[RESOLVED] Save States

[DGringo]

I set MAME to auto save-state every time that I exit so that I could retain high scores. However, I am finding that this may not be worth the hassles that come along with it. For example, if I quit a game in mid-game, I will need to go back and finish that game out the next time I load it up. Right? Or am I missing something? There are a 1,000 different scenarios that could present themselves where this would be far less than ideal.

[Draco1962]

I think you will find your answer here. Save states are not supported by all games, you will return to where you left off if save states are supported by the game, however, not all save states are compatible between all versions of MAME.

[mesk]

Turn auto save off and just save manually when you want to.shift +f7,then choose a slot A-Z

[Adultery]

Why the need for this anyway? Hiscore patch not hitting your hammer?

[DGringo]

Adultery,

What do you mean by "Hiscore patch not hitting your hammer?"

Its been awhile since I set up my machine, but my recollection was that there were only two ways to track high scores in Mame:

1. Compile your own version of Mame (not even sure what this means so it appears to be out of my leaugue)

2. Set up auto-save

Originally, I set up the auto save in Mame to track high scores. It worked well except that there were so many negatives I didn't count on (eg. you can't quit in the middle of a round of Golden Tee without finishing that round the next time you start up).

Is there any easier way to maintain high scores? I hate to keep losing my high score in Donkey Kong and I'm optimistic about this patch that you mention!

[Adultery]

It's really quite easy to compile your own version of MAME using Headkaze's tool. This patch not only removes all your MAME nag screens but adds in hiscore support to games that didn't initially save your score. If you'd be interested in using the awesome patch, I can help you compile and have you up and running in no time. Just say the word and we can get started.

I've been using a custom compiled MAME version for ions and never even considered looking back. Try it, you'll like it!

[massop]

I would really appreciate it if you showed me how to do this.

It sounds awesome

[Adultery]

OK, so let's get started!

1. Download the Mame Compiler from Headkaze's web site here. Install it to your computer.

2. Create a folder inside MingGW's directory named after your MAME version. For this we'll assume that it's MAME 0.142. So your directory will look like this:

C:/MingGW/Source/MAME0142

3. Grab the Hiscore patch for your version of MAME here. The version you need to compile this specific build is 142. Right click the link and save it to:

C:/MingGW/Patches/

4. Also snag the MAME source code here. In this case we aren't using DIFF patches so you need MAME 0.142s. Extract the file to your source folder you created earlier:

C:/MingGW/Source/MAME0142

5. Run MAME Compiler. The MingGW folder should be:

C:/MingGW

Then select your folder you put the source code in using the Browse button next to the field for it in MAME Compiler:

C:/MingGW/Source/MAME0142

6. Under the field for Diff Patch File, click the browse button to select the patch file (142.txt) you downloaded in Step 3, and click the Apply Patch button.

7. Under Compile Options leave the "Compile For" box set to "None". If you have a 64-bit OS on the machine you're compiling on, tick that box. If not, don't. Do the same for the "Dual Core" or "Quad Core" boxes. Leave the rest unticked.

NOTE: If you're compiling MAMEUI, the process is a bit different. I'll post alternate instructions if that's the version of MAME you use.

8. Click the GO! button. It takes a bit to compile, so go grab a beer and chillax for a bit.

If you followed these instructions, you should find your newly compiled MAME.EXE in the folder your source code is in. In this case it's:

C:/MingGW/Source/MAME0142

9. Play it, enjoy it, love it! Also be proud to now have the functionality of nagless games and Hi Score support.

.:EDIT:. I should also mention that if you're not already using MAME on your machine, you will need to download the vanilla MAME compile for the support files (ie chdman.exe and the other EXE's in that folder) since this only compiles MAME and not the other EXEs.

[massop]

Thanks man, gonna try this out. I am on MAME32, but ill adjust

[Adultery]

Not much to change really, just need to apply the diff patch for MAME32. It's only one extra step unless you also use the MAME u updates.

[DGringo]

#5 - How do I run MAME compiler? There doesnt seem to be anything executable in the C:/MingGW folder?

[Adultery]

If you set it up in default, it made a MAME Compiler 64 folder in your start menu.

[DGringo]

Ok, I followed all of your instructions. Next question, what do I need to change in GameEx in order for it to be aware of the newly compiled version of Mame? I thought that I would go into the Mame setup in GamEx and point it toward C:/MingGW/Source/MAME0142. However, when I tried that, GameEx was unable to load. I just keep getting frozen at the initial loading screen.

[Adultery]

i just copy your new MAME.EXE over where the old one was and point GameEx at that.

[DGringo]

Still stuck on the "Please wait while loading..." screen. When I run the task manager, it appears as if there is a procees running called "7-zip self extracting archive". If I terminate this process, the issue clears up. Any idea what this is or how I can stop it from happening?

[Adultery]

Can you post your log file please?

[DGringo]

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: Opening Configuration File

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: GameEx: Version 11.83: Starting Log

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: Operating System Platform: Win32NT

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: Operating System Name: Windows XP

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: Operating System Version: 5.1.2600

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: Checking for versions of .net Framework installed

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: .net Framework 2.0 Installed

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3200+, 446MB

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: 1.99Ghz

04:54:13.9 6/24/2011: Running Randomize()

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Loading PlugIns

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Checking for applications to Launch On Startup

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Running Misc startup tasks

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Setting Menu types

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Getting Configuration Values

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Using Theme: Default - Media Center

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Checking for alternate Image Directory for Theme: Default - Media Center

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Using Images from theme: Default - Media Center V1\MEDIA\

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Launching HideOS.exe

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Initialising Video/MNG DLL's

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: GameEx will check for media insertion (may affect performance)

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Hiding Taskbar

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Is Media Center running?

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Checking/Creating LCD Registry values

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Check Media Center Exit/Start Mode

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Media Center Mode 2

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Video previews on. Warning: Only recommended on modern systems

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Snap Delay set to: 2

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Get other settings

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Desktop set to Hide ICONS and set Background to Black

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Set: Find emulator artwork on best match basis

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Start work for Form

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Getting Original Screen Size

04:54:14.0 6/24/2011: Opening Database Connection

04:54:14.2 6/24/2011: Initializing Component

04:54:14.3 6/24/2011: Retrieving resolution setting

04:54:14.3 6/24/2011: MAME Path is: C:\MAME

04:54:14.3 6/24/2011: MAME EXE file is: mame0142s.exe

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: ROM Path is: F:\Mame Roms

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: Catver.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\catver.ini

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: controls.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\data\controls.ini

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: History.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\history.dat

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: nplayers.ini is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\nplayers.ini

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: command.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\command.dat

04:54:14.4 6/24/2011: MAMEinfo.dat is located at: C:\GameEx\DATA\mameinfo.dat

04:54:14.9 6/24/2011: Loading Controls.ini map file

04:54:14.9 6/24/2011: Loading Custom Emulators

04:54:14.9 6/24/2011: Loading Emulator 1: [Console] Atari 2600 (Stella)

04:54:15.3 6/24/2011: Loading Emulator 2: [Console] Nintendo NES (Nestopia)

04:54:15.4 6/24/2011: Loading Emulator 3: [Console] Sega Genesis (GENS+)

04:54:16.0 6/24/2011: Loading Emulator 5: [Console] Atari 7800 (ProSystem)

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Loading Emulator 7: [Console] Nintendo SNES (ZSNES)

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Loading Emulator 8: [Console] Sony Playstation (ePSXe)

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Snap Path is: C:\Assets\MAME\Snaps

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: AVI Snap Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Flyer Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Cabinet Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Cabinet 3D Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Title Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: PCB Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Artwork Preview Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Panel Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Manual Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Icon Path: Not Found

04:54:16.2 6/24/2011: Marquee Path: Not Found

04:54:16.3 6/24/2011: Using Version 3 Themes Animations

04:54:16.3 6/24/2011: Using General Font: Trebuchet MS

04:54:16.3 6/24/2011: Using Title Font: Trebuchet MS

04:54:16.3 6/24/2011: Initialising Direct3D

04:54:16.4 6/24/2011: Applying GameEx is Loading Image

04:54:16.4 6/24/2011: Setting Resolution to 1024x768 32 bit color

04:54:16.5 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces

04:54:17.0 6/24/2011: Creating Primary Surface - Full Screen Mode

04:54:17.0 6/24/2011: Creating Back Buffer

04:54:17.0 6/24/2011: Loading graphic Surfaces

04:54:17.0 6/24/2011: Display is running at: 1024x768 32bit color, 60hz

04:54:17.1 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Misc and Dialogs

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Volume

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Arrows

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces GameEXlogo Text

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Toolbar

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Backgrounds

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Toolbar Controls

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces GameEx Logo

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surface Unselected

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Snaps

04:54:17.2 6/24/2011: Creating Surfaces Menu and List Bars

04:54:17.6 6/24/2011: Creating Fonts

04:54:17.6 6/24/2011: Creating Game Font

04:54:17.7 6/24/2011: Creating Game Font Faded

04:54:17.8 6/24/2011: Creating Title Font

04:54:17.8 6/24/2011: Restoring Title Font From Cache

04:54:18.1 6/24/2011: Creating Font Black

04:54:18.2 6/24/2011: Creating Font Black Small

04:54:18.2 6/24/2011: Fonts Created Succesfully

04:54:18.2 6/24/2011: 3MB Video Memory Used

04:54:18.2 6/24/2011: Initialising Bass Audio Library

04:54:18.2 6/24/2011: Creating instance of global keyboard hook

04:54:18.7 6/24/2011: Attempting to load game list

04:54:18.9 6/24/2011: Applying Language/Text

04:54:18.9 6/24/2011: Text/Language: Custom

04:54:18.9 6/24/2011: Running: mame0142s.exe -help

04:54:18.9 6/24/2011: Running: C: C:\MAME\mame0142s.exe -help > C:\MAME\help.txt

04:57:15.6 6/24/2011: MAME CMD options: -nowindow -joy -skip_gameinfo

04:57:15.6 6/24/2011: Loading last used Game List

04:57:15.8 6/24/2011: Creating DirectSound Device

04:57:15.9 6/24/2011: Trying: Primary Sound Driver

04:57:15.9 6/24/2011: Loading Sound Files

04:57:15.9 6/24/2011: DirectSound Device Created Successfully

04:57:15.9 6/24/2011: Initialising DirectInput for Gamepad support

04:57:16.1 6/24/2011: Unable to create a joystick device

04:57:16.1 6/24/2011: Initializing MCE Remote

04:57:16.1 6/24/2011: Playing intro sound file

04:57:16.1 6/24/2011: Initialization OK! Starting GameEx!

04:57:16.1 6/24/2011: Testing Main Loop Once: Processing Frame

04:57:17.2 6/24/2011: Testing Main Loop Once: Main Loop ran successfully

04:57:40.5 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Custom Background:

04:57:40.5 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_1: Custom Background Does not exist

04:57:40.5 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Snaps

04:57:40.6 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Controls

04:57:40.6 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Database: [Console] Atari 2600

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Titles

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Boxes

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Cartridges

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_1: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Atari 2600\Manuals

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Custom Background:

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_2: Custom Background Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Snaps

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Controls

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Database: [Console] Nintendo NES

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Titles

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Boxes

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Cartridges

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_2: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo NES\Manuals

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Custom Background:

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_3: Custom Background Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Snaps

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Controls

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Database: [Console] Sega Genesis

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Titles

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Boxes

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Cartridges

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_3: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Sega Genesis\Manuals

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Custom Background:

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Custom Background Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Snaps

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Controls

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Control Panel Path Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Database: [Console] Atari 7800

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Titles

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Title Snap Path Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Boxes

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Box Art Path Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Cartridges

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Cart Art Path Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_5: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Atari 7800\Manuals

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_5: Manual Path Does not exist

04:57:40.7 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Custom Background:

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Custom Background Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Snaps

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Controls

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Control Panel Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Database: [Console] Nintendo SNES

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Titles

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Title Snap Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Boxes

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Box Art Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Cartridges

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Cart Art Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_7: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Nintendo SNES\Manuals

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_7: Manual Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Custom Background:

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Custom Background Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Snaps

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Control Panel Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Controls

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Control Panel Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Database: [Console] Sony Playstation

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Title Snap Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Titles

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Title Snap Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Box Art Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Boxes

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Box Art Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Cart Art Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Cartridges

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Cart Art Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Validating: Emulator_8: Manual Path: C:\Assets\Sony Playstation\Manuals

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: Manual Path Does not exist

04:57:40.8 6/24/2011: Warning: Emulator_8: MAPFile Does Not Exist

04:57:40.9 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

04:57:41.0 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

04:57:41.4 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

04:57:41.5 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

04:57:41.7 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

04:57:41.8 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

04:57:42.1 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

04:57:42.2 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

04:57:42.4 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

04:57:42.4 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator Database From Cache

04:57:42.7 6/24/2011: Restoring Emulator from Cache

04:57:42.7 6/24/2011: No Database Data

04:58:16.3 6/24/2011: Writing Game List to disk

04:58:16.4 6/24/2011: Updating MAME Game List

04:58:16.4 6/24/2011: Running: C: C:\MAME\mame0142s.exe -listxml > C:\MAME\listinfo.dat

04:58:21.0 6/24/2011: Opening Listinfo.dat

04:58:22.5 6/24/2011: Reading ListInfo.dat

[DGringo]

Even after I go into the task manager and 'end task' for the 7-zip self extracting archive, I am now getting frozen on the 'Updating Mame Game List' page.

[Adultery]

04:54:14.3 6/24/2011: MAME EXE file is: mame0142s.exe

Unless you renamed MAME.EXE to this, it's not right.

[fRequEnCy]

04:54:14.3 6/24/2011: MAME EXE file is: mame0142s.exe

Unless you renamed MAME.EXE to this, it's not right.

To me it would seem that the user is using the source file instead of the binary.

[Adultery]

Just what I was thinking.

[DGringo]

The instructions called for downloading the source code. Should I have downloaded the binary? I am thinking that I should completely remove Mame from my machine and try to start over?

[fRequEnCy]

The instructions called for downloading the source code. Should I have downloaded the binary? I am thinking that I should completely remove Mame from my machine and try to start over?

The source file is the file needed when compiling. Once compiled it will compile a new MAME.exe. As stated in an earlier post, that's the file you need to copy over. Not the source file. Then you should be good to go. That explains the 7-zip process you're seeing as well since the source file starting when calling that file since it's a compressed file that contains all the source files needed and am sure causes problems because trying to run with incorrect parameters.

[DGringo]

What a cluster-cuss! I should have just let it alone and lived without hi-scores. Do you agree with my suggestion - just remove all of Mame from my machine and start over with a clean download?

[fRequEnCy]

What a cluster-cuss! I should have just let it alone and lived without hi-scores. Do you agree with my suggestion - just remove all of Mame from my machine and start over with a clean download?

You shouldn't have to. But you can if you want. Did you compile correctly? If so then just copy your MAME.exe to your MAME folder and use that exe in GameEx.