[RESOLVED] Custom Menus - User Guide

[GoTheBunnies]

I've put together a list of games for my cocktail cab for which I've reset the dipswitch so the screen flips for Player 2.

I thought it would make sense to have these games in a separate menu list so that users know exactly which games they can play in this format.

A couple of options - ideally I'd like to replace one of the existing lists that I don't use (ie MultiPlayer Games or something like that) with my list of 'Cocktail Games' (is that option possible?). Alternatively, I figured I might have to delve into Custom Menus to get my desired result. I've searched through the threads, but can't find a guide to working with Custom Menus - does one exist?

Thanks

[Draco1962]

The only problem I see with what you are wanting to do is that the MAME menus themselves in GameEx. The MultiPlayer Simultaneous or Four Player, Horizontal, Vertical, etc. are preset categories that draw from the game data to determine their category.

If you choose to use Custom Menus, the only option I could see possible would be to setup MAME for each category you are wanting to use for your files (as a separate emulator), placing those ROM files in a separate directory based upon those categories and setting the path accordingly. (this is where GameEx gurus can chime in and tell me if I am wrong or if they know of a simpler way).

There is no user guide or help guide. I have started a thread here with some information that might get you going in the right direction if you decide on this option.

[GoTheBunnies]

The only problem I see with what you are wanting to do is that the MAME menus themselves in GameEx. The MultiPlayer Simultaneous or Four Player, Horizontal, Vertical, etc. are preset categories that draw from the game data to determine their category.

Thanks - I was assuming that they were drawing from the game categories, but was hoping it wouldn't be too difficult to just point the menu item to a different list (ie the list I create). Even if that means moving the roms that's no problem.

But as you said, I'll defer to the gurus on this one!

[Adultery]

You can create custom MAME lists like folders if you will. You set it up like a favorites file for MAMEui. Only one deep though. You can also make an icon for it. I can provide an example if you need it.

You can also disable categories through GameEx config that you don't use.

I have files set up for game genres. All you do is type in the name of the actual zip file and away you go. The list doesn't support multiple directories though so you would make a list and call it cocktail.ini, do the name line, and add each rom on a seperate line.

When I get home I'll post one of mine off the cabinet.

EDIT: Here ya go. This is a quick example of a favorites 'folder' with platformers in it. Just make a text file like this and change txt to ini, then point GameEx at it in the Custom Folders line of the MAME settings:

[FOLDER_SETTINGS]
RootFolderIcon = cust1.ico
SubFolderIcon = cust2.ico

[ROOT_FOLDER]
actfanc1
actfancj
actfancr
aladbl
alexkid1
alexkidd
aliens
aliens2
aliens3
aliensj
aliensj2
aliensu
altbeaj1
altbeaj3
altbeas2

Like I mentioned earlier, if you make an icon the same name as the INI and put it in your theme's LOGOS folder, it will display for this category.

Hope that solves your problem.

[GoTheBunnies]

You can create custom MAME lists like folders if you will. You set it up like a favorites file for MAMEui. Only one deep though. You can also make an icon for it. I can provide an example if you need it.

You can also disable categories through GameEx config that you don't use.

I have files set up for game genres. All you do is type in the name of the actual zip file and away you go. The list doesn't support multiple directories though so you would make a list and call it cocktail.ini, do the name line, and add each rom on a seperate line.

When I get home I'll post one of mine off the cabinet.

EDIT: Here ya go. This is a quick example of a favorites 'folder' with platformers in it. Just make a text file like this and change txt to ini, then point GameEx at it in the Custom Folders line of the MAME settings:

[FOLDER_SETTINGS]
RootFolderIcon = cust1.ico
SubFolderIcon = cust2.ico

[ROOT_FOLDER]
actfanc1
actfancj
actfancr
aladbl
alexkid1
alexkidd
aliens
aliens2
aliens3
aliensj
aliensj2
aliensu
altbeaj1
altbeaj3
altbeas2

Like I mentioned earlier, if you make an icon the same name as the INI and put it in your theme's LOGOS folder, it will display for this category.

Hope that solves your problem.

Thanks for that Adultery - you kinda lost me half way through, but I get the idea that I can do it.

Ok, here's what I understand - I have a txt file with the rom names of the games I want in the list. I just re-save this an an .ini file?? Where do I put it - does it matter? I point GameEx at it in the Custom Folders part of the MAME setup (I'm a bit lost here, but I don't have GameEx in front of me, so it might make more sense when I get home and look at the Config). What about the roms themselves - do I need to move them to a separate folder??

Ok, then I can get a generic icon, call it the same name as my .ini file, and put it in the themes LOGO folder? (I understand how to do this, I'm just not entirely sure what I'm doing.....) How does it know where to display on the screen?

All going well I'll then have an item (icon) in my theme that when I go to it, it will display a list of the games in the .ini file? Am I right with the parts I semi-understand?

Thanks

[Draco1962]

And there I was thinking that my suggestion might be a little difficult!

[Adultery]

It doesn't matter where you put the INI file as long as you point GameEx at the folder it's in. It's under the MAME settings I believe.

The logo goes in the logos folder, yes. It will display in your MAME menu along with, like, 4 player games, Live, Unplayed, Update List, etc.

The ROMs can stay where you currently keep your MAME set. You don't need to change anything there.

You're basically making a FAVORITES file/list.

GameEx will know the list name for the ROM set you link up to it, so it will display altbeaj1 as "Altered Beast (Japan)" in the Games list.

If you want to, you can just give me the names of the ROMs you want in the list and I can make up the INI for you.

[GoTheBunnies]

It doesn't matter where you put the INI file as long as you point GameEx at the folder it's in. It's under the MAME settings I believe.

The logo goes in the logos folder, yes. It will display in your MAME menu along with, like, 4 player games, Live, Unplayed, Update List, etc.

The ROMs can stay where you currently keep your MAME set. You don't need to change anything there.

You're basically making a FAVORITES file/list.

GameEx will know the list name for the ROM set you link up to it, so it will display altbeaj1 as "Altered Beast (Japan)" in the Games list.

If you want to, you can just give me the names of the ROMs you want in the list and I can make up the INI for you.

Outstanding - sounds like exactly what I need, and not too difficult to achieve.

I'm still working my way through the list, changing dipswitches and testing the games (it's amazing how many there are that you change the dipswitch, and it does nothing!), but within a couple of days I'll be ready to put my .ini file together.

Thanks

[Adultery]

Here to help if ya need me!

[GoTheBunnies]

Here to help if ya need me!

Thanks - I need you! PM sent!

[Draco1962]

Of course - if there was a Play List feature to create lists across MAME and the other system emus (yes, this is a BUMP of my previous feature request) it would make this far simpler!

[Adultery]

@GoTheBunnies:

Sorry it took so long, but here is your Cocktail Games INI file. If you need any more help, just ask.

[GoTheBunnies]

@GoTheBunnies:

Sorry it took so long, but here is your Cocktail Games INI file. If you need any more help, just ask.

Hey thanks a lot for that.

Just so I'm clear - I can put the .ini file anywhere (I'll put it in my MAME directory) and just point the Custom Menu setting to it in the GameEx config??

With the logo I put in my themes logo folder - how does GameEx know where it is and that is needs to use it?? And what should appear on the menu ie how does GameEx know the name of the menu line?

Potentially silly questions....sorry about that!

Thanks again

[Adultery]

I think it's actually the gameex favorites folder under mame it goes in. As long as the name of the file I gave you and the icon have the same name, GameEx will display it.

[GoTheBunnies]

@GoTheBunnies:

Sorry it took so long, but here is your Cocktail Games INI file. If you need any more help, just ask.

Hmmm, well that didn't work, but I think it may have to do with where I have the file (??).

Here's what I've done - added a new .bmp file to my LOGOS folder for the theme I'm using and called it 'Cocktail Gmaes'.

Saved the .ini file to my Mame folder (the same folder mame.exe sits) and called it 'Cocktail Games'.

In basic Mame settings, I've set the 'Custom Lists Path' to the Mame folder (as above), and I've set the 'Favorites File' to the Cocktail Games.ini file.

I go back into GameEx but it doesn't appear in any of the menu lists. Where have I gone wrong??

[GoTheBunnies]

I think it's actually the gameex favorites folder under mame it goes in.

Not sure what you mean by this??

[Adultery]

OK, here's the process.

Go to your START menu, select the GameEx folder, and open up Advanced Configuration.

Select the first option: MAME SETTINGS. The last option on the first page is Custom List Path. Point this line at the folder you put your cocktail games list I gave you in.

Your logo has to be either JPEG or PNG. Place that in the LOGOS folder of the theme you're currently using. Mine is like this:

C:/GameEx/Themes/BlueBox/Logos.

Now, open up GameEx. Select MAME, and go to the bottom option: UPDATE LIST. Let your MAME list update, and you should now see your new icon. When you select it, you should see all the games you gave me for that list in the INI.

Oh and it would probably be best if you put that INI file in its own seperate folder. I put mine in a folder called GameEx_Folders in the MAME directory.

[GoTheBunnies]

OK, here's the process.

Go to your START menu, select the GameEx folder, and open up Advanced Configuration.

Select the first option: MAME SETTINGS. The last option on the first page is Custom List Path. Point this line at the folder you put your cocktail games list I gave you in.

Your logo has to be either JPEG or PNG. Place that in the LOGOS folder of the theme you're currently using. Mine is like this:

C:/GameEx/Themes/BlueBox/Logos.

Now, open up GameEx. Select MAME, and go to the bottom option: UPDATE LIST. Let your MAME list update, and you should now see your new icon. When you select it, you should see all the games you gave me for that list in the INI.

Oh and it would probably be best if you put that INI file in its own seperate folder. I put mine in a folder called GameEx_Folders in the MAME directory.

Thanks for that! I'm out of town for a few days, but looking forward to getting home and trying to get this set up!

Appreciate all your help!

[Adultery]

no prob! You know where to find me if you need me!

[GoTheBunnies]

OK, here's the process.

Go to your START menu, select the GameEx folder, and open up Advanced Configuration.

Select the first option: MAME SETTINGS. The last option on the first page is Custom List Path. Point this line at the folder you put your cocktail games list I gave you in.

Your logo has to be either JPEG or PNG. Place that in the LOGOS folder of the theme you're currently using. Mine is like this:

C:/GameEx/Themes/BlueBox/Logos.

Now, open up GameEx. Select MAME, and go to the bottom option: UPDATE LIST. Let your MAME list update, and you should now see your new icon. When you select it, you should see all the games you gave me for that list in the INI.

Oh and it would probably be best if you put that INI file in its own seperate folder. I put mine in a folder called GameEx_Folders in the MAME directory.

You sir, are a genius! That worked perfectly, and now a user can readily identify the games that are going to flip screens - mission accomplished.

One question - I have a lot of clones in my .ini file, and I was expecting GameEx to filter them (filter is enabled and it filters other lists). It doesn't - it just displays everything. No big deal, but was wondering why that was?

[Adultery]

My clones haven't been filtering properly in some time now. My MAME list contains a huge amount of mess! I am currently going through and deleting things by hand... Not sure but I think you can do the same by just pressing the DEL button on the keyboard to remove them.

I think there's a bug in the filtering system somewhere, but I can't seem to isolate it.