MAME Interruption

[rdagger]

Is there anyway to stop windows from interrupting MAME in the middle of a game.  I often lose games because of the anti-virus software updating, other programs making trouble or accidentally pressing the button between CTRL and ALT.

[DaveMMR]

1) Turn off anti-virus program (and other programs that want constant attention).
2) Don't use keyboard to play games (or be careful... or pop it out).   

EDIT: Here's a way you can turn off that key's functionality.
http://johnhaller.com/jh/useful_stuff/disable_windows_key/

EDIT 2: I didn't test it out - use at your own risk!

[pointdablame]

For mame on my desktop, I remap all my buttons to A,S,D,Z,X,C

That avoides the windows key problem.

As for antivirus, you can disable it, but if this is your main PC you may not want to do this

[SirPeale]

I just tried the registry thing, didn't work for me.  Of course I may need to reboot (I didn't).

[JB]

There's an option in TweakUI to prevent apps from stealing focus, but it seems to be of little use.

[elvis]

You can disable the use of special and/or "win"keys by right-clicking your shortcut, and clicking "properties".  Look around inside the options and you'll see the ability to disable CNTRL+ALT combinations (ie: WinKeys).

Put your virus scanner on quiet mode, or tell it only to update at 2:00AM instead of when you are playing games.

Or alternatively, use Linux like I do.   

[Minwah]

1) Turn off anti-virus program (and other programs that want constant attention).
2) Don't use keyboard to play games

These are the best solutions IMO.  For a main PC disable virus software prior to launching MAME.  And what are you using a keyboard for!!??

[Buddabing]

IIRC the registry thing was for XP/2K only.

I hate that stupid key between ctrl and alt, which is why I prefer to use keyboards without it.

The registry thing It did work for me (I tried it on a different computer), but only after rebooting.

[Tiger-Heli]

Disabling the WinKey - See http://www.mameworld.net/emuadvice/keyhack2.html - Search for the sentence that starts with "The windows GUI keys deserve special consideration."

[2PacMan]

If your MAME system is not hooked up to the internet, and you have all the games on it that you want, why would you even need an antivirus program running now.  My machine has been finished for months and i don't plan on ever doing anything more to is, as far as updating MAME or my roms, so i don't even have antivirus running anymore....i don't see how there's anyway a virus could possibly get on my system now.

[Minwah]

I hate that stupid key between ctrl and alt, which is why I prefer to use keyboards without it.

I quite like it, I sometimes find using the keyboard is quicker than mouse.

[rdagger]

1) Turn off anti-virus program (and other programs that want constant attention).
2) Don't use keyboard to play games

These are the best solutions IMO.

[DaveMMR]

1) Turn off anti-virus program (and other programs that want constant attention).
2) Don't use keyboard to play games

These are the best solutions IMO.  For a main PC disable virus software prior to launching MAME.  And what are you using a keyboard for!!??

At home it is not an issue, but until recently I didn't have a CP at work.  Unfortunately, it is rather difficult to disable the network AV at my office.   There probably is a way to modify the AV software so it doesn't interfer.

Oh you are just SO fired!

[Minwah]

At home it is not an issue, but until recently I didn't have a CP at work.

So you do now!?  Do you get any work done? 

[ras2a]

It's unlikely you'll be able to disable the A/V solution, as the admin will prolly have locked down all the option for the client installs - Well, that's if they knew what they were doing

What software is it?

[rdagger]

It's unlikely you'll be able to disable the A/V solution, as the admin will prolly have locked down all the option for the client installs - Well, that's if they knew what they were doing
What software is it?

Sonicwall / McAfee Managed VirusScan v.3.0.0.573
I looked through the registry, but didn't see anything that would let me run it in silent mode.
You can disable the software, but then the firewall won't let you access the Internet.

[JB]

I hate that stupid key between ctrl and alt, which is why I prefer to use keyboards without it.

I quite like it, I sometimes find using the keyboard is quicker than mouse.

I use the keyboard almost exclusively. Rarely touch the mouse.

And yah, win key rules for keyboard navigation.