[RESOLVED] Screen Flashing

[DGringo]

I am having an issue whenever I go into one of my console emulators. Everything works fine in the emulator. However, when I exit and go back to GameEx, the screen is flashing and jumping. When I go back into another game, everything is fine again. It is very frustrating to go through the GameEx menus with the screen flashing. This only happens when I nter and then exit a console emulator (eg. when I am strictly using Mame, I don't have any issues). Anybody have any advice?

[Adultery]

Can you post your GameEx log for us please?

[AlphaUMi]

I had a similar issue. In my case the "culprits" were the ATI video drivers.

EDIT: Even now I have some programs that interfere with refresh rate and video renderer with some emulators and GameEx, each trying to get focus over the others. The result is indeed a flashing screen, or a black screen. Try to close all the unused programs and go to GameEx. Anyway, please post your log and your ini.

[DGringo]

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: GameEx: Version 11.63: Starting Log

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: Operating System Platform: Win32NT

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: Operating System Name: Windows XP

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: Operating System Version: 5.1.2600

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: Checking for versions of .net Framework installed

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: .net Framework 2.0 Installed

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3200+, 446MB

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: 1.99Ghz

17:11:22.5 3/28/2011: Running Randomize()

17:11:22.7 3/28/2011: Loading PlugIns

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Checking for applications to Launch On Startup

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Running Misc startup tasks

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Setting Menu types

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Opening Configuration File

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Getting Configuration Values

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Using Theme: Default - Media Center

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Checking for alternate Image Directory for Theme: Default - Media Center

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Using Images from theme: Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Launching HideOS.exe

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Initialising Video/MNG DLL's

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: GameEx will check for media insertion (may affect performance)

17:11:22.8 3/28/2011: Hiding Taskbar

17:11:23.1 3/28/2011: Is Media Center running?

17:11:23.1 3/28/2011: Checking/Creating LCD Registry values

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Check Media Center Exit/Start Mode

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Media Center Mode 2

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Video previews on. Warning: Only recommended on modern systems

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Snap Delay set to: 2

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Get other settings

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Desktop set to Hide ICONS and set Background to Black

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Set: Find emulator artwork on best match basis

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Start work for Form

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Getting Original Screen Size

17:11:23.2 3/28/2011: Opening Database Connection

17:11:25.0 3/28/2011: Initializing Component

17:11:25.1 3/28/2011: Retrieving resolution setting

17:11:25.1 3/28/2011: MAME Path is: C:\MAME

17:11:25.1 3/28/2011: MAME EXE file is: mame.exe

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: ROM Path is: F:\Mame Roms

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Catver.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\catver.ini

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: controls.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\data\controls.ini

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: History.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\history.dat

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: nplayers.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\nplayers.ini

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: command.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\command.dat

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: MAMEinfo.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\mameinfo.dat

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Loading Controls.ini map file

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Snap Path is: C:\Assets\MAME\Snaps

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: AVI Snap Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Flyer Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Cabinet Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Cabinet 3D Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Title Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: PCB Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Artwork Preview Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Panel Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Manual Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Icon Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Marquee Path: Not Found

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Loading Custom Emulators

17:11:25.2 3/28/2011: Loading Emulator 1: [Console] Atari 2600 (Stella)

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Loading Emulator 2: [Console] Nintendo NES (Nestopia)

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Loading Emulator 3: [Console] Sega Genesis (GENS+)

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Loading Emulator 5: [Console] Atari 7800 (ProSystem)

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Loading Emulator 7: [Console] Nintendo SNES (ZSNES)

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Loading Emulator 8: [Console] Sony Playstation (ePSXe)

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Using Version 3 Themes Animations

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Using General Font: Trebuchet MS

17:11:25.3 3/28/2011: Using Title Font: Trebuchet MS

17:11:25.4 3/28/2011: Initialising Direct3D

17:11:25.5 3/28/2011: Applying GameEx is Loading Image

17:11:25.5 3/28/2011: Setting Resolution to 1024x768 32 bit color

17:11:25.6 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces

17:11:26.0 3/28/2011: Creating Primary Surface - Full Screen Mode

17:11:26.0 3/28/2011: Creating Back Buffer

17:11:26.1 3/28/2011: Loading graphic Surfaces

17:11:26.1 3/28/2011: Display is running at: 1024x768 32bit color, 60hz

17:11:26.1 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Flags

17:11:26.1 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Misc and Dialogs

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Volume

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Arrows

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces GameEXlogo Text

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Toolbar

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Backgrounds

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Toolbar Controls

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces GameEx Logo

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surface Unselected

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Snaps

17:11:26.3 3/28/2011: Creating Surfaces Menu and List Bars

17:11:26.7 3/28/2011: Creating Fonts

17:11:26.7 3/28/2011: Creating Game Font

17:11:27.0 3/28/2011: Creating Game Font Faded

17:11:27.1 3/28/2011: Creating Title Font

17:11:27.1 3/28/2011: Restoring Title Font From Cache

17:11:27.3 3/28/2011: Creating Font Black

17:11:27.4 3/28/2011: Creating Font Black Small

17:11:27.5 3/28/2011: Fonts Created Succesfully

17:11:27.5 3/28/2011: 3MB Video Memory Used

17:11:27.5 3/28/2011: Initialising Bass Audio Library

17:11:27.5 3/28/2011: Creating instance of global keyboard hook

17:11:28.2 3/28/2011: Attempting to load game list

17:11:28.6 3/28/2011: Applying Language/Text

17:11:28.6 3/28/2011: Text/Language: Custom

17:11:28.6 3/28/2011: MAME CMD options: -nowindow -joy -skip_gameinfo

17:11:28.6 3/28/2011: Loading last used Game List

17:11:28.7 3/28/2011: Loading Start Page

17:11:28.7 3/28/2011: Creating DirectSound Device

17:11:28.8 3/28/2011: Trying: Primary Sound Driver

17:11:28.8 3/28/2011: Loading Sound Files

17:11:28.9 3/28/2011: DirectSound Device Created Successfully

17:11:28.9 3/28/2011: Initialising DirectInput for Gamepad support

17:11:29.1 3/28/2011: Unable to create a joystick device

17:11:29.1 3/28/2011: Initializing MCE Remote

17:11:29.1 3/28/2011: Initialization OK! Starting GameEx!

17:11:29.1 3/28/2011: Testing Main Loop Once: Processing Frame

17:11:30.1 3/28/2011: Testing Main Loop Once: Main Loop ran successfully

[Adultery]

Well everything seems to be in order here... Did you try and look for updates for your video card as was mentioned earlier by Alpha?

[Draco1962]

I would also recommend upgrading to 11.64 as it addresses some video issues and may be a little less resource intensive. I do have a question - are you using an onboard graphics adapter?

Below are the minimum recommended system requirements:

- Pentium 3 800Mhz CPU (or equivalent) - OK

- DirectX(DirectDraw) Compatible Video card, capable of 16 bit colour at 640X480.

[Your video card does not normally need to be too special unless using videos or DVD, although older motherboard onboard video is not recommended] - Uncertain, but based upon 466 MB RAM being reported for the OS, likely 512MB shared with onboard video.

- DirectSound Compatible Sound Card. - OK

- 256MB Ram - OK

- Windows 2000 (SP4), XP (SP2), MCE, Vista, Windows 7 - Version 5.1.2600 is XP SP1 - Recommend updating to at least SP2, although SP3 is the latest and last XP service pack.

- 250MB Free hard drive space - OK

- Microsoft .net framework 2 service pack 1 - Uncertain as only displaying as .net Framework 2.0

- Microsoft Direct X 9.0 - Uncertain

- Windows Media Player 9 or above - OK

If you are running oboard video, would recommend an AGP or PCI video card with a minimum of 256 MB (512+MB optimal) RAM installed on the adapter and disabling the onboard video (instructions are usually specific to the BIOS or manufacturer). Also, if you can confirm the items showing as uncertain.

[Adultery]

Gooooooo Draco! Good eye for system specs!

[DGringo]

First of all, thank you to everyone for your input. Yes, I am using an onboard graphics adapter. I realize that its probably not recomended. However, other than this, I have never had any issues.

I should probably start by telling you that much of this is really over my head. That said, a cpl. of quick questions:

1. Would there be updates for an onboard graphics adapter?

2. If I upgrade to 11.64, will I lose any of my current info or settings (eg. 'Favorites', etc)

3. If I update XP, will I lose anything?

This is not what I would describe as a major issue, so I'm debating on whether or not I should just live with it (its just annoying to look at and only occurs after using one of the console emulators). Other than this, my machine is pretty much complete so I'm hoping not to have to go backwards in any way. Thanks again!

[fRequEnCy]

First of all, thank you to everyone for your input. Yes, I am using an onboard graphics adapter. I realize that its probably not recomended. However, other than this, I have never had any issues.

I should probably start by telling you that much of this is really over my head. That said, a cpl. of quick questions:

1. Would there be updates for an onboard graphics adapter?

2. If I upgrade to 11.64, will I lose any of my current info or settings (eg. 'Favorites', etc)

3. If I update XP, will I lose anything?

This is not what I would describe as a major issue, so I'm debating on whether or not I should just live with it (its just annoying to look at and only occurs after using one of the console emulators). Other than this, my machine is pretty much complete so I'm hoping not to have to go backwards in any way. Thanks again!

1. There could be updates to an onboard graphics adapter. Visit your manufacturers website and see if there's an update.

2. No. Your settings stay intact when upgrading. As a safe measure you settings are also backed up just in case. If you really wanna be safe, then you can make the backup of the settings as well.

3. Nothing should be lost by updating XP. However again, as a safe measure you can always backup your settings.

[fRequEnCy]

Also I see that you mentioned that this happens when running an emulator, not MAME! That being said, please post a log of when you actually run an emulator and this happens. Have you tried maybe changing the resolution in the emulators as well to match your system to see if that helps any?

[DGringo]

How do I change the resolution in the emulators?

Here's the log file when the screen is flashing/jumping:

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: GameEx: Version 11.63: Starting Log

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: Operating System Platform: Win32NT

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: Operating System Name: Windows XP

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: Operating System Version: 5.1.2600

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: Checking for versions of .net Framework installed

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: .net Framework 2.0 Installed

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3200+, 446MB

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: 1.99Ghz

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: Running Randomize()

19:24:28.1 3/29/2011: Loading PlugIns

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Checking for applications to Launch On Startup

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Running Misc startup tasks

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Setting Menu types

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Opening Configuration File

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Getting Configuration Values

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Using Theme: Default - Media Center

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Checking for alternate Image Directory for Theme: Default - Media Center

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Using Images from theme: Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Launching HideOS.exe

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Initialising Video/MNG DLL's

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: GameEx will check for media insertion (may affect performance)

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Hiding Taskbar

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Is Media Center running?

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Checking/Creating LCD Registry values

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Check Media Center Exit/Start Mode

19:24:28.2 3/29/2011: Media Center Mode 2

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Video previews on. Warning: Only recommended on modern systems

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Snap Delay set to: 2

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Get other settings

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Desktop set to Hide ICONS and set Background to Black

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Set: Find emulator artwork on best match basis

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Start work for Form

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Getting Original Screen Size

19:24:28.3 3/29/2011: Opening Database Connection

19:24:28.8 3/29/2011: Initializing Component

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Retrieving resolution setting

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: MAME Path is: C:\MAME

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: MAME EXE file is: mame.exe

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: ROM Path is: F:\Mame Roms

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Catver.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\catver.ini

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: controls.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\data\controls.ini

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: History.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\history.dat

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: nplayers.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\nplayers.ini

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: command.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\command.dat

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: MAMEinfo.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\mameinfo.dat

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Loading Controls.ini map file

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Snap Path is: C:\Assets\MAME\Snaps

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: AVI Snap Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Flyer Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Cabinet Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Cabinet 3D Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Title Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: PCB Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Artwork Preview Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Panel Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Manual Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Icon Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Marquee Path: Not Found

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Loading Custom Emulators

19:24:28.9 3/29/2011: Loading Emulator 1: [Console] Atari 2600 (Stella)

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Loading Emulator 2: [Console] Nintendo NES (Nestopia)

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Loading Emulator 3: [Console] Sega Genesis (GENS+)

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Loading Emulator 5: [Console] Atari 7800 (ProSystem)

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Loading Emulator 7: [Console] Nintendo SNES (ZSNES)

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Loading Emulator 8: [Console] Sony Playstation (ePSXe)

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Using Version 3 Themes Animations

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Using General Font: Trebuchet MS

19:24:29.0 3/29/2011: Using Title Font: Trebuchet MS

19:24:29.1 3/29/2011: Initialising Direct3D

19:24:29.1 3/29/2011: Applying GameEx is Loading Image

19:24:29.1 3/29/2011: Setting Resolution to 1024x768 32 bit color

19:24:29.1 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces

19:24:29.2 3/29/2011: Creating Primary Surface - Full Screen Mode

19:24:29.2 3/29/2011: Creating Back Buffer

19:24:29.2 3/29/2011: Loading graphic Surfaces

19:24:29.2 3/29/2011: Display is running at: 1024x768 32bit color, 60hz

19:24:29.3 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Flags

19:24:29.3 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Misc and Dialogs

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Volume

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Arrows

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces GameEXlogo Text

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Toolbar

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Backgrounds

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Toolbar Controls

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces GameEx Logo

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surface Unselected

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Snaps

19:24:29.4 3/29/2011: Creating Surfaces Menu and List Bars

19:24:29.8 3/29/2011: Creating Fonts

19:24:29.8 3/29/2011: Creating Game Font

19:24:30.0 3/29/2011: Creating Game Font Faded

19:24:30.1 3/29/2011: Creating Title Font

19:24:30.1 3/29/2011: Restoring Title Font From Cache

19:24:30.3 3/29/2011: Creating Font Black

19:24:30.4 3/29/2011: Creating Font Black Small

19:24:30.5 3/29/2011: Fonts Created Succesfully

19:24:30.5 3/29/2011: 3MB Video Memory Used

19:24:30.5 3/29/2011: Initialising Bass Audio Library

19:24:30.5 3/29/2011: Creating instance of global keyboard hook

19:24:31.0 3/29/2011: Attempting to load game list

19:24:31.3 3/29/2011: Applying Language/Text

19:24:31.3 3/29/2011: Text/Language: Custom

19:24:31.3 3/29/2011: MAME CMD options: -nowindow -joy -skip_gameinfo

19:24:31.3 3/29/2011: Loading last used Game List

19:24:31.4 3/29/2011: Loading Start Page

19:24:31.4 3/29/2011: Creating DirectSound Device

19:24:31.4 3/29/2011: Trying: Primary Sound Driver

19:24:31.4 3/29/2011: Loading Sound Files

19:24:31.5 3/29/2011: DirectSound Device Created Successfully

19:24:31.5 3/29/2011: Initialising DirectInput for Gamepad support

19:24:31.6 3/29/2011: Unable to create a joystick device

19:24:31.6 3/29/2011: Initializing MCE Remote

19:24:31.6 3/29/2011: Initialization OK! Starting GameEx!

19:24:31.6 3/29/2011: Testing Main Loop Once: Processing Frame

19:24:32.3 3/29/2011: Testing Main Loop Once: Main Loop ran successfully

19:24:44.1 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Background: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Snaps

19:24:44.1 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Background Does not exist

19:24:44.1 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Snaps

19:24:44.1 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 1:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 1 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 2:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 2 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 3:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 3 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 4:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 4 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 5:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Art Path 5 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Controls

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Instructions Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Instructions Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Database: [Console] Atari 2600

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Titles

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Boxes

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Cartridges

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Music Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Music Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: TV Ad Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: TV Ad Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Manuals

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Background: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Snaps

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Background Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Snaps

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 1:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 1 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 2:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 2 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 3:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 3 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 4:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 4 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 5:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Art Path 5 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Controls

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Instructions Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Instructions Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Database: [Console] Nintendo NES

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Titles

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Boxes

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Cartridges

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Music Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Music Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: TV Ad Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: TV Ad Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Manuals

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Background: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Snaps

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Background Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Snaps

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 1:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 1 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 2:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 2 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 3:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 3 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 4:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 4 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 5:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Art Path 5 Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Controls

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Instructions Path:

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Instructions Path Does not exist

19:24:44.2 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Database: [Console] Sega Genesis

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Titles

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Boxes

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Cartridges

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Music Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Music Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: TV Ad Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: TV Ad Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Manuals

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Background: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Snaps

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Background Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Snaps

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 1:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 1 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 2:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 2 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 3:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 3 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 4:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 4 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 5:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Art Path 5 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Controls

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Control Panel Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Instructions Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Instructions Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Database: [Console] Atari 7800

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Titles

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Title Snap Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Boxes

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Box Art Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Cartridges

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Cart Art Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Music Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Music Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: TV Ad Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: TV Ad Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Manuals

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Manual Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Background: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Snaps

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Background Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Snaps

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 1:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 1 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 2:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 2 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 3:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 3 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 4:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 4 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 5:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Art Path 5 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Controls

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Control Panel Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Instructions Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Instructions Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Database: [Console] Nintendo SNES

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Titles

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Title Snap Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Boxes

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Box Art Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Cartridges

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Cart Art Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Music Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Music Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: TV Ad Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: TV Ad Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Manuals

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Manual Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Background: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Snaps

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Background Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Snaps

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 1:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 1 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 2:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 2 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 3:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 3 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 4:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 4 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 5:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Art Path 5 Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Controls

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Control Panel Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Instructions Path:

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Instructions Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Database: [Console] Sony Playstation

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Titles

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Title Snap Path Does not exist

19:24:44.3 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Boxes

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Box Art Path Does not exist

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Cartridges

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Cart Art Path Does not exist

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Music Path:

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Music Path Does not exist

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: TV Ad Path:

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: TV Ad Path Does not exist

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Manuals

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Manual Path Does not exist

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: MAPFile Does Not Exist

19:24:44.4 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

19:24:44.7 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

19:24:45.1 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

19:24:45.4 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

19:24:46.0 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

19:24:46.2 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

19:24:46.5 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

19:24:46.6 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

19:24:46.7 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

19:24:46.9 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

19:24:47.3 3/29/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

19:24:47.4 3/29/2011: No Database Data

19:25:05.4 3/29/2011: Running: cmd.exe /c C: nestopia.exe "C:\NES Roms\Kung Fu.zip"

19:25:05.6 3/29/2011: Shutting down display

19:26:05.4 3/29/2011: Exiting Game

19:26:05.4 3/29/2011: Closing Process

19:26:08.1 3/29/2011: Writing Stats

19:26:08.2 3/29/2011: Plugin: Game Exit

19:26:08.2 3/29/2011: Plugin: Process Commands

19:26:08.2 3/29/2011: Refreshing Keyboard

19:26:08.3 3/29/2011: Initialising Audio

19:26:08.5 3/29/2011: Restoring Window

19:26:08.5 3/29/2011: Reinitializing Graphics System

19:26:09.8 3/29/2011: Reloading Game Info Page

19:26:09.8 3/29/2011: Returning to GameEx

19:26:31.4 3/29/2011: Running: cmd.exe /c C: Stella.exe -video gl -gl_fsmax 1 -fullscreen 1 "C:\Documents and Settings\Dan\My Documents\MAME\Sega Genesis Collection 723 ROMS Plus Emulator H33T 1981CamaroZ28\Genesis 723 ROMS\Atari 2600\Roms\Pitfall! (Beta).bin"

19:26:31.6 3/29/2011: Shutting down display

19:27:24.5 3/29/2011: Exiting Game

19:27:24.5 3/29/2011: Closing Process

19:27:27.2 3/29/2011: Writing Stats

19:27:27.2 3/29/2011: Plugin: Game Exit

19:27:27.2 3/29/2011: Plugin: Process Commands

19:27:27.2 3/29/2011: Refreshing Keyboard

19:27:27.3 3/29/2011: Initialising Audio

19:27:27.3 3/29/2011: Relaunching HideOS

19:27:28.3 3/29/2011: Restoring Window

19:27:28.3 3/29/2011: Reinitializing Graphics System

19:27:30.1 3/29/2011: Reloading Game Info Page

19:27:30.1 3/29/2011: Returning to GameEx

[DGringo]

Been awhile since I posted on this, but its starting to agitate me again. After further research, it appears as if the flashing/jumping screen is only happening when I exit the Stella emulator and go back to GameEx. Must have something to do with the display settings in Stella, right? Any ideas?

[Draco1962]

I would start there as it may be, as mentioned before, a matter of the refresh rates/resolutions changing when GameEx is attempting to resume focus. As I have not used Stella in some time I cannot tell you where to go to investigate it - but if you could upload copies of your log and Stella config file, we can take a look to see if anything stands out.

[DGringo]

I would start there as it may be, as mentioned before, a matter of the refresh rates/resolutions changing when GameEx is attempting to resume focus. As I have not used Stella in some time I cannot tell you where to go to investigate it - but if you could upload copies of your log and Stella config file, we can take a look to see if anything stands out.

Draco,

How would I go about uploading copies of my Stella log and config files? Thx...

[Adultery]

Can you set Stella to a higher resolution/color depth? The default is 16-bit color and a crazy low aspect ratio which will cause this. Want me to post my working Stella config?

[Draco1962]

Draco,

How would I go about uploading copies of my Stella log and config files? Thx...

To obtain a copy of your emulator config files (in this case, Stella) go into Setup Wizard, select Custom, then select Emulator Setup. Highlight Stella in the column on the left, then click the export icon in the middle. This will generate a copy of your Stella config file. Your log file is generated by GameEx and can be found under the \GameEx\Log path.

[DGringo]

Can you set Stella to a higher resolution/color depth? The default is 16-bit color and a crazy low aspect ratio which will cause this. Want me to post my working Stella config?

Adultery - I would appreciate it greatly if you would post your Stella config. I will try to post mine later tonight...

[DGringo]

To obtain a copy of your emulator config files (in this case, Stella) go into Setup Wizard, select Custom, then select Emulator Setup. Highlight Stella in the column on the left, then click the export icon in the middle. This will generate a copy of your Stella config file. Your log file is generated by GameEx and can be found under the \GameEx\Log path.

My Stella Config file:

[Emulator]

Enabled=True

System=Atari 2600

Category=Console

Emulator=Stella

Version=3.0

Rating=

DownloadUrl=http://www.gamesdbase.com/setupwizard/emulators/download/stella.7z

RequiredFiles=

Website=http://stella.sourceforge.net/

Info=Atari 2600 emulator

TitleText=Atari 2600

StartPageName=[Console] Atari 2600 (Stella)

StartPageLogo=Atari

Command=Stella.exe -video gl -gl_fsmax 1 -fullscreen 1 "[ROMPATH]\[ROMFILE]"

RomFilter=

Database=[Console] Atari 2600

ConfigFile=[Mapping Off] Exit (Process Close)

MAPFile=

RomPath=C:\Documents and Settings\Dan\My Documents\MAME\Sega Genesis Collection 723 ROMS Plus Emulator H33T 1981CamaroZ28\Genesis 723 ROMS\Atari 2600\Roms

SnapPath=C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Snaps

TitlePath=C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Titles

BoxPath=C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Boxes

CartPath=C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Cartridges

ManualPath=C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Manuals

ControlPanelPath=C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Controls

WorkingPath=C:\Stella

MapKeys=True

WaitBeforeKeys=

SendKeys=

ReplaceDash=False

ReplaceUnder=True

Capitals=False

RemoveBrackets=True

ShowDesktop=True

Debug=False

AlsoLaunch=

OLDatZip=

LaunchBefore=

LaunchAfter=

ExcludedFiles=

CustomBackground=

PlayMusic=False

DontShowInfo=

PlaySelectionMusic=False

SelectionMusicFolder=

PCGame=False

GamesIn7Zips=False

PlayInScreenSaver=False

ShowMostPlayed=True

RandomMostPlayed=True

CDCheck=False

CDCheckFile=

RomsInFolders=True

InstructionsPath=

UseDbName=

MergeSets=

CustomArtName1=

CustomArtPath1=

CustomArtName2=

CustomArtPath2=

CustomArtName3=

CustomArtPath3=

lastgame=

[DGringo]

These are my video settings in Stella:

Renderer: OpenGL

*: OpenGL

TIA Filter: Zoom 2X

TIA Palette: Standard

FS Res: Auto

Timing (*): Sleep

GL Filter: Nearest

GL Aspect (N): 100

GL Aspect (P): 100

Framerate: 0

Fullscreen: On

X: GL FS Stretch

X: Center Window (X)

[Draco1962]

I am bumping this thread so that one of the other mods, admins, elites, or any forum member familiar with Stella can take a look at the information DGringo has provided to see if there are any setting options in Stella that might resolve the issue he is having with the screen flashing on return to GameEx from Stella. Thanks!

EDIT: I do not have Stella installed at present but did notice that the renderer is set to OpenGL. Is there a DirectDraw option? Could the transition from OpenGL to DirectDraw contribute to the flashing issue?

[Koop]

DGringo,

Did you ever solve this problem? I'm having the exact same symptoms, it's only happening with Stella.

Draco,

There is no option for DirectDraw. The only other option is "software". When I change it to software I can still run games fine from the emulator. But when I boot up GameEx and run it, I get the same flashing problem. Then when I return and run Stella by itself I notice that the setting has been changed back to OpenGL again! I've attached my log file.

log.txt

[Draco1962]

Your log file looks fine - I don't see anything from a GameEx perspective (other than a possible transition between resolutions) that might be causing the flashing to occur when exiting Stella back to GameEx. DGringo was showing some errors in one of his log files that was DirectDraw/DirectX related. Can you post your gameEx.ini and Stella configs?

[Koop]

It does seem like a transition problem. Unfortunately, Stella doesn't have a different resolution setting, but there are a few other settings, but I don't know what they mean:

Had to convert my GameEx.ini to a .txt to allow me to upload:

GameEx.txt

Stella config:

Console Atari 2600 (Stella).txt

Thanks.

[fRequEnCy]

It does seem like a transition problem. Unfortunately, Stella doesn't have a different resolution setting, but there are a few other settings, but I don't know what they mean:

Sure it does! FS Res!

Can be changed from Auto to your resolution. Can give that a try but not sure if that would resolve this issue.

[Krakerman]

Also note there is a new version of Stella out 3.5