Auto Start MAME? Old school builder needs comp advise, thanks!

[kansastj]

Please forgive me for the nub question.  I have good knowledge of arcade machines, wiring, boards, repair ect.  But I'm really am not a computer expert.  I want to build a MAME arcade machine from scratch as I do other machines I build running w/ the original boards, but need some computer advice.

I have done all the research, downloaded MAME & roms, ran them, understand how I will do my wiring, monitor, ect, I just need computer advise.

I have an old Gateway 450 that I want to dedicate to my MAME machine.  I want the machine to come on w/ a switch ( I dont need help w/ wiring), then start up and run a MAME front (not sure which one) automatically.  I don’t want to have to navigate to the MAME front end and start it manually w/ mouse.  I also want a safe way to shut down w/o a mouse, just using the controls and power switch.

So how do I get the MAME front end to auto start and shut down the comp?  I have to keep windows XP on the comp, because I have no knowledge of DOS.  Thanks for all your help!!!

[BORIStheBLADE]

What you can do is have your power button put the computer in and out of hibernation.

[kansastj]

Good idea, I didn't think of that, that would work.   I would still need to have a keyboard and mouse that I would have to hide.  Is it possible to do it the way I suggested?

[gonzo90017]

Use either Mamewah or GameLauncher. Those will run great on that machine. The other frontends require more horse power, believe me i've tried them all. You can get more info here. http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Front-Ends. Almost all frontends allow you to either go back to windows or automatically shutdown on exit.

[BORIStheBLADE]

Thats pretty much how I'm going to deal with my cabinet. I don't think there is a need to shut down completely when you can just go to hibernate.

[kansastj]

From what I have been reading about Front Ends is they will allow you to shut down, but they really don't explain how to auto start the front end when the computer is started.  Is there an auto start folder in XP that I can drop the Icon in and every time the comp is started, I'm ready to go?

[FhM]

You can drop a shortcut in Start Menu > programs > Startup

[kansastj]

OK new problem, I didn't check the sound on this old Gateway, I just assumed it worked.  My sound when playing a game echoes and isn't right, what can I do to resolve this? 

I'm gonna try the start folder and give it a test run, thanks for the help.

[DaOld Man]

I use Glaunch, and it does not give you the option to shutdown on exit.
But I wrote an app that will start it for you then when you quit glaunch, The Launcher will give you the option to go into windows or shutdown the machine.
It also uses a shutdown screen that you can make yourself using paint. (A windows graphical program.)
You will still need to place a shortcut to The Launcher in the start up folder.
Check out the website I have for it, read the readme.txt file. It might help you even if you dont decide to use The Launcher.

http://skennys_outpost.tripod.com/thelauncher/index.html

[DaOld Man]

OK new problem, I didn't check the sound on this old Gateway, I just assumed it worked.  My sound when playing a game echoes and isn't right, what can I do to resolve this? 

I'm gonna try the start folder and give it a test run, thanks for the help.

you probably need a driver. Search the web for drivers for your model of machine.

[kansastj]

"You can drop a shortcut in Start Menu > programs > Startup"

OK This worked, now I'm gonna try to download one of the drivers that has a shutdown feature and see if I can get this sound issue resolved.

I use Glaunch, and it does not give you the option to shutdown on exit.
But I wrote an app that will start it for you then when you quit glaunch, The Launcher will give you the option to go into windows or shutdown the machine.
It also uses a shutdown screen that you can make yourself using paint. (A windows graphical program.)
You will still need to place a shortcut to The Launcher in the start up folder.
Check out the website I have for it, read the readme.txt file. It might help you even if you dont decide to use The Launcher.

http://skennys_outpost.tripod.com/thelauncher/index.html

I think this maybe a bit above my head, but I'll look into it, thanks for the help!

[kansastj]

"You can drop a shortcut in Start Menu > programs > Startup"

OK This worked, now I'm gonna try to download one of the front ends that has a shutdown feature and see if I can get this sound issue resolved.

I use Glaunch, and it does not give you the option to shutdown on exit.
But I wrote an app that will start it for you then when you quit glaunch, The Launcher will give you the option to go into windows or shutdown the machine.
It also uses a shutdown screen that you can make yourself using paint. (A windows graphical program.)
You will still need to place a shortcut to The Launcher in the start up folder.
Check out the website I have for it, read the readme.txt file. It might help you even if you dont decide to use The Launcher.

http://skennys_outpost.tripod.com/thelauncher/index.html

I think this maybe a bit above my head, but I'll look into it, thanks for the help!

[DaOld Man]

I think this maybe a bit above my head, but I'll look into it, thanks for the help!

Its really pretty simple. Feel free to ask me for help if you decide to use The Launcher.
(The Launcher will work with Mala too. I havent tried any other frontends, but it should work on just about any program.)

[TOK]

OK new problem, I didn't check the sound on this old Gateway, I just assumed it worked.  My sound when playing a game echoes and isn't right, what can I do to resolve this? 

I'm gonna try the start folder and give it a test run, thanks for the help.

you probably need a driver. Search the web for drivers for your model of machine.

This is also classic MAME behavior for telling your that your CPU isn't running the ROM's fast enough. If your sound in Windows is fine, but screwed up in MAME, you might have to start going backwards with the version number.

Not sure if by Gateway 450 you were referring to a model number, or if thats the speed in Mhz... If its a 450Mhz machine, you're going to need a real old version of MAME. I'm running a P3/933 with .84 and its OK for classics.

[javeryh]

Not sure about your computer's power but I use a SmartStrip in all my machines for one button power on and power off.  I also use MaLa as my front end and there is an option to boot straight to any game upon start-up of your computer (or a random game or the last game played).  I rewired the computer power button to the outside of my cabinet - press it once and everything comes on (speakers, marquee light, monitor, etc.) and it boots straight to Mr. Do!.  When I press it again it shuts everything down.  It works great and I stink with computers so if I can get it working, anyone can.   

[Turnarcades]

If wiring isn't a problem I suggest you do this:

1) Setup your PC and put together your (command-line) version of MAME with the front-end MAMEWAH.
2) Follow these instructions to have Windows boot almost invisibly and straight into MAMEWAH:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to completely hide windows, and SHELL directly into a Front-End
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changing Bootlogo - MAY NOT WORK ON CERTAIN PC'S
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There's two ways to get rid of that bootscreen.-

1. The safest way is to get a program and screen from the net
http://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/

And get a decent skin. Either google, or try this one:
http://www.wincustomize.com/download.asp?SkinID=1015&LibID=32

2. The second method. Caution BACKUP NTOSKRNL FIRST!
http://www33.brinkster.com/userxp/booteditor.zip
-------------------------------------------------------------------
DISABLE STARTUP/SHUTDOWN SCREENS
---------------------------------
Change from default windows XP welcome screen to older style by going to:
   Control Panels -> User Accounts -> Change the way users logon or off.
   Deselect the "Use Welcome Screen" checkbox.

Get rid of the startup and shutdown messages:
 1) Start -> Run -> Type "regedit" without the quotes.

 2) Browse through to the following entry:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows -> CurrentVersion -> Policies -> System

 3) If there's a 'DisableStatusMessages' dword, change it to 1, otherwise right click, 'add dword'
    and change it to 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND COLOUR
---------------------------------
Enter regedit and browse to this entry:
   HKEY_USERS -> DEFAULT -> Control Panel -> Colors -> Background

Change this to 0 0 0 to get a black screen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISABLE BALLOON TIPS
---------------------
To turn ALL bubbles off follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then press ENTER.
2. Navigate to the following subkey:
      HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Right-click the right pane, create a new DWORD value, and then name it EnableBalloonTips.
4. Double-click this new entry, and then give it a hexadecimal value of 0.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGING THE SHELL TO MAMEWAH
------------------------------
Note: To do this automagically during startup in XP your computer may be a part of a workgroup,
but it CAN'T be part of a domain.
Here is the process to follow in order to set up your front end as a shell:

 1) You must have at least 2 users with admin privileges
 2) Open the user that will be auto logged in to the account that will be running your front end
    as a shell. This user should have admin rights.
 3) Set XP to automate the login process.
 4) Click START -> RUN and type :
       control userpasswords2
    Deselect the 'Users must enter a username and password' checkbox.
 5) Click Apply
 6) Enter the user & pass you want to login with & click 'OK'
 7) Click OK again
  Configure your front end... this is not a trial run, so make sure it's the way you want it.
    You can always get the explorer back, but it will take a minute or two to do so.
 9) Open regedit and find:
       HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IniFileMapping\system.ini\boot
    Find a string entry called Shell.
    Change the first 3 letters (which should read SYS) to USR.
    The path after USR will look different for your system, but it should appear similar to this:
    USR:BLAH\BLAH\BLAH. This tells windows to ignore the system’s shell values and load up a shell
    value on a user by user basis. If you don’t do this it will never even look for the shell value
    in the current user key, meaning the next part won’t ever be seen.

 10) Enter regedit and browse to this entry:
       HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows NT -> CurrentVersion -> Winlogon

 Should be a string entry 'Shell'. If not, create string entry 'Shell'. Change this to MAMEWAH location.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) You can use the menu built into MAMEWAH to shut down, return to Windows or re-start the machine, but you will need to extend the wires of your PC power button to the front of your machine or something and add a pushbutton or something.

When done you can have something that looks like this:



Forgive the quality of the video, it's an older post of mine.

[CrazyKongFan]

At the moment, I'm using Win 98 SE and MAME32 for my setup. I have it boot into MAME32, and use a hacked keyboard for my controls. I've got one button set to CONTROL, and have ESC as an admin button. If you hit ESC and CONTROL at the same time, it's like hitting the "windows" button, which has "shut down" as one of the options. I use the joystick to select shutdown, then ENTER (which is another button I have on the panel)

[Franco B]

If wiring isn't a problem I suggest you do this:

1) Setup your PC and put together your (command-line) version of MAME with the front-end MAMEWAH.
2) Follow these instructions to have Windows boot almost invisibly and straight into MAMEWAH:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to completely hide windows, and SHELL directly into a Front-End
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changing Bootlogo - MAY NOT WORK ON CERTAIN PC'S
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There's two ways to get rid of that bootscreen.-

1. The safest way is to get a program and screen from the net
http://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/

And get a decent skin. Either google, or try this one:
http://www.wincustomize.com/download.asp?SkinID=1015&LibID=32

2. The second method. Caution BACKUP NTOSKRNL FIRST!
http://www33.brinkster.com/userxp/booteditor.zip
-------------------------------------------------------------------
DISABLE STARTUP/SHUTDOWN SCREENS
---------------------------------
Change from default windows XP welcome screen to older style by going to:
   Control Panels -> User Accounts -> Change the way users logon or off.
   Deselect the "Use Welcome Screen" checkbox.

Get rid of the startup and shutdown messages:
 1) Start -> Run -> Type "regedit" without the quotes.

 2) Browse through to the following entry:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows -> CurrentVersion -> Policies -> System

 3) If there's a 'DisableStatusMessages' dword, change it to 1, otherwise right click, 'add dword'
    and change it to 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND COLOUR
---------------------------------
Enter regedit and browse to this entry:
   HKEY_USERS -> DEFAULT -> Control Panel -> Colors -> Background

Change this to 0 0 0 to get a black screen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISABLE BALLOON TIPS
---------------------
To turn ALL bubbles off follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then press ENTER.
2. Navigate to the following subkey:
      HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Right-click the right pane, create a new DWORD value, and then name it EnableBalloonTips.
4. Double-click this new entry, and then give it a hexadecimal value of 0.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGING THE SHELL TO MAMEWAH
------------------------------
Note: To do this automagically during startup in XP your computer may be a part of a workgroup,
but it CAN'T be part of a domain.
Here is the process to follow in order to set up your front end as a shell:

 1) You must have at least 2 users with admin privileges
 2) Open the user that will be auto logged in to the account that will be running your front end
    as a shell. This user should have admin rights.
 3) Set XP to automate the login process.
 4) Click START -> RUN and type :
       control userpasswords2
    Deselect the 'Users must enter a username and password' checkbox.
 5) Click Apply
 6) Enter the user & pass you want to login with & click 'OK'
 7) Click OK again
  Configure your front end... this is not a trial run, so make sure it's the way you want it.
    You can always get the explorer back, but it will take a minute or two to do so.
 9) Open regedit and find:
       HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IniFileMapping\system.ini\boot
    Find a string entry called Shell.
    Change the first 3 letters (which should read SYS) to USR.
    The path after USR will look different for your system, but it should appear similar to this:
    USR:BLAH\BLAH\BLAH. This tells windows to ignore the system’s shell values and load up a shell
    value on a user by user basis. If you don’t do this it will never even look for the shell value
    in the current user key, meaning the next part won’t ever be seen.

 10) Enter regedit and browse to this entry:
       HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows NT -> CurrentVersion -> Winlogon

 Should be a string entry 'Shell'. If not, create string entry 'Shell'. Change this to MAMEWAH location.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) You can use the menu built into MAMEWAH to shut down, return to Windows or re-start the machine, but you will need to extend the wires of your PC power button to the front of your machine or something and add a pushbutton or something.

When done you can have something that looks like this:



Forgive the quality of the video, it's an older post of mine.

Maaaaaate, thanks for that!

I need to do almost all of that and all of the info is in one place!

 

[Turnarcades]

No worries.

I cobbled it together from various sources and shortened it a bit, and although there are other things that can be done (cursor editing etc.), I tend to roll with this.

[Silver]

There is a lot of good info on the BYOAC wiki which covers hiding windows and booting straight to an FE (and you can always add to it if you have more info):

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Hiding_Windows

[severdhed]

Like Silver just said, that article in the WIKI on hiding windows is a great resource for doing exactly what you want.  If you follow those instructions, it will work like a charm.   when i set up my cabinet, i wired an arcade pushbutton to the PC motherboard where the power button connects.  i purchased a Sears auto switch for $20.  that turns the lights and speakers on/off when the PC turns on/off.  then i followed the isntructions in the wiki and everything works great.  people have no idea that is is just a simple PC running windows xp in there.  everything powers up with the push of a button, and shuts down via the same button. or from an option in the front end.

I used MALA for my front end because it was easy to set up and easy to customize the appearance to my liking.

good luck and have fun