hello dazzle, yep someone had advised me to use 2 // but then tried without too. the mame I'm using is the mame from this site thats in the mame pack, I've tried installing mame on c drive but still the same problem, I have literally tried everything and have totally exhaused every avenue, I think i have to face facts and admit defeat that gameex isnt going to work for me but thank everyone for all the help given.