[RESOLVED] windows hidden

[SirClive]

I have an arcade machine that is already set up with GameEx. It has windows hidden, so even if I quit out of gameex I can't find a way to get back into the options so I can make some changes (such as show favourites as this is switched off and change the theme). I have managed to add new games by loading windows in safe mode with command prompt and copying files across in dos, but I am sure there is an easier way than that.

[Draco1962]

Did you purchase this machine pre-configured from a 3rd party?

If possible, please locate your gameex.ini and log.txt files for review.

Likely Instant Sheller is installed and running at startup.

 

Try hitting U on your keyboard when booting the machine.

[SirClive]

Yeah, it was one I got about 10 years ago when I ran gaming events. It has been in storage for years and I have finally rescued it and put it in my work office. But the game list was rubbish and there seem to be a few settings not set correctly (such as full screen mode).

I'll give the 'U' thing a go tomorrow when I am back at work. Thanks a lot for your help.

[Draco1962]

That old will likely need to be updated on many levels as you are probably aware.

[SirClive]

Tried pressing U on boot but no joy. I have been able to get into windows explorer through task manager though. 

[Draco1962]

If you can launch Task Manager you will need to see what apps are starting up or look in the Startup folder  - really hard to guide you here since I have no idea what Windows version or GameEx version is at hand.

Can you locate the the gameex.ini and log.txt files and attach them in reply to this thread?

[SirClive]

It does seem to be InstantSheller that is being used. But I have managed to get into windows explorer and launch the gameexconfig.exe. So that has let me change to full screen and I have updated some of the theme graphics. I can now copy roms over a lot easier too. So I don't need to get rid of it any more.

Here is the log file. Do you know what the benefits/risks of updating GameEx are? As it is working OK I don't want to risk messing it up unless there are useful features/changes that I am missing out on.

 

[Draco1962]

Benefits of updating - well, since we are up to version 18.60 (vs. your 5.31) there is the matter of support because any programatic fixes that may come about would require it. Given that your rig is on XP, the newer versions are not going to be compatible.

If everything is working well still and you are happy with it, then don't upgrade. There are a number of users over the years that have gotten things set "just right" and disconnected their machines from the internet.

There are many of them that have had to come back because something breaks requiring them to upgrade because their kit is running an on an out of support OS, drivers, GPU, etc. for the new parts. Typically it is a hard drive or an arcade monitor or mainboard components that have to be replaced.

There are - so long as Tom supports the software - always newer features and capabilities and even derivitive versions of GameEx.

Wish I could say more. Back up what you can and plan for a future upgrade.

[SirClive]

That sounds very sensible. Thanks for your help. I will do what you suggest.