Problem with Mala when loaded at startup

[Ninten-doh]

I put a copy of the Mala shortcut into my Windows XP startup folder so that it will launch Mala immediately after Windows loads.  The problem is, when I do this I lose my minipac and keyboard controls.  I have to exit to Windows then go back into Mala in order for the minipac and keyboard to work again.  Anyone have an idea what stupid thing I'm doing wrong?   

I'm using Mala 1.0rc7.  Thanks!

[fatfingers]

 I really have no idea, but is the run-time directory for the shortcut set to the installed directory for MaLa???

[loadman]

 I really have no idea, but is the run-time directory for the shortcut set to the installed directory for MaLa???

Translation for dummies like me:

Try putting the path to mala in the 'start in' section of your short-cut properties (the same as in target bit) but without '\mala.exe' at the end

[Ninten-doh]

Loadman, thanks for the translation.   

BTW, I haven't tried clicking the "Start with Windows" option within Mala because I would prefer to do this without messing with the registry.  Do I need to have that clicked as well? 

[loadman]

Loadman, thanks for the translation.   

BTW, I haven't tried clicking the "Start with Windows" option within Mala because I would prefer to do this without messing with the registry.  Do I need to have that clicked as well? 

Nup

[Ninten-doh]

I just checked and the the run-time directory for the shortcut WAS set to the installed directory for MaLa, so no luck with that.   

[loadman]

The problem is, when I do this I lose my minipac and keyboard controls. 

Have you got it set-up to be programmed on start-up? Is that how the mini-pac works?
MaLa can Program encoders. Maybe you could use that ?

[Ninten-doh]

Loadman, I don't have the mini-pac set up to be programmed on startup.  I'm just using the default settings.  But anyway, that wouldn't explain wny I'm not getting any keyboard functions either.  Maybe I should just try the "Start with Windows" option.   

[swindus]

Is it a focus problem?
Does it work when click once with your mouse on MaLa when it is started?

[Ninten-doh]

Is it a focus problem?
Does it work when click once with your mouse on MaLa when it is started?

Not sure.  I'll check that as soon as I get home from work.

[Ninten-doh]

Swindus, I just tried it and yes, it works once you click the mouse.  Is there a solution/fix for this other than having to click the mouse?

[Silver]

This is quite a common issue (with any program) when you run an app you want to use from the startup folder.

Windows attempts to run/load a whole pile of behind-the-scenes programs, system tray programs etc.. all at the same time when windows starts.

whats happening is that some program is loading after mala has started loading, stealing the focus from the program. I suspect swindus may add some focus-grabbing code in (?). In the meantime you could:

1) start mala as your shell (see the wiki) - if this is a cab/gaming only pc, why load the windows shell?

2) run msconfig.exe (from the run command) and reduce the number of programs at startup - you might get luckly and remove whatever is stealing focus from mala

3) as a workaround, try a program like:

http://www.r2.com.au/software.php?page=2&show=startdelay

which will let you delay any program that runs at startup. This way you could delay mala a bit which should solve the problem.

[loadman]

which will let you delay any program that runs at startup. This way you could delay mala a bit which should solve the problem.

You could also 'try' adding a start-up delay on Mala (splash delay) if you want .  I have it set for 6 secs to allow for the wire-less network to connect and all the other windows crap

See attached pic

[Ninten-doh]

Silver, Loadman - thanks for the replies.  I've read some other threads on this issue, and I saw the Mala delay setting option and tried that already...no luck.   

I'll try some of the options that Silver outlined.  Thanks guys.