[RESOLVED] Problems with GameEx since 12.45

[Koop]

Ever since 12.45 came out I've been having problems with GameEx running. Sometimes restarting the application can fix the problem, and since I've been distracted with other tasks in setting up my arcade machine I haven't bothered with it until now. The problem I am having is that upon reaching the main GameEx menu on startup everything seems to be running fine. The Mame video snaps start playing in the lower left corner. Then when I start to navigate down the menu, the next option is Recently Played. When navigating past this option either one of three things happen:

1. It works fine and starts playing the video for the last played game.
   
2. It jams up. The computer and hard drive start thinking real hard, but GameEx never returns to a state of usefulness. I have to kill the program by Task Manager.
   
3. The GameEx interface "resets" and the main menu comes back and I can navigate again. The only problem is, there is no longer any artwork. Even when I go into a submenu like Favorites or the Mame list itself, there is no artwork. No videos, no snaps, no icons, etc.
   

I am currently running version 12.50. I upgraded to 12.45 via the auto-update feature. This gave me errors, and I believe I have been doing a manual install of the upgrades since then. The upgrade to 12.50 was by the download off the website.

I wouldn't mind reinstalling GameEx from scratch, but I don't want to have to go through the configuration again if I can avoid it. I know the three main files I need to backup to avoid this: custominput.ini, data.mdb, and GameEx.ini. There are 1 or 2 others for custom menus or something like that, but I haven't done anything with that I don't think.

Finally, the GameEx interface seems to run a bit more poorly now. I get more lag, more jumping in the video snaps, etc. Not sure what is causing all these problems. Should I just go back to version 12.38? Any suggestions for fixing?

Thanks.

P.S. The last time I launched GameEx I was able to navigate to the Favorites menu and select it. Then I returned to the main menu and scrolled down to Recently Played when it jammed up again. Attached is the log file from this run.

log.txt

[Koop]

I don't think it has anything to do with loading the Recently Played list or even the Favorites list. Because, even if I use the Page Down button to jump to the Exit Game Ex option it still jams up.

[Tom Speirs]

This sounds like a Codec issue to me.

[Koop]

Well I didn't have this problem at all before 12.45. In fact it ran great. Nothing has changed in codecs since then. I have the Shark 007 codecs installed. I also have VLC player. Should I try uninstalling VLC?

[Tom Speirs]

Anything else changed, configuration?

[Draco1962]

Post your gameex.ini please so we can take a look at some of the settings. There may be a missed tweak or two.

[Tom Speirs]

Please let me know anything else that has been changed or added to your windows install. Is the machine in a cab? Could it be overheating? Please post gameex.ini.

[Koop]

Sorry, will have to post the GameEx.ini file tomorrow. I already shut it down for the night. But the system is not in a cabinet yet. In fact it is in a very cool basement. I can't think of any configuration change I've made since the problem first started. I haven't been messing with it that much in the past couple weeks. Recently I added the advert video path to the 2600 system. I've also made some changes to the configuration of a few emulators such as Stella and Nestopia. I doubt that would be affecting it though. I did install the Ultimarc IPAC2 configuration tool. But that isn't running when GameEx is, nor did I use that program to make any changes to the IPAC2.

Like I said, GameEx runs fine at first, including the video snaps. I've also had good luck by just selecting the first option in the menu (MAME) and going from there to play a game. I would say that even then I still have the video snap performance problem. It seems that at set intervals (approx every 2 secs) the video will freeze for a moment and then continue.

But if I go to any other main menu option below MAME (Recently Played, Exit) it will jam up.

[Koop]

Ok I've attached my GameEx.ini

GameEx.txt

Can anyone tell me how to use the spoiler function so that I can easily show/hide the code? I'm assuming that would be the preferred method rather than attaching a file.

Thanks again.

[Koop]

New developments since my last post. Opened GameEx today, saw there was another update, went ahead and did the auto-upgrade. Seemed to install fine. Started GameEx, tried to scroll down the menu and this time instead of just jamming up it gave me an error with details. Screen shot:

I was also able to copy the text of the details of the error. This was a challenge because I couldn't see my mouse cursor during the process:

********** Exception Text **************
System.AccessViolationException: Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.OnLostDevice()
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.OnParentLost(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.EventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Device.raise_DeviceLost(Object i1, EventArgs i2)
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Device.Dispose()
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Device.OnParentDisposed(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.EventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.ComponentModel.Component.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.ComponentModel.Component.Dispose()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmClose(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m)
   at al.a(Message& A_0)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3625 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
GameEx
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/GameEx.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3623 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3624 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2911.0
	Win32 Version: 9.12.589.0000
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX/1.0.2911.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX.dll
----------------------------------------
NetVideoPlayer
	Assembly Version: 1.0.4377.30570
	Win32 Version:
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/NetVideoPlayer.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualBasic
	Assembly Version: 8.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 8.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll
----------------------------------------
Interop.UPNPLib
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.UPNPLib.DLL
----------------------------------------
CopyDataClass
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/CopyDataClass.DLL
----------------------------------------
FFDShowAPI
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/FFDShowAPI.DLL
----------------------------------------
Interop.DvdCore
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.DvdCore.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectInput
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectInput/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectInput.dll
----------------------------------------
ArtDownloader
	Assembly Version: 0.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 0.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/ArtDownloader.DLL
----------------------------------------
Interop.WMPLib
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.WMPLib.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 9.05.132.0000
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.dll
----------------------------------------
Interop.iTunesLib
	Assembly Version: 1.13.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.13.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.iTunesLib.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Data
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Data/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Data.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3082 (QFE.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Transactions
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Transactions/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Transactions.dll
----------------------------------------
System.EnterpriseServices
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.EnterpriseServices/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.EnterpriseServices.dll
----------------------------------------
msvcm90
	Assembly Version: 9.0.30729.6161
	Win32 Version: 9.00.30729.6161
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/WinSxS/x86_Microsoft.VC90.CRT_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.6161_x-ww_31a54e43/msvcm90.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Web
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3618 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Web/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Web.dll
----------------------------------------
Interop.AVGAComObj
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.AVGAComObj.DLL
----------------------------------------
************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.
For example:
<configuration>
	<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>
When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.

It seems to indicate it is a Direct X problem.

Then, when I clicked continue on the error a GameEx Error window came up:

20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Opening Configuration File
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  GameEx: Version 12.51: Starting Log
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Operating System Platform: Win32NT
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Operating System Name: Windows XP
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Operating System Version: 5.1.2600
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3400+, 1919MB
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  2.2Ghz
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Running Randomize()
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Loading PlugIns
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Checking for applications to Launch On Startup
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Running Misc startup tasks
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Setting Menu types
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Getting Configuration Values
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Using Theme: Default - Media Center
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Checking for alternate Image Directory for Theme: Default - Media Center
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Using Images from theme: Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Launching HideOS.exe
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Initialising Video/MNG DLL's
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  GameEx will check for media insertion (may affect performance)
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Hiding Taskbar
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Is Media Center running?
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Checking/Creating LCD Registry values
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Check Media Center Exit/Start Mode
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Media Center Mode 2
20:51:09.5  1/10/2012:  Video previews on. Warning: Only recommended on modern systems
20:51:09.5  1/10/2012:  Snap Delay set to: 1
20:51:09.5  1/10/2012:  Get other settings
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Desktop set to Hide ICONS and set Background to Black
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Set: Find emulator artwork on best match basis
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  SlikStik support enabled
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Start work for Form
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Getting Original Screen Size
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Opening Database Connection
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Initializing Component
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  MAME Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\mame
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  MAME EXE file is: mame.exe
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  ROM Paths are: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\mame\roms;C:\Program Files\games\emulators\mame\roms;C:\Program Files\games\emulators\ROMs\MAME\Roms
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Catver.ini is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\catver.ini
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  controls.ini is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\controls.ini
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  History.dat is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\history.dat
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  nplayers.ini is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\nplayers.ini
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  command.dat is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\command.dat
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  MAMEinfo.dat is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\mameinfo.dat
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Loading Controls.ini map file
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Snap Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\snaps
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Background Snap Path: Not Found
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  AVI Snap Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\videos
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Flyer Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\flyers
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Cabinet Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\cabinets
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Cabinet 3D Path: Not Found
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Title Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\titles
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  PCB Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\PCBs
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Artwork Preview Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\Artwork Preview
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Panel Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\cpanels
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Manual Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\manuals
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Icon Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\icons
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Marquee Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\marquees
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Applying Language/Text
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Text/Language: English
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Custom Emulators
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 1: [Arcade] Arcade (MAME)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 2: [Pinball] Future Pinball
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 3: [Pinball] Visual Pinball
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 4: [Pinball] Visual PinMAME
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 5: [Console] Atari 2600 (Stella)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 6: [Console] Nintendo NES (Nestopia)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 7: [Console] Nintendo SNES (ZSNES)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 8: [Console] Nintendo N64 (Project64)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 9: [Handheld] Nintendo Game Boy Advance (VisualBoyAdvance)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 10: [Console] Sega Genesis (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 11: [Console] Sega 32x (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 12: [Console] Sega Master System (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 13: [Handheld] Sega Game Gear (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Using Version 3 Themes Animations
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Retrieving resolution setting
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  Using General Font: Trebuchet MS
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  Using Title Font: Trebuchet MS
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  GameEx will try to reduce CPU usage
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  Initialising Direct3D
20:51:10.2  1/10/2012:  Mouse Input is disabled
20:51:10.2  1/10/2012:  Applying GameEx is Loading Image
20:51:10.3  1/10/2012:  Setting Resolution to 1280x720 32 bit color
20:51:10.3  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces
20:51:11.0  1/10/2012:  Creating Primary Surface - Full Screen Mode
20:51:11.0  1/10/2012:  Creating Back Buffer
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Loading graphic Surfaces
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Display is running at: 1280x720 32bit color, 75hz
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Adapter: ATI Radeon Xpress 1150
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Max texture size: 2048x2048
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Available texture memory: 619MB
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Initialising Bass Audio Library
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Misc and Dialogs
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Volume
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Arrows
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces GameEXlogo Text
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Toolbar
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Toolbar Controls
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Backgrounds
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces GameEx Logo
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surface Unselected
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Snaps
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Menu and List Bars
20:51:12.2  1/10/2012:  Creating Fonts
20:51:12.2  1/10/2012:  Creating Game Font
20:51:12.3  1/10/2012:  Creating Game Font Faded
20:51:12.4  1/10/2012:  Creating Title Font
20:51:12.4  1/10/2012:  Restoring Title Font From Cache
20:51:12.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Font Black
20:51:12.9  1/10/2012:  Creating Font Black Small
20:51:13.0  1/10/2012:  Fonts Created Succesfully
20:51:13.0  1/10/2012:  3MB Video Memory Used
20:51:13.5  1/10/2012:  Attempting to load game list
20:51:14.0  1/10/2012:  MAME CMD options: -nowindow -joy -skip_gameinfo
20:51:14.0  1/10/2012:  Cannot Load Play List. Check Path and filename
20:51:14.0  1/10/2012:  Creating DirectSound Device
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  Trying: Primary Sound Driver
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  Loading Sound Files
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  DirectSound Device Created Successfully
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  Initialising DirectInput for Gamepad support
20:51:14.2  1/10/2012:  Unable to create a joystick device
20:51:14.2  1/10/2012:  Initialising DirectInput for Keyboard support
20:51:14.3  1/10/2012:  Loading Start Page
20:51:14.4  1/10/2012:  Initializing MCE Remote
20:51:14.4  1/10/2012:  Initialization OK! Starting GameEx!
20:51:14.4  1/10/2012:  Testing Main Loop Once: Processing Frame
20:51:14.9  1/10/2012:  Testing Main Loop Once: Main Loop ran successfully
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:  21 Consecutive Exceptions Occured
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Begin(SpriteFlags flags)
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2, Byte A_3, Byte A_4, Byte A_5, Single A_6)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, RectangleF A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.t(Boolean A_0)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:  Trying reinitialising the display after sleeping for 4 seconds
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:  Exception count will be dropped to 15
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:  Mouse Input is disabled
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:  Exception initializing display
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Dispose()
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a()
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at g.a()
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.e(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2)
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.a(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2, Boolean A_3, Int32 A_4)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  --**--
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  21 Consecutive Exceptions Occured: Exiting
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Closing database connection
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  First Exception:
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Begin(SpriteFlags flags)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2, Byte A_3, Byte A_4, Byte A_5, Single A_6)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.b(Int32 A_0, Int32 A_1, Boolean A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Last Exception:
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Begin(SpriteFlags flags)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2, Byte A_3, Byte A_4, Byte A_5, Single A_6)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, RectangleF A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.t(Boolean A_0)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()

If someone can tell me how to use the "spoiler" feature I can turn the code boxes into collapsible boxes. Any ideas how to fix Direct X? Just reinstall Direct X?

[troy]

Ive been having troubles since 12.45 as well, including the latest. When I go into my videos, it takes abotu a minute to build the folder list, like it is building it each time. Each menu item seems to take longer than before. Might be related, may not be. Just started in 12.45 tho.

[Tom Speirs]

Ive been having troubles since 12.45 as well, including the latest. When I go into my videos, it takes abotu a minute to build the folder list, like it is building it each time. Each menu item seems to take longer than before. Might be related, may not be. Just started in 12.45 tho.

When you first go into Videos it now searches for media servers. It it is also a bit more throrough at searching for empty folders etc. So I think this is normal.

[troy]

Ok, thanks. I would expect it to do it maybe once, but its everytime (and i have a lot of videos/directories)

Thanks for the heads up.

[Tom Speirs]

Yeah, it does do quite a bit more work now with videos, such as getting meta data. How bad is the delay throughout, realisticly?

I would check to see if you have any surplus paths.

[Tom Speirs]

New developments since my last post. Opened GameEx today, saw there was another update, went ahead and did the auto-upgrade. Seemed to install fine. Started GameEx, tried to scroll down the menu and this time instead of just jamming up it gave me an error with details. Screen shot:

I was also able to copy the text of the details of the error. This was a challenge because I couldn't see my mouse cursor during the process:

********** Exception Text **************
System.AccessViolationException: Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.OnLostDevice()
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.OnParentLost(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.EventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Device.raise_DeviceLost(Object i1, EventArgs i2)
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Device.Dispose()
   at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Device.OnParentDisposed(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.EventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.ComponentModel.Component.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.Dispose(Boolean disposing)
   at System.ComponentModel.Component.Dispose()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmClose(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m)
   at al.a(Message& A_0)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3625 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
GameEx
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/GameEx.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3623 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3624 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2911.0
	Win32 Version: 9.12.589.0000
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX/1.0.2911.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX.dll
----------------------------------------
NetVideoPlayer
	Assembly Version: 1.0.4377.30570
	Win32 Version:
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/NetVideoPlayer.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualBasic
	Assembly Version: 8.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 8.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll
----------------------------------------
Interop.UPNPLib
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.UPNPLib.DLL
----------------------------------------
CopyDataClass
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/CopyDataClass.DLL
----------------------------------------
FFDShowAPI
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/FFDShowAPI.DLL
----------------------------------------
Interop.DvdCore
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.DvdCore.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectInput
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectInput/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectInput.dll
----------------------------------------
ArtDownloader
	Assembly Version: 0.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 0.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/ArtDownloader.DLL
----------------------------------------
Interop.WMPLib
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.WMPLib.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 9.05.132.0000
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.dll
----------------------------------------
Interop.iTunesLib
	Assembly Version: 1.13.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.13.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.iTunesLib.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Data
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Data/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Data.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3082 (QFE.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Transactions
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Transactions/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Transactions.dll
----------------------------------------
System.EnterpriseServices
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.EnterpriseServices/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.EnterpriseServices.dll
----------------------------------------
msvcm90
	Assembly Version: 9.0.30729.6161
	Win32 Version: 9.00.30729.6161
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/WinSxS/x86_Microsoft.VC90.CRT_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.6161_x-ww_31a54e43/msvcm90.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX
	Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
	Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Web
	Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3618 (GDR.050727-3600)
	CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Web/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Web.dll
----------------------------------------
Interop.AVGAComObj
	Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
	Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
	CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/games/GameEx/Interop.AVGAComObj.DLL
----------------------------------------
************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.
For example:
<configuration>
	<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>
When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.

It seems to indicate it is a Direct X problem.

Then, when I clicked continue on the error a GameEx Error window came up:

20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Opening Configuration File
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  GameEx: Version 12.51: Starting Log
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Operating System Platform: Win32NT
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Operating System Name: Windows XP
20:51:09.2  1/10/2012:  Operating System Version: 5.1.2600
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3400+, 1919MB
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  2.2Ghz
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Running Randomize()
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Loading PlugIns
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Checking for applications to Launch On Startup
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Running Misc startup tasks
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Setting Menu types
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Getting Configuration Values
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Using Theme: Default - Media Center
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Checking for alternate Image Directory for Theme: Default - Media Center
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Using Images from theme: Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Launching HideOS.exe
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Initialising Video/MNG DLL's
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  GameEx will check for media insertion (may affect performance)
20:51:09.3  1/10/2012:  Hiding Taskbar
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Is Media Center running?
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Checking/Creating LCD Registry values
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Check Media Center Exit/Start Mode
20:51:09.4  1/10/2012:  Media Center Mode 2
20:51:09.5  1/10/2012:  Video previews on. Warning: Only recommended on modern systems
20:51:09.5  1/10/2012:  Snap Delay set to: 1
20:51:09.5  1/10/2012:  Get other settings
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Desktop set to Hide ICONS and set Background to Black
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Set: Find emulator artwork on best match basis
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  SlikStik support enabled
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Start work for Form
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Getting Original Screen Size
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Opening Database Connection
20:51:09.6  1/10/2012:  Initializing Component
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  MAME Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\mame
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  MAME EXE file is: mame.exe
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  ROM Paths are: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\mame\roms;C:\Program Files\games\emulators\mame\roms;C:\Program Files\games\emulators\ROMs\MAME\Roms
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Catver.ini is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\catver.ini
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  controls.ini is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\controls.ini
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  History.dat is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\history.dat
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  nplayers.ini is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\nplayers.ini
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  command.dat is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\command.dat
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  MAMEinfo.dat is located at: C:\Program Files\games\GameEx\DATA\mameinfo.dat
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Loading Controls.ini map file
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Snap Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\snaps
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Background Snap Path: Not Found
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  AVI Snap Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\videos
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Flyer Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\flyers
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Cabinet Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\cabinets
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Cabinet 3D Path: Not Found
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Title Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\titles
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  PCB Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\PCBs
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Artwork Preview Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\Artwork Preview
20:51:09.7  1/10/2012:  Panel Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\cpanels
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Manual Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\manuals
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Icon Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\icons
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Marquee Path is: C:\Program Files\games\emulators\Assets\MAME\marquees
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Applying Language/Text
20:51:09.8  1/10/2012:  Text/Language: English
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Custom Emulators
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 1: [Arcade] Arcade (MAME)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 2: [Pinball] Future Pinball
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 3: [Pinball] Visual Pinball
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 4: [Pinball] Visual PinMAME
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 5: [Console] Atari 2600 (Stella)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 6: [Console] Nintendo NES (Nestopia)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 7: [Console] Nintendo SNES (ZSNES)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 8: [Console] Nintendo N64 (Project64)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 9: [Handheld] Nintendo Game Boy Advance (VisualBoyAdvance)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 10: [Console] Sega Genesis (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 11: [Console] Sega 32x (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 12: [Console] Sega Master System (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Loading Emulator 13: [Handheld] Sega Game Gear (Fusion)
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Using Version 3 Themes Animations
20:51:09.9  1/10/2012:  Retrieving resolution setting
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  Using General Font: Trebuchet MS
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  Using Title Font: Trebuchet MS
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  GameEx will try to reduce CPU usage
20:51:10.0  1/10/2012:  Initialising Direct3D
20:51:10.2  1/10/2012:  Mouse Input is disabled
20:51:10.2  1/10/2012:  Applying GameEx is Loading Image
20:51:10.3  1/10/2012:  Setting Resolution to 1280x720 32 bit color
20:51:10.3  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces
20:51:11.0  1/10/2012:  Creating Primary Surface - Full Screen Mode
20:51:11.0  1/10/2012:  Creating Back Buffer
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Loading graphic Surfaces
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Display is running at: 1280x720 32bit color, 75hz
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Adapter: ATI Radeon Xpress 1150
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Max texture size: 2048x2048
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Available texture memory: 619MB
20:51:11.1  1/10/2012:  Initialising Bass Audio Library
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Misc and Dialogs
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Volume
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Arrows
20:51:11.7  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces GameEXlogo Text
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Toolbar
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Toolbar Controls
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Backgrounds
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces GameEx Logo
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surface Unselected
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Snaps
20:51:11.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Surfaces Menu and List Bars
20:51:12.2  1/10/2012:  Creating Fonts
20:51:12.2  1/10/2012:  Creating Game Font
20:51:12.3  1/10/2012:  Creating Game Font Faded
20:51:12.4  1/10/2012:  Creating Title Font
20:51:12.4  1/10/2012:  Restoring Title Font From Cache
20:51:12.8  1/10/2012:  Creating Font Black
20:51:12.9  1/10/2012:  Creating Font Black Small
20:51:13.0  1/10/2012:  Fonts Created Succesfully
20:51:13.0  1/10/2012:  3MB Video Memory Used
20:51:13.5  1/10/2012:  Attempting to load game list
20:51:14.0  1/10/2012:  MAME CMD options: -nowindow -joy -skip_gameinfo
20:51:14.0  1/10/2012:  Cannot Load Play List. Check Path and filename
20:51:14.0  1/10/2012:  Creating DirectSound Device
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  Trying: Primary Sound Driver
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  Loading Sound Files
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  DirectSound Device Created Successfully
20:51:14.1  1/10/2012:  Initialising DirectInput for Gamepad support
20:51:14.2  1/10/2012:  Unable to create a joystick device
20:51:14.2  1/10/2012:  Initialising DirectInput for Keyboard support
20:51:14.3  1/10/2012:  Loading Start Page
20:51:14.4  1/10/2012:  Initializing MCE Remote
20:51:14.4  1/10/2012:  Initialization OK! Starting GameEx!
20:51:14.4  1/10/2012:  Testing Main Loop Once: Processing Frame
20:51:14.9  1/10/2012:  Testing Main Loop Once: Main Loop ran successfully
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:  21 Consecutive Exceptions Occured
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Begin(SpriteFlags flags)
20:51:27.9  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2, Byte A_3, Byte A_4, Byte A_5, Single A_6)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, RectangleF A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.t(Boolean A_0)
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:  Trying reinitialising the display after sleeping for 4 seconds
20:51:28.0  1/10/2012:  Exception count will be dropped to 15
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:  Mouse Input is disabled
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:  Exception initializing display
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Dispose()
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a()
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at g.a()
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.e(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2)
20:51:32.0  1/10/2012:	 at al.a(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2, Boolean A_3, Int32 A_4)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  --**--
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  21 Consecutive Exceptions Occured: Exiting
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Closing database connection
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  First Exception:
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Begin(SpriteFlags flags)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2, Byte A_3, Byte A_4, Byte A_5, Single A_6)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.b(Int32 A_0, Int32 A_1, Boolean A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Last Exception:
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:  Attempted to read or write protected memory. This is often an indication that other memory is corrupt.
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Sprite.Begin(SpriteFlags flags)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2, Byte A_3, Byte A_4, Byte A_5, Single A_6)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, Rectangle A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at ac.a(RectangleF A_0, RectangleF A_1, Byte A_2)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.t(Boolean A_0)
20:51:32.1  1/10/2012:	 at al.ad()

If someone can tell me how to use the "spoiler" feature I can turn the code boxes into collapsible boxes. Any ideas how to fix Direct X? Just reinstall Direct X?

Does it consistently do this? Could you please try a non default theme?

[Tom Speirs]

Troy, The attached should offer some slightly better performance when it actually lists files. Could you post the log please, just to ensure its not a bug. Navigate a few folders.

GameEx.zip

[Koop]

Does it consistently do this? Could you please try a non default theme?

It consistently performs poorly. Unfortunately, most of the time it jams up and I have to kill the process. Sometimes (but not all) as the process is being killed I catch a glimpse of the error windows that I posted the screenshot of. At least, I think it's the same error, it disappears to quickly to read. I've seen that error window in the past too. Also, sometimes after crashing the hideOS is still running (that's what makes your desktop black, right?) and I see a few icons in my notification area related to ffmpeg (I think that's the acronym) playback. Those icons disappear after I run my mouse over them (I'm running XP and I think that's normal behavior if the process has already been stopped, but the icons haven't updated yet).

So, I installed a non-default theme. At least I think I did. I downloaded MegaMAME 2.2, but when I chose it in the Setup Wizard it was still labeled "default - MegaMame". That theme runs great! I started and stopped GameEx several times to confirm. I then put the default Media Center them back in place and it again ran poorly. This time I was able to get into my Favorites menu. Then it started playing a video for a particular game. I let it run for a few seconds and then navigated to another game, but the video went blank, but the sound for the video kept playing. Once the end of the video was reached the audio stopped, but no other artwork would load even as I continued to navigate the menu. When I tried to quit GameEx it jammed up.

To be clear, the MegaMame theme worked fine, no problems at all. However, I'd like to fix the regular theme because I like that one. Nothing against MegaMame, but the monitor I'll be using in the cabinet won't be widescreen like I'm using now and won't have that high of a resolution. Any ideas?

[Tom Speirs]

Can you try deleteing or renaming the logos/background folder. If you are using default - media centre it will be located in default - media centre v1

I think its the new logo backgrounds that might be the problem.

[Koop]

umm, that might be my problem. I don't have that folder. Which is strange because I think I've seen it before. But these pictures are what show in the background when I'm about to select things in the menu like Favorites and Recently Played correct? I've seen these before, so I'm confused how I don't have that folder anymore. I didn't delete it (before).

In fact, I just started GameEx and it shows those new background pictures, until it jams up.

I've installed updates through both methods since 12.45 (automatic through running GameEx, and manual download from website).

[Tom Speirs]

Look here: \THEMES\Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\LOGOS\Background

[Koop]

Ok, found the folder, but I'm confused. I wasn't using this theme. I was using "Default - Media Center". Before deleting or renaming anything I simply tried switching to "Default - Media Center V1" and that one works fine.

Oh, maybe I understand what you're saying. You're saying that even the "Default - Media Center" theme uses the background files in the "Default - Media Center V1" folder.

Ok, I'll try renaming the folder first. Just wanted to submit this reply in case anything bad happens.

[Koop]

Yes, that seems to have fixed the jamming up problem.

I'm unsure if my video snap performance problem is solved or not. When in the main GameEx menu and I have MAME selected the videos start playing in the corner. Do videos in this mode play for a shorter duration than the full length of the video? They seem to cycle through very quickly. If that's true then I've just never noticed that before. Also, when browsing my Favorites folder all the videos seem to play fine! Except for 2 videos. These 2 videos actually happen to be the 2 videos that I was consulting before when trying to determine if my video playback was working well or not. I was going to these games in particular (TMNT, TMNT2) because I know them well and would be able to tell if the video was playing slow/fast/jumpy/etc. I guess I just have something wrong with these 2 videos. But, I will say that I think I was having problems with more videos before, I just can't reproduce that now.

So, what do you suggest I do going forward? I see there is another new update. Should I install it? Will it replace my missing Backgrounds folder when I do? Thanks for the help so far.

One more thing I want to mention. Every once in a while, when browsing to the GameEx/Media folder in Windows Explorer I get an error pop up.

I have to click OK twice to get rid of it because it pops up again. Even if I go away and return to that folder the error will pop up again. But, sometimes it doesn't pop up. It's so strange. Not sure that has anything to do with my other problems though. I would have mentioned this before, but I couldn't reproduce the problem until you just had me browsing through my folders again.

[Koop]

I'm pretty sure I still have a video snap playback problem that wasn't there before (before 12.45). I'm finding more videos with a stuttering problem. It's usually only certain games, but even then those games don't always have a problem. They usually do, and they usually stutter in the same spots, but every once in a while it'll run more smoothly.

[Tom Speirs]

Im not sure about the video issue, although I can tell you when shown in the second image box they are supposed to skim through the videos quicker.

OK. Please install GameEx again (over the top). Then try the attached please.

GameEx.zip

[Tom Speirs]

I also suggest going into the shark codec settings and reseting.