Draco1962

That's how it works some times. Uninstall/Reinstall vs overwriting (update) is how it often works for me regarding sound and video drivers. Glad to se y ou were able to resolve the issue!

Can you post your last log file?

In the BIOS, I usually recommend AGP at 4X, and Aperture no more than the total MB on the video card (so 64 MB or 128 MB) would be fine - try 64MB first, if that does not work, then try 128MB) If you can locate the BIOS settings, also try disabling Video Caching. As for the Process Explorer - while I haven't had need to run it, my guess is you are correct. Post whatever you can log following HK's instructions.

For the video aperture settings, you may need to search about the Asus site or the web for the version specific to your mobo (it was an Asus if I recall). If the video card you are using is an APG card, you may need to adjust these settings for optimal use. One thing that I failed to ask previously. Is the PC you are using for your cocktail cab an HP or Compaq? If so, then next question I would ask is have you upgraded it it from its original configuration with a larger, faster, and/or additional hard drives, CD-ROM drives, etc.? Did you add additional fans for cooling? I ask these as one thing that many fail to consider when upgrading a pre-built system is the power supply that comes with the system is generally just powerful enough to manage the voltage needs of that configuration. Once you add a new drive or two, more powerful video card, etc. you end up exceeding the power supply's ability to keep up with the needs of the PC. Same goes for the number of fans. More upgrades usually means more heat, yet the base configuration is usually just enough to handle what was originally sold and cannot dissipate the additional heat generated. Under powered and overheating, if marginal, can cause inconsistant results. But I would probably run the Process Explorer prgram that HK mentioned first before poking around much more. It may uncover something we haven't thought of and would make any other suggestions moot.

I know when addressing other issues with GTB in the past that it was recommended to install a more current graphics adapter/video card with its own RAM (at least 128MB but 256 MB or higher even better). This was recommended because of similiar issues with the videos, etc. Just because there is no perceptible lag outside of GameEx does not necessarily make it a GameEx issue. Every program layer adds to the memory load, CPU/GPU cycles and information congestion in the data "pipes" and caches. This applies to videos, emus, web apps. GoTheBunnies - we had discussed the lagging issue here and I was wondering if you had taken a look at the PC BIOS with regards to the video aperture settings as had been suggested, and if you are using a separate video card or onboard video?

I never really had all that many problems with Vista (Had Home 32-bit installed on this machne when I bought it from Dell as hey di dnot iffer any 64-bit OSes at the time). Win 7 was even better.

Have you checked the services to ensure that terminal services has not been stopped or changed to Manual? If so, try changing to Automatic and restarting the service.

I would probably p;ut back in the original equipment, then try loading XP. My guess it is driver issue (unless it was actually BSODing before you took ownership).

We probably have as many squirrels as people here in Jax. Also, with Florida being the lightning capitol of the world, we have our share of browns and outs. Even had lightning come in though the faucet on the side of the house and take out my surround system, a few PCs, a TV, a router, and the garage door opener. our electric is underground, but there are raised lines a few blocks away on the same grid, so occasionally a squirrel with create a nice ground across a transformer and take out power for an hour or so.

BK, what OS?

Well, I gave it a try but for some reason the .140.u2 hi-score diff patch kept failing during the Apply process. I then decided to try to install the 140.u2 version of mameui64 and ran into the same errors as I did with the previous compiled version. At that point, I decided to totally reinstall .140.u1 and no problems. When I have more time I will attempt the same with .140.u2 (without the .140.u2 hi-score diff) to see if it is the .140.u2 version or maybe try patching/compiling .u1 instead..

My home server (built on a Gateway P4) boots on power-up. Important when lightning and squirrels take down the power.

I think I actually saw on a cab design where someone installed a spring loaded plunger-style button [)------(] [) is exterior button on cab, ------- plunger or spring-loaded stick , and (] button on front of PC . That way they didn't have to open the coin door or jury-rig wiring to accommodate.

Thanks! Will give that a try. I had considered something along those lines (compile one of the diffs each time to see which one "breaks" the process). Likely will just apply the hi-score diff and be done with it.

New Feature Request for Theme Editor - Allow Theme Editor to modify Font style, color, size for different text elements. For Example, I would like to use an 8-Pin dot matrix looking font for the scroller and in a different color than other text elements. For future themes, I would like to be able to use a different color font or even a different font or font size for my lists vs Title Bar, date/time, menu options, etc.

Thanks Tom! Now I have to redo my theme to accomodate al the nifty add-ons! One quick question - where can we input what we want to appear in the scroller? EDIT - Um, nevermind! Found it in the Theme Editor under Edit.

To change the font, start a theme using an existing theme, then click on Edit > Options, then the Fonts tab. Click on Main Font and select the font you have installed in Windows, change the font size if necessary, then click OK. You will likely need to create your background in a graphics editor (Photoshop or GIMP for example - save as a PNG file in the screen dimension you are wanting to use (640x480, 800x600, etc.). To remove the menu bar, you can delete this in the main layout of the theme editor. You can also move around the dates and times (or remove them if you wish). You can also reposition the Image and Image2 positions (Image displays your logos and videos, Image2 generally your bezels and cabs). Keep in mind that you will need to create bak files for each emulator and other parts of GameEx. It's going to take some trial and error but once you get started it will become second nature again.

Have you experienced the "Error" Failed to open file for load operation" prompt while in attract mode or launching a game from MAME or GameEx? I am half tempted to try compiling again, but not sure if it is going to matter at this point. I miught see if I can get a copy of someone else's MAMEUI140u2 compilation to see if the error persists or not.

In addition to the log Tom is requesting, can you let us know what other applications may be loading (Anti-Virus/Firewall/Anti-malware, etc.) at startup?

I compiled mameui640.140u2 again from scratch with the u1 and u2 diffs in addtion to the hi-score txt for .140 and continue to get the same error message each time a game appears in attract mode or loading from MAME directly or through GameEx. I can play the games, it's just distracting to get the error messages. cquealy - what settings did you use in the compiler and what diffs did you apply to patch?

Much of what you are suggesting can be handled through the use of Custom Menus and the Custom Menu setup is part of the configuration tools that are installed when you install GameEx. There are a few threads on the General forum that may be of help to you.

I found an interesting page here regarding hi score saves. Even with the hi score diff patch, some games will not save a hi score file in the Hi folder, saving to nvram instead. I confirmed this while playing Satans Hollow. It generated a new nvram file, but no hi score file, yet retained the high score. REgardless it still continues to show the "Error" Failed to open file for load operation" prompt in attract mode and before each game I start through MAME - within GamEx and outside of GameEx through the MAME GUI.

Well, maybe I spoke too soon. started noticing error message "ERROR: FAILED TO OPEN FILE FOR LOAD OPERATION" athe the start of most games and also in Attract Mode. not entirely sure why this is occuring and did not see it before using the compiled version. I tried searching the forums, etc but could not fing anything useful.

Are you running 64-bit or 32-bit OS? I just compiled my first version of MAMEUI64 1.40u2 using Headkaze's Compiler. Had some fun trying to figure out where I was going wrong but after realizing that I need to actually "read" the instructions and overcome some access rights to the directories, it was smooth as silk. Like you, I am more familiar running the GUI versions. After compiling it with the latest patches (including hi-score support) all is working great!

Alrighty, you can mark this one as resolved, looking great! Thanks again, guys!