not exactly sure what you mean, but can't you re-map the controls in-game? (press tab?)
While you can, the the ctrlr file that he's trying to get remaps "everything" for him, including neogeo and normal games, and mame automatically uses the correct set. That's what's so cool about the ctrlr files.
OP:
One thing to look out for with ctrlr files is that the format has changed a few times, so make sure you get the correct version for the mame number you're using. One source for the correct version is to download the normal mame binary of the same number mameUI/mame32 you're using (from places like
mameDev.org). A big download for the 6 KB ctrlr file you want, I know, but at least you'll get the correct version.