What version mame should I use for A windows 98se computer?

[emopants92]

Ok I am running an old compaq 5000us computer and have tired at least 6 different versions of mame and either couldnt get them to run from command prompt or had a lagged out gameplay or sound? So anyone using mame on an old computer with windows 98se, what version do you prefer to run?

PS. I am going to use mamewah after I get mame working on this computer

[Ummon]

Go to joymonkey.com and get older versions of Mame32. You might start with .89 and (likely, if needed) work your way down from there. When you find one that's satisfactory, you can either stick with it or get the same version number from mamedev.org.

[emopants92]

I need the command line mame to use for mamewah?

[retrometro]

I need the command line mame to use for mamewah?

first, yes.

if you plan on running the classics, even v.035 would be fine. 

[emopants92]

Yes I have tried almost every version and when I put mame [name of rom] then press enter in the command prompt the games that they say are supported say they are missing some type of rom files? or get some crazy error? Anyone using mame on a computer with windows 98?

[emopants92]

also the computer was made to run windows me, should I consider putting windows ME back on? Will it make a difference in games supported? ALSO is it worth it because windows ME was ridiculous on how many problems and bugges were found on it?

[TOK]

The problem isn't the OS, it's the old computer. I have no idea what speed that HP is from the description, but if its like a Pentium 2, start with version .37. If that doesn't have all the games you want, try .68, then .84, then .99.
Those are kind of my reference builds that I use depending on the age of the hardware. My bartop is a P3/933 and runs all the classics and much of the newer stuff fine with version .84.

[loadman]

P3/933 and runs all the classics and much of the newer stuff fine with version .84.

What he said

[gonzo90017]

Well from the Manual http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c00009321
It looks like and AMD Duron at 750mhz. You should try Fastmame 71 http://www.divshare.com/download/2975759-40b
And also you should run them through CLRmamepro using a dat file for the version of mame you're using. But do this once you've decided which mame version to use.

[Encryptor]

Yes I have tried almost every version and when I put mame [name of rom] then press enter in the command prompt the games that they say are supported say they are missing some type of rom files? or get some crazy error? Anyone using mame on a computer with windows 98?

It sounds like this version would run but you are missing some pieces and parts for whatever game you are trying to run.

Encryptor

[daywane]

1st thing.... just toss Window ME in the trash. That is were it belongs.
I have 4 HP Pavilions that came with ME.
window XP with sp1 or no Service pack works. service pack 2 seems to kill these old HP's
98SE works great (window ME is a hog)

I used Mame 56 with 512 meg of ram. (well the HP mother boards manual said 512 was the max... 300 is all that would show up 

finding the Roms for the older Mame versions can be a bear.
every time Mame upgrades the Roms change also .
So if you get Mame 56 (witch will run almost all the Roms on your 700meg CPU) the newer Roms will not work ... Not even Ms Pacman

Their is programs to back date your Roms.... I for one have yet to get a good set this way. but others seem to have no problems

I very seldom upgrade my Mame
I have 36, 56, 87,88,89, 99 ... never updated the Roms. burned the older set to DVDs and stored them away.

I have had many old PCs given to me. 300 and 400 meg cup's Mame 36 gets these PCs 500 to 900 meg CPU get Mame 56
only my 2.6 gig CPU get Mame 99
I have no reason to upgrade Mame any more.

[protokatie]

1st thing.... just toss Window ME in the trash. That is were it belongs.
I have 4 HP Pavilions that came with ME.
window XP with sp1 or no Service pack works. service pack 2 seems to kill these old HP's
98SE works great (window ME is a hog)

Is this my cue to chime in about TinyXP? 

[emopants92]

Ok I downloded a crap load of mame versions, and tried simply one rom which was donkey kong and it would only run on the mame 126 and it RAN! but audio skipping . So I tried mame 62 all the way down through mame 34 and they would either have a problem loading the rom or wouldnt run at all in command line? So I think it has something to do with the rom being old (as someone mentioned already) but is there any website to get older roms for mame? Also I have read about alot of people using windows 98se on there mame machine, so how do they get almost all the roms with no problems thats what is confusing me?

[protokatie]

but is there any website to get older roms for mame?

Probably, but noone here is allowed to answer that question. Basically what you asked is the equiv. to "How do I break the law and violate copyright holder's rights?"

Google is your friend, and so is a good PM to someone knowledgeable on a forum. It is against this forums policy to ask for links to rom sites.



ps, I am starting to sound like I am some sort of MOD or something... 

[daywane]

you are very close to getting this thread to post hell.
yes google is your friend but you have a long road to cross to find what you need.

The search is part of the fun.

98se is perfect for the older mame sets.
as mame advances so will the computer speed will also.
this is why I very seldom upgrade my mame sets.

I will not send you roms but a PM is being sent to you.

NO MORE asking for help on finding roms  slap on wrist

[emopants92]

Whoops big trouble *takes a time out* yes to all moderatores sorry completly forgot before posting about the rom asking. Just my mind is stuck at finishing my mame, lol I get distracted too often...

[Ummon]

Sheesh. Just go and ask someone in PM, yo.

[bloodyviking77]

I need the command line mame to use for mamewah?

if you plan on running the classics, even v.035 would be fine. 

and if you want to run some newer stuff then don't forget Raine: www.rainemu.com
I used to run DonPachi on a PII 400mhz box in DOS Raine. Sweet.

Also, for some reason not many people on these boards seem to think of Linux for their MAME machines. Head over to the Linux sub-forum for some ideas ... You can get a lot out of so-called obsolete hardware with a suitably skinny Linux distro. Linux is also free.

[emopants92]

See thats what brought me to a stand still was linux, deciding either linux or windows, I have never used linux and would love to learn but after hours of reasearch of it, for the most part it scared the living crap out of me because of all the linux versions, capitbilites, which one to use, how hard was it to use, features I would need, and weather or not it will run smooth on the old computer. So I guess I ll look into using, but any suggestions on a slim version that uses min. ram, works on old hardware, and has the features I need to run mame, a frontend (mamecad i figured I would probley use), and other emulators ( n64, super nintendo, gameboy advanced, ect.) So any suggestions would be great.

[bloodyviking77]

So I guess I ll look into using, but any suggestions on a slim version that uses min. ram, works on old hardware, and has the features I need to run mame, a frontend (mamecad i figured I would probley use), and other emulators ( n64, super nintendo, gameboy advanced, ect.) So any suggestions would be great.

I'd suggest Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/). However, for your machine you'll want to install a "minimal" system. Check out the following page: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/LowMemorySystems.

The version of mame you'll want is SDLmame, available from here: http://rbelmont.mameworld.info/?page_id=163

Frontends are one area where the Linux world is a little behind the curve. I use AdvanceMenu, although there are several recommendations for other frontends in the Linux subforum of this board. Haven't used Mamecad and no sure if a version is available for Linux ...

Good luck!

[daywane]

knopix is not bad on your set up.
but 98se will also do fine. I sent you a PM