Retain High Scores when changing MAME versions

[cmoses]

Is it possible to retain your high scores when switching MAME versions?  I have a compiled version .0126 with high scores patch and am thinking about going to .0130 but want to retain my current high scores.  Is it easy to do?  What steps need to be taken?

Thanks

[FrizzleFried]

Just update MAME... when you do,  recompile the latest HS.diff in to the new version and you're good as gold.

[cmoses]

Is there a file or folder that contains the current high scores?  Does it have to be moved or copied over to the new MAME directory?

[FrizzleFried]

You have a high score folder...inside that folder are a bunch of files... those are your high score data files... and why make a new MAME directory... why not copy the new MAME executable in to your current directory?   That is,  by far,  the simplest way to go.

[Ummon]

Because the instructions are to create a new directory, probably with the idea of avoiding any possible weirdness with old files, especially if they're obsolete. But I never do that.

[FrizzleFried]

What instructions?   I've ALWAYS simple replaced the old files in my MAME directory with the new files created when compiling is complete.

[cmoses]

I always do it in a new directory so I have a fall back in case the newer version has a problem or doesn't work.

[FrizzleFried]

I always do it in a new directory so I have a fall back in case the newer version has a problem or doesn't work.

That is why I keep a copy of the prior compile as well.  If there are issues,  it's just a matter of copying the old MAME.EXE back in to the folder.

I have WAY too many things going on in my MAME folder to create a whole new one each time.  That seems like a huge waste of time frankly.

[Ummon]

What instructions?   I've ALWAYS simple replaced the old files in my MAME directory with the new files created when compiling is complete.

I think in the help file, or something. I recall seeing it somewhere, besides it being a common advisement in the readmes of such things. But I don't even move my old one. I just rename it, then copy the new exe over. Of course, I don't generally use base mame, but mameUI, for testing purposes so I only have one file. But every now and then I do use base mame, and so I put the old files in a folder within the directory - either a special folder, or one I don't use like 'docs' or 'memcard' or something.