Descriptions for other emulated (PC) games

[MikeP]

I have set up an emulator for PC games (using *.lnk for the rom filter, etc).

All of this works great so far, including the "snaps" directory for the cover art of each game.

However, I would like to add a short description to each game, much like MAME has for the other emulated games. But I don't see any options for setting a folder for description files. Is this possible? If not, can it be added?

[celly]

You can use Microsoft Access and create your own database for the PC games you do have.

[MikeP]

Does somebody have more information on how to do this? Like any documentation for the fields in the MS Access database, etc.

[Draco1962]

I would probably look at some of the existing DBs we have available as a model for continuity and consistency.

[bkenobi]

Copy one of the existing ones. Delete all records and enter your own. If you use the original as a template in this way, you don't have to worry about typos in naming fields.

[celly]

Does somebody have more information on how to do this? Like any documentation for the fields in the MS Access database, etc.

Sorry didn't mean to be vague. Yes, yes, to bkenobi you listen. Take an already filled .mdb file, open it with Microsoft Access and change the fields how you like. If you .lnk shortcut is named "puzzlequest2" you can change it in those fields to read "Puzzle Quest 2". And then add a brief description for the game, year or what have you. Then, back at the emulator config, make sure to point out that database and it should show.

[MikeP]

Thanks for the help, I'll give it a try. Just need to find some free program for editing MS Access files since I don't actually have MS Access myself. I'll give Open Office a try first and see if that works.

[Draco1962]

I believe that OpenOffice is compatible as it is with most things MS Office. Since you likely won't be doing much super funky, there should be no compatibility issues.

Before you begin down that path, you may just want to try setting up an emu that uses the dbs (MAME being a perfict start) and see how it functions with an existing mdb. Then, try opening/saving the file with the OpenOffice equivalent, then see if GameEx chokes on it. If not, then I would say you are good to procede with OpenOffice.

[bkenobi]

You can also use MAP files to rename the game from the .lnk name if you like. Of course, this won't get you any info like the databases provide.

[nullPointer]

I'll give Open Office a try first and see if that works.

Depending on what route you decide to take and/or your experience using Open Office the following tutorial may be of some assistance.

[Tutorial] MS Access and OOo Base

Best of luck!