Instant Sheller Crash with GameEx

[repetto74]

Hi,

I have tried to shell Gameex to start before the XP dektop using the InstantSheller utility but Gameex will crash.

The crash window log stated an error with Direct X.

I am using directx 9.0 on XP and Gameex is running fine when loaded from the desktop

Below the log :

14:06:45.4 03/05/2013: Opening Configuration File

14:06:45.9 03/05/2013: GameEx: Version 13.10: Starting Log

14:06:45.9 03/05/2013: Operating System Platform: Win32NT

14:06:45.9 03/05/2013: Operating System Name: Windows XP

14:06:45.9 03/05/2013: Operating System Version: 5.1.2600

14:06:46.0 03/05/2013: Getting CPU and RAM info

14:06:46.0 03/05/2013: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 3.00GHz, 2047MB

14:06:46.1 03/05/2013: 3Ghz - 2 Cores or CPU's

14:06:46.1 03/05/2013: Running Randomize()

14:06:46.3 03/05/2013: Loading PlugIns

14:06:46.4 03/05/2013: Checking for applications to Launch On Startup

14:06:46.4 03/05/2013: Setting default net connection limit to 15

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Running Misc startup tasks

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Setting Menu types

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Getting Configuration Values

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Using Theme: Default - Media Center - Background

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Checking for alternate Image Directory for Theme: Default - Media Center - Background

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Using Images from theme: Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Launching HideOS.exe

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Initialising Video/MNG DLL's

14:06:46.7 03/05/2013: Hiding Taskbar

14:06:47.1 03/05/2013: Is Media Center running?

14:06:47.2 03/05/2013: Checking/Creating LCD Registry values

14:06:47.3 03/05/2013: Check Media Center Exit/Start Mode

14:06:47.3 03/05/2013: Media Center Mode 2

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Video previews on. Warning: Only recommended on modern systems

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Custom Keyboard Input enabled: Getting custom codes

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Snap Delay set to: 4

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Get other settings

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Desktop set to Hide ICONS and set Background to Black

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Set: Find emulator artwork on best match basis

14:06:48.0 03/05/2013: Using DirectInput for keyboard input

14:06:48.1 03/05/2013: Start work for Form

14:06:48.1 03/05/2013: Getting Original Screen Size

14:06:48.4 03/05/2013: Opening Database Connection

14:06:53.6 03/05/2013: Initializing Component

14:06:55.0 03/05/2013: MAME Path is: C:\Groovyume147

14:06:55.0 03/05/2013: daphne Path is: C:\Daphne

14:06:55.0 03/05/2013: daphne EXE file is: daphne.exe

14:06:55.0 03/05/2013: Use daphne on. daphne.exe will launch games

14:06:55.2 03/05/2013: MAME EXE file is: mess.exe

14:06:55.3 03/05/2013: ROM Path is: C:\1Roms147

14:06:55.4 03/05/2013: Catver.ini is located at: C:\2Extras147\Catver.ini

14:06:55.4 03/05/2013: controls.ini is located at: C:\2Extras147\controls.ini

14:06:55.6 03/05/2013: History.dat is located at: C:\2Extras147\history.dat

14:06:55.6 03/05/2013: nplayers.ini is located at: C:\2Extras147\nplayers.ini

14:06:55.6 03/05/2013: command.dat is located at: C:\2Extras147\command.dat

14:06:55.6 03/05/2013: MAMEinfo.dat is located at: C:\2Extras147\mameinfo.dat

14:06:55.6 03/05/2013: Loading Controls.ini map file

14:06:55.7 03/05/2013: Snap Path is: C:\2Extras147\snap

14:06:55.7 03/05/2013: Background Snap Path is: C:\2Extras147\snap

14:06:55.7 03/05/2013: AVI Snap Path is: C:\3Gamesvideos

14:06:55.7 03/05/2013: Flyer Path is: C:\2Extras147\flyers

14:06:55.8 03/05/2013: Cabinet Path is: C:\2Extras147\cabinets

14:06:55.8 03/05/2013: Cabinet 3D Path: Not Found

14:06:55.8 03/05/2013: Title Path is: C:\2Extras147\titles

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: PCB Path is: C:\2Extras147\pcb

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Artwork Preview Path is: C:\2Extras147\artwork

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Panel Path is: C:\2Extras147\cpanel

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Manual Path is: C:\2Extras147\manuals

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Icon Path is: C:\2Extras147\icons

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Marquee Path is: C:\2Extras147\marquees

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Applying Language/Text

14:06:55.9 03/05/2013: Text/Language: English

14:06:56.0 03/05/2013: Loading Language/Text

14:06:56.0 03/05/2013: Loading Custom Emulators

14:06:56.0 03/05/2013: Checking if Steam enabled

14:06:56.0 03/05/2013: Cannot find steam path

14:06:56.0 03/05/2013: Using Version 3 Themes Animations

14:06:56.0 03/05/2013: Retrieving resolution setting

14:06:56.1 03/05/2013: Using General Font: HandelGothic BT

14:06:56.1 03/05/2013: Using Title Font: HandelGothic BT

14:06:56.1 03/05/2013: GameEx will try to reduce CPU usage

14:07:01.6 03/05/2013: Initialising Direct3D

14:07:02.0 03/05/2013: Applying GameEx is Loading Image

14:07:02.1 03/05/2013: Setting Resolution to 640x480 32 bit color

14:07:02.1 03/05/2013: Creating Surfaces

14:07:02.4 03/05/2013: Warning: Display is running in full screen compatibility mode.

14:07:02.4 03/05/2013: Applying GameEx is Loading Image

14:07:02.4 03/05/2013: Setting Resolution to 640x480 32 bit color

14:07:02.4 03/05/2013: Creating Surfaces

14:07:02.4 03/05/2013: --**--

14:07:02.4 03/05/2013: Error: Error in the application.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.Manager.GetDeviceCaps(Int32 adapter, DeviceType deviceType)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at Direct2D.Direct2d.Device.a(Form A_0, Int32 A_1, Int32 A_2, Boolean A_3, Boolean A_4, Boolean A_5, Boolean A_6, Int32 A_7)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at Direct2D.Direct2d.Device..ctor(Form FormHandle, Int32 Width, Int32 Height, Boolean Windowed, Boolean VSync, Boolean Display16Bit, Boolean SecondaryDisplay)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at GameEx.GameEx.mainform.a(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2, Boolean A_3, Int32 A_4, Int32 A_5, Int32 A_6, Boolean A_7, Boolean A_8)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at GameEx.GameEx.mainform.a(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2, Boolean A_3, Int32 A_4, Int32 A_5, Int32 A_6, Boolean A_7, Boolean A_8)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at GameEx.GameEx.mainform.f(Boolean A_0, Boolean A_1, Boolean A_2)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at GameEx.GameEx.mainform.a(Boolean A_0, String A_1, Boolean A_2)

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: at GameEx.GameEx.mainform..ctor()

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013:

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: It was detected you experienced a DirectX error.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: Please note the following for possible solutions to your problem:

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 1. Ensure you have the latest version of DirectX installed.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 2. Ensure you have the latest Manufacturer provided video card drivers.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: NOTE: Windows/Microsoft Update does not contain the latest.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: NOTE: Manufacturer normally means ATI, NVidia, or Intel. Not the brand.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: www.ati.com www.nvidia.com

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 3. If you do not have a modern video card try the following. 1. Turn off advanced Graphics. 2. Try a lower resolution. 3. Try turning on and using 16-bit colour

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 4. Ensure any required video codecs are installed.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 5. Try a different theme, or try running the theme at the resolution it was designed for

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 6. Try the latest version of GameEx. GameEx is updated all the time.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: 7. If you performed an auto update to this version. Try performing a manual download and install.

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013:

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: Closing database connection

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: Disposing Plugins

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: GameEx is exiting with errors

14:07:02.5 03/05/2013: Deleting search cache

14:07:02.8 03/05/2013: ERRORS DETECTED: EXITING

14:07:03.0 03/05/2013: Bye

[Draco1962]

The latest version of DIrectX is 9.0C. You may need to download and reinstall it. Also check from the video card manufacturers site for the latest drivers for your OS version and install again as well.

[repetto74]

Hi,

Running the DXDIAG test will give a DirectX version 9.0C. All test are passed.

The video drivers are ATI catalyst drivers modified to generate modelines on ArcadeVGA graphic cards and ATI based graphic cards. Gameex is running flawlessly when launched from the desktop or from the start-up command. When I shell Gameex, it will give the above error...

[Draco1962]

Have you downloaded the latest version (not auto-updated) and installed it to see if the error resolves after?

[repetto74]

Yes I am running the Gameex 13.10 version which was installed from the installer package.

[Draco1962]

I went ahead and split this from the original post as it was about a question, not the errors you are encountering and to ensure better visibility.

[DazzleHP]

You mentioned you're using modified ATI drivers?? They might not be loading properly before GameEx boots - or even at all!

[repetto74]

Could be that the modified ATI drivers are not loaded when Gameex requires them as you said....

I cannot change those drivers otherwise I will lose the main feature of GroovyMame which is to generate correct video modelines for games.

I will try to find an alternative solution for completely hiding XP on startup.

Thanks

Rick

[DazzleHP]

You could try adding the driver to Launch On Startup in Tweaks and Performance settings, or alternatively use a batch file to load them before GameEx, then point InstantSheller to the batch file. You could even put a wait process before GE to give the drivers time to initialize properly.

Just throwing out some ideas - it's what i do

Good luck!

[repetto74]

Hi DazzleHP

Many thanks for your tips!

I am not an expert in tweaking my XP config but how would you write down a batch file to load drivers on first then Gameex???

Or the wait process?? How do you do that?

Thanks

[Draco1962]

You may want to try the program by Adultery - GameEx Start. You can set it to launch on start up and configure it to delay start for whatever amount of time you need (set to seconds of course). Very easy to use and may suit the need you have to allow the start of GameEx to delay and for the drivers to load before.

[repetto74]

Hi Draco,

Thanks a lot, have tried GameEx Start and this is working good now! . I have shelled Gameexstart with Instantsheller and now Gameex will load properly after a few seconds.

I just have a small extra tweak to do. I have set Gameex to launch Explorer.exe on exit so I can have the explorer available once on the XP desktop but the problem is I can get the taskbar to be loaded also.

[Draco1962]

What you may need to do is remove (temporarily) you command to open explorer.exe. Exit from instant sheller and then ctrl-alt-delete and look under Processes to see if explorer.exe is showing. If so, you may need to tskill in your command line (tskill explorer.exe /a to ensure all instances that may be loaded are terminated). Next, you will need to open explore.exe. You could create a simple bat file for both in the order discussed and point to it to simplify things.

[repetto74]

Hi Draco

Thanks again for your explanation but I do not really catch up how to do that.

Where do I need to insert this Taskkill command line??

Actually Instansheller will shell Gameex start and then in Gameex I have set the path to explorer.exe in the Launch on exit No wait option.

[Draco1962]

Using Notepad, create a batch file. It would look something like this -

tskill explorer.exe /a

explorer.exe

Save the file as explorer.bat and then point to this file in your Launch on Exit.

[repetto74]

Hi Draco,

Thanks a lot again. I will give this a try and keep you posted!

[repetto74]

Hi Draco,

Pointing to the explorer.bat file I made will still exit the desktop without running the taskbar and the dektop icons.

This is how my .bat file looks like

tskill explorer.exe /a

"C\WINDOWS\explorer.exe"

I think I may miss something on the first line. Should this point to a specific path?

[Draco1962]

Since you are killing a process, the path is not necessary. I am at work at present so I am not able to search for another workaround. You may want to try a net search using explorer.exe and taskbar in your search criteria,.

[nullPointer]

Hi repetto74

Out of curiosity what version of XP are you using (Home, Pro, some weird nLited concoction)? The reason I ask is that if you’re using XP Pro or some variant of that you can also try using taskkill rather than tskill as your kill command. Taskkill was only available in XP Pro and above, and it’s a slightly more powerful version of tskill.

If taskkill is available to you I would try replacing the first line of your batch file with:

taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe

You could also try replacing the second line of your script with:

%windir%\explorer.exe

I'm not sure that last bit would make a difference, but it would be worth a shot.

Good luck man!

[repetto74]

Hi Nullpointer

Thanks a lot for you tip! I am definitely running Windows XP Pro SP3!

I will give a try to this as soon as I am home!

Thanks again

[repetto74]

Hi,

I gave a try to this but still the same. Can't make the taskbar and desktop icons to come back again.

The command line is correctly sent as I can see from the batch window but that does not do the trick.

[repetto74]

You could try adding the driver to Launch On Startup in Tweaks and Performance settings

I would like to give a try to this option here but where am I supposed to look for the video drivers?? Where is the path they are stored in?

Actually what I am trying to do is to hide Windows a maximum on startup and shutdown. I do not want cab users to understand that XP is running in the background. I have disabled the Blue logon "welcome" screen and changed the Boot image but the problem is that Gameexlaunch windows is briefly popping out when the countdown start.

I maybe need to change the logon image with a black background but do not know how to do that properly....

[repetto74]

Is there a way i can point Gameexlauncher to a batch file? Apparently only Exe files can be selected...