If you want to re-map the ESC key, you need to do it from within the emulator's preferences while maximus is running, not from the preferences.exe. (see known issues
here.)
- Run Maximus Arcade
- Hit Ctrl-P
- Assign your keys. Read how to do it
here.
- Save
- Click close
And delete the preferences.exe... it's useless and causes more harm than good. You don't need it, since you can enter the preferences through the Ctrl-P method from within the front end.
Hope this helps.
D