works now. did as specified above and all set. thanks.

Pi Model or other hardware: (3b)
Power Supply used: (The Recommended One)
RetroPie Version Used (retropie-4.4-rpi2_rpi3)
Built From: (The Original Image)
USB Devices connected: Keyboard Only
Controller used: IPAC 2 Controller In Keyboard Mode
Error messages received: N/A
Emulator: (Not Working In Any)

The joypads folder is empty, I`m not using a controller I am using a keyboard and an IPAC 2 controller in keyboard mode. IPAC is running latest firmware.

I have not intentionally disabled the menu toggle, I have accessed RetroArch and changed the Enable Hotkey and that seems to work, I have also specified the Menu Toggle which I`m assuming is to launch RetroArch from within the game?

Thanks.

One last thing, i have noticed for the Windows version of RetroArch when you press the menu button (F1) you are taken to the 'Quick Menu' screen but with RetroPie your taking to the main menu screen, is there a way to configure RetroPie version of RetroArch to go straight to the 'Quick Menu' screen when press the setting menu button?