Questions on MAME Update Packs

[cpyne]

Hi All,

My MAME cab has been running for 10+ years now without any problems.  I've updated versions a couple times via a new full ROM set, but I'd like to figure out the update process if possible.

I have seen multiple tutorials on how to update MAME versions using CLRMamePro.  There usually is a step that says something like "Download all ROM update packs beginning from the version you have until to the current version"   

I know the ROMs typically can't be shared legally without a license.   Are rom update packs also considered copyrighted materials?   

thanks!

[PL1]

Are rom update packs also considered copyrighted materials?   

Yes they are.

ROM update packs contain new, improved, or renamed dumps of copyrighted ROMs so Rule 5 does apply to them.


Scott

[JDFan]

IF it's been 10+ years since you updated you will not want to use the update packs -- that would put you on a set around 0.139 and there have been many major changes since then - so updating all that way will take several days of work and require downloading more than just getting the new set as many of your updated files will have been updated several times so you'll be updating and then updating those updated files. 

[Howard_Casto]

Yeah the problem with mame, and the reason that I've become frustrated with it as the years go on is that roms are constantly re-dumped and renamed making it impossible to do a simple update if you don't get every single update pack and apply them as new versions come out.  The constant renaming I take issue with, it's unnecessary imho, but the re-dumping is important for game preservation and the continued development of game drivers so it's a necessary evil I guess.  Of course these days, with all the garbage mixed in with the arcade games it's a maze just to figure out what games are available anyway.  Unless you have a reason to update, it's better to leave a working setup alone imho.