameEx (again) and added my configuration back in and from what I can tell, everything is working fine except for the Custom Menus. Keep in mind that Draco tried my CustomMenu.ini on his PC and it came up correctly...so the file itself is valid enough to be loaded. I did try a few other options related to menus to see how they would act: I set Use Flat Menus to YES. That function did place all selections on the menu root.I set Use Flat Menus to NO. That function did place the selections in a tree structure.Enabling Custom Menus did not override the default options for either Use Flat Menus options.I did find that when I set the Interface Mode to Normal and Simple, they look the same, but I can tell when Simple is active as the arrow keys work for paging.Enabling Custom Menus did not override the default options for either of the Interface Mode options.Is there somewhere else that GameEx has some cache files hidden? I searched the AppData folder and didn't see anything obvious. Other than that and the registry, I am now out of ideas. I've attached updated config/log files for reference as well as a screenshot of the Home menu GameEx displays (in case it helps). You can see by comparing the two images, they are quite different. GameEx.ini log.txt CustomMenu.ini