MAME 2003 and organization

[Amishgamer]

Hello all,

I am writing my request in response to the page in the wiki linked next, referencing MAME in Retropie, especially MAME 2003 which is what I want to get going...

https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/wiki/MAME

Here's my problem: I want to organize my romset. And, the mention in the wiki of the "MAME 0.78u5 'Lite' DAT File: mame2003-lr-lite (working, no clones, neogeo, PlayChoice/NES multiplay, no rotary/dial/trackball/lightgun controls, no casino/multiplay/quiz/mahjong/fruit_machines/rhythm/mature)" seems like an excellent start. But, I just can't figure out what to do with that file to make it work. Even though this page claims it is a DAT file, it downloads as an XML. I can't figure out how to get it working with clrmamepro (always get an error message when I start clrmamepro if it is in the directory, as if it were bad or something), and I have no idea what to do with it with Romlister, if anything (I am new to the whole nuts-and-bolts organizing part of MAME).

So, is this a typo in the wiki? Did the author leave out an important part of the directions (I'm guessing "yes" here on this one)? Or, am I missing something? I'd love to use this XML file to clean out my ROM collection, but I just can't figure out how to apply it. I'd appreciate any help or insight. Thank.

[markwkidd]

I found all of that to be too complex so I created a small Windows app -- Simple Arcade Multifilter -- just for doing what you describe. There are two threads about it which you might find relevant:

• https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/7606/simple-arcade-multifilter-app-for-mame-and-fb-alpha-sets-get-rid-of-adult-and-mahjong-games
• https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/12809/guide-fastest-way-to-remove-all-unplayable-mame-2003-games-and-adult-mahjong-if-desired

[herb_fargus]

@amishgamer https://retropie.org.uk/docs/Validating,-Rebuilding,-and-Filtering-Arcade-ROMs/

[Amishgamer]

@herb_fargus I just read that all the way through, and still missed what to do with the XML filed (that claims to be a DAT file).

[Amishgamer]

@markwkidd I look forward to checking that out. My computer is busy moving 400 gigs of files from one drive to the other right now. When that's done, I'm gonna dive in. Thanks for those links.

[dankcushions]

mame .dat files are xml files internally. the extension is semantics. i can't remember how clrmamepro copes with them but i used that file (that i created) with it and build a rom set fine. i don't know why you would be having problems.

[rbaker]

@amishgamer

Did you watch...

I watched it as a complete beginner wanting to use that DAT. It worked great for me first time.