[RESOLVED].db3 Help

[morgoth32]

Hi, I customized some of the db3 files to match my roms names but 2 of them seem corrupted.

Could any expert in db3 check those files and give me a clue ?

db3.zip

[nullPointer]

Hi morgoth

Honestly I think it's a lot easier to make your ROM names match the database, than it is to try it the other way around. First and foremost it needs to be mentioned that the GameEx databases do receive updates, and when that happens they are pushed out with GameEx updates. If you're not paying attention to release notes and the like, there's a good chance your custom databases will be overwritten without notification.

Secondly it's just a lot easier to update your ROM set(s) to an established naming convention that will subsequently be recognized by the database(s). Basically you just find the DAT that matches your set and use a ROM auditing tool like ClrMamePro or Rom Center to analyze your set (it's good to make a backup just in case). The tool will rename all your ROMs for you according to your selected DAT file. It bears mentioning that the database supports most of the major naming conventions including No-Intro, TOSEC, and GoodTools. So long as you pick one of those you should be in good shape. Personally I prefer I No-Intro, and they have a wonderful tool called Dat-O-Matic which will help you find the DATs you're looking for.

[morgoth32]

Thanks for the infos.

But I prefer the "hard way" than renaming all snaps, titles, videos etc as I use my own naming convention

I can't launch MAME roms with my modified .db3, it only works with Game EX_lite and I really don't understand why.

[nullPointer]

Once you rename your ROMs the artwork downloader will automatically populate your artwork directories with accordingly named files.

But I digress. Let's take a look at your log (and possibly your GameEx.ini) to see if it provides any reasonable explanation of what's happening here.

[RedDog]

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.

[morgoth32]

Yup, thanks for sharing your experience with .db3.

After more tests the databases I ceated from 0 don't corrupt MAME but the 1 I modified give me issues.

You can tag the post as resolved.

[tthurman]

Thanks for reporting back.