MAME help..

[Gamereviewgod]

Ok I'm finally going to do it.....I'm going to download an emulator. MAME specifially. However, I'm horribly confused here. When I got to mame.net, there's about 15 different files to download and I have no clue which I want/need. I'm using Windows Millenium, and XP on another. I downloaded one version, but it must've been for DOS since I couldn't get it it up and running. I extracted it and all that good stuff, but nothing. KEEP IN MIND that I'm somewhat computer illiterate! Help!

[Oobgarm]

While most folks tend to use the DOS based MAME, I kinda like Mame32.

http://www.classicgaming.com/mame32/download.htm

download the binary, unzip, put "teh ROMZ" in the folder and you're set.

if you are still going to use the DOS one:

Put the extracted folder in the C:\ directory (right on the hard drive).
go to the MS DOS prompt, and type in these commands:

cd..
<enter>
cd (name of folder mame is in)
<enter>
mame (name of ROM)
<enter>

that should do it.

[Arcade Antics]

Jest gonna slide this one on over the the Emulation forum where it will undoubtedly be met with much applause and feedback!

>>>SLIDE<<<

[Gamereviewgod]

Oh yeah....emulation forum...duh. Anyway, now I've got some ROMS, but they don't show up under the "available" section, or anywhere else for that mater. I've unzipped them into the ROM folder..what am I doing wrong here?

[Oobgarm]

try double clicking on the rom in the "all roms" list. Mine does the same thing. :roll:

[zektor]

Oh yeah....emulation forum...duh. Anyway, now I've got some ROMS, but they don't show up under the "available" section, or anywhere else for that mater. I've unzipped them into the ROM folder..what am I doing wrong here?

Unzipping them is the problem. Keep the files zipped and just place them in the ROMS folders. You should see them on the list in Mame32 now. If you need any other help or have any questions, feel free to ask us. Enjoy!

[Gamereviewgod]

Ok, how about this one? :)

I have a Gravis Grip (yeah, old.....but it's all I got) that I planned on using, but MAME won't recognize it. What CHEAP (stress the cheap part here) controllers (preferably just a standard d-pad) are compatible? I really wanna destroy the aracde version of Contra, but that ain't happenin' with the keyboard!

[Daerr Zh]

Gravis GRiP controllers are compatable with key mappers. In fact, you can download the Gravis Xperience keyset mapper right from the homesite. Any program that you use keys in can be remapped through the controller.

[Gamereviewgod]

I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

[zektor]

If your gravis is seen by Windows it will be seen in Mame. In Mame32, go to the top and click on "options", then "default game options". From there click on the tab that says "controllers". Check off the enable joystick input box. You can also check off to enable the mouse as well, which will allow you to use the mouse in certain shooter games (like Chiller) and such with a crosshair to fire. Before enabling the joystick input make sure you can see your joystick is connected and working correctly in windows control panel under "game controllers". If so, you should be fine.

[Gamereviewgod]

Great! I'm up and running pretty well! Thanks! However..... :)

When I single click on the MAME.exe for the first time after booting up, my computer locks up for about a minute (can't move the mouse pointer, nothing), then I can double clcik and get things up and running. Why the delay? Also, when I play certain games (AvsP specifically) the screen is off to the left. nowhere near centered. I'm not missing any of the picture (I don't think), but I like my things centered!

[ventrra]

Great! I'm up and running pretty well! Thanks! However..... :)

When I single click on the MAME.exe for the first time after booting up, my computer locks up for about a minute (can't move the mouse pointer, nothing), then I can double clcik and get things up and running. Why the delay? Also, when I play certain games (AvsP specifically) the screen is off to the left. nowhere near centered. I'm not missing any of the picture (I don't think), but I like my things centered!
Usually this is a resolution error. One thing you might do is go into th options menu to Default Game Options, then click it and go to the Advanced tab. Look at the Resolution box and switch it from Auto to the resoultion of your desktop. Sometimes this works. There was something else that I did to fix problems like that, but I can't remember what it was

[zektor]

Use the "Stretch Using Hardware" option under the advanced tab and you should get a perfect full screen. As for the delay, the only time this happened to me was a long while back with a certain antivirus program running. I think it was Mcafee but I can't remember. Try disabling your av software and then clicking on Mame.

[Gamereviewgod]

Macafee must be it....thanks!

[Gamereviewgod]

Ok, now I'm addicted....mucho thanks to everyone who got me going! :hail: Mcafee was causing my problems. Few more questions: How do I know if a game is slowing down because it's supposed to or if it's my junky PC? I can't remember Double Dragon running slow EVERYTIME more than 1 enemy was on the screen, same goes for DDII. Also, is there a FAQ for the different options under the advance tab and other like stuff? I have no idea what half of this stuff does! :help: Can't wait to get some more games going....so many memories...so little time....

[zektor]

You may want to check http://www.mameworld.net/ for hints and tips on the emulator. Also, be sure to read the various text files that come with the mame zip. All of the options and such are documented there. Glad you got it going all ok....just be sure to RE-ENABLE that antivirus after you play :) That lock up problem only happened on older versions of Mcafee, so if you get a new version of Mcafee or Norton it will not do that anymore. Now that you have Mame going you may want to give some other types of emulation a go sometime soon!

Also, I'll try Double Dragon tomorrow and see if it does that on my machine. What are your system specs? Video card?

[Gamereviewgod]

I'm not sure what my video card is, but I have a P3 900 and some odd MHZ, 120 megs o' RAM. These really are the only games I've had any major trouble with. Thought it was odd. I'll check out the link. Thanks!