Autostart a game with WinUAE?

[ConjurerDragon]

After some help from here
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=58347
I now have saved a configuration that runs Pool of Radiance fine.

However it´s a bit tedious always to start WinUAE for which I have created a link on my desktop, then load the configuration that works with that game and then to start.

Is it possible and if so how, to get Pool of Radiance to run with WinUAE with that specific configuration just clicking on a link?

[Djay]

Choose a quickstart that you know works with the game, "insert" the 1st gamedisk in df0:, untick start with GUI in misc tab and save as new config, then in windows send that file (.uae) to the desktop as a shortcut

[TCD]

Load config, disable 'Show GUI on startup' on the misc panel, save config. Next time you (double-)click on the config, the game starts right away.

[ConjurerDragon]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

Load config, disable 'Show GUI on startup' on the misc panel, save config. Next time you (double-)click on the config, the game starts right away.

I tried that and saved the config in the same folder as the adf files.
Then I created a shortcut on the desktop for the config-file.

The game starts fine, and when I try to load a savegame it offers me all saved games ( A to E ) as choice - but when I press A nothing is loaded and the menu returns to the load a savegame screen, as if the game knows what savegames it has but does not find them?

The config file is:

config_description=Pool of Radiance
config_hardware=true
config_host=true
config_version=2.3.1
config_hardware_path=
config_host_path=
win32.rom_path=./
win32.floppy_path=./
win32.hardfile_path=./
; host-specific
win32.middle_mouse=true
win32.logfile=false
win32.map_drives=false
win32.map_drives_auto=false
win32.map_cd_drives=false
win32.map_net_drives=false
win32.map_removable_drives=false
win32.serial_port=none
win32.parallel_port=none
win32.active_priority=0
win32.inactive_priority=-1
win32.inactive_nosound=false
win32.inactive_pause=false
win32.iconified_priority=-2
win32.iconified_nosound=true
win32.iconified_pause=true
win32.inactive_iconify=false
win32.ctrl_f11_is_quit=false
win32.midiout_device=-2
win32.midiin_device=0
win32.midiout_device_name=none
win32.midiin_device_name=SB Live!-MIDI-UART
win32.rtg_match_depth=true
win32.rtg_scale_small=true
win32.rtg_scale_allow=false
win32.rtg_scale_aspect_ratio=-1:-1
win32.rtg_vblank=chipset
win32.borderless=false
win32.uaescsimode=SCSIEMU
win32.statusbar=normal
win32.soundcard=0
win32.soundcardname=Primärer Soundtreiber
win32.soundcardname.utf8=Primärer Soundtreiber
win32.soundcard_exclusive=false
win32.cpu_idle=0
win32.notaskbarbutton=false
win32.always_on_top=false
win32.no_recyclebin=false
win32.specialkey=0xcf
win32.kbledmode=1
win32.powersavedisabled=true
win32.exec_before=
win32.exec_after=
win32.parjoyport0=
win32.parjoyport1=
; common
use_gui=no
use_debugger=false
kickstart_rom_file=J:\RetroClassix\Amiga\msys\games\Roms\Kick13.rom
kickstart_rom_file_id=C4F0F55F,KS ROM v1.3 (A500,A1000,A2000)
kickstart_ext_rom_file=
flash_file=
cart_file=
kickshifter=false
floppy0=J:\Amiga\AmiPool\PoolOfRadiance-1.Adf
floppy0type=0
floppy0sound=0
floppy1=J:\Amiga\AmiPool\PoolOfRadiance-2.Adf
floppy1type=0
floppy1sound=0
floppy2=J:\Amiga\AmiPool\poolsave.adf
floppy2type=0
floppy2sound=0
floppy3=
floppy3type=-1
floppy3sound=0
nr_floppies=3
floppy_speed=800
floppy_volume=33
floppy_channel_mask=0xffff
parallel_on_demand=false
serial_on_demand=false
serial_hardware_ctsrts=true
serial_direct=false
scsi=false
uaeserial=false
sana2=false
sound_output=exact
sound_channels=stereo
sound_stereo_separation=7
sound_stereo_mixing_delay=0
sound_max_buff=16384
sound_frequency=44100
sound_latency=100
sound_interpol=anti
sound_filter=emulated
sound_filter_type=standard
sound_volume=0
sound_auto=true
sound_stereo_swap_paula=false
sound_stereo_swap_ahi=false
comp_trustbyte=direct
comp_trustword=direct
comp_trustlong=direct
comp_trustnaddr=direct
comp_nf=true
comp_constjump=true
comp_oldsegv=false
comp_flushmode=soft
compfpu=true
fpu_strict=false
comp_midopt=false
comp_lowopt=false
avoid_cmov=false
cachesize=0
joyport0=mouse
joyport0autofire=none
joyportfriendlyname0=Windows mouse
joyportname0=WINMOUSE1
joyport1=kbd1
joyport1autofire=none
bsdsocket_emu=false
synchronize_clock=false
maprom=0x0
parallel_matrix_emulation=none
parallel_postscript_emulation=false
parallel_postscript_detection=false
ghostscript_parameters=
parallel_autoflush=5
uae_hide=0
magic_mouse=false
magic_mousecursor=both
absolute_mouse=none
clipboard_sharing=true
gfx_display=0
gfx_display_name=
gfx_framerate=1
gfx_width=720
gfx_height=568
gfx_top_windowed=0
gfx_left_windowed=0
gfx_width_windowed=720
gfx_height_windowed=568
gfx_width_fullscreen=800
gfx_height_fullscreen=600
gfx_refreshrate=0
gfx_autoresolution=false
gfx_backbuffers=2
gfx_vsync=false
gfx_vsync_picasso=false
gfx_lores=false
gfx_resolution=hires
gfx_lores_mode=normal
gfx_flickerfixer=false
gfx_linemode=double
gfx_fullscreen_amiga=true
gfx_fullscreen_picasso=false
gfx_center_horizontal=none
gfx_center_vertical=none
gfx_colour_mode=32bit
gfx_blacker_than_black=false
gfx_api=direct3d
gfx_filter=no
gfx_filter_mode=1x
gfx_filter_vert_zoom=0
gfx_filter_horiz_zoom=0
gfx_filter_vert_zoom_mult=1000
gfx_filter_horiz_zoom_mult=1000
gfx_filter_vert_offset=0
gfx_filter_horiz_offset=0
gfx_filter_scanlines=0
gfx_filter_scanlinelevel=0
gfx_filter_scanlineratio=17
gfx_filter_luminance=0
gfx_filter_contrast=0
gfx_filter_saturation=0
gfx_filter_gamma=0
gfx_filter_blur=0
gfx_filter_noise=0
gfx_filter_bilinear=false
gfx_filter_keep_aspect=none
gfx_filter_autoscale=auto
gfx_filter_aspect_ratio=0:0
gfx_luminance=0
gfx_contrast=0
gfx_gamma=0
gfx_filter_mask=
gfx_center_horizontal_position=-1
gfx_center_vertical_position=-1
gfx_center_horizontal_size=-1
gfx_center_vertical_size=-1
immediate_blits=false
ntsc=false
genlock=false
show_leds=false
show_leds_rtg=false
keyboard_leds=numlock:none,capslock:none,scrolllock:none
chipset=ecs_agnus
chipset_refreshrate=0
collision_level=playfields
chipset_compatible=A500
ciaatod=vblank
rtc=MSM6242B
ksmirror_e0=true
ksmirror_a8=false
cd32cd=false
cd32c2p=false
cd32nvram=false
cdtvcd=false
cdtvram=false
cdtvramcard=0
ide=none
a1000ram=false
fatgary=-1
ramsey=-1
pcmcia=false
scsi_cdtv=false
scsi_a2091=false
scsi_a4091=false
scsi_a3000=false
scsi_a4000t=false
bogomem_fast=false
resetwarning=false
denise_noehb=false
agnus_bltbusybug=false
ics_agnus=false
fastmem_size=0
a3000mem_size=0
mbresmem_size=0
z3mem_size=0
z3mem2_size=0
z3mem_start=0x10000000
bogomem_size=2
gfxcard_size=0
chipmem_size=1
megachipmem_size=0
cpu_speed=max
cpu_type=68000
cpu_model=68000
cpu_compatible=true
cpu_24bit_addressing=true
cpu_cycle_exact=false
blitter_cycle_exact=false
cycle_exact=false
rtg_nocustom=true
rtg_modes=0x212
log_illegal_mem=false
catweasel=0
kbd_lang=us
state_replay_rate=250
state_replay_buffers=100
state_replay_autoplay=true
warp=false
input.config=0
input.joymouse_speed_analog=20
input.joymouse_speed_digital=10
input.joymouse_deadzone=33
input.joystick_deadzone=33
input.analog_joystick_multiplier=15
input.analog_joystick_offset=-1
input.mouse_speed=100
input.autofire_speed=600
input.contact_bounce=0
input.1.joystick.0.empty=true
input.1.joystick.0.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.1.empty=true
input.1.joystick.1.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.2.empty=true
input.1.joystick.2.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.3.empty=true
input.1.joystick.3.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.4.empty=true
input.1.joystick.4.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.5.empty=true
input.1.joystick.5.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.6.empty=true
input.1.joystick.6.disabled=0
input.1.joystick.7.empty=true
input.1.joystick.7.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.0.friendlyname=Windows mouse
input.1.mouse.0.name=WINMOUSE1
input.1.mouse.0.empty=true
input.1.mouse.0.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.1.friendlyname=RAW Mouse
input.1.mouse.1.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0F03#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{378de44c-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.1.mouse.1.empty=true
input.1.mouse.1.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.2.empty=true
input.1.mouse.2.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.3.empty=true
input.1.mouse.3.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.4.empty=true
input.1.mouse.4.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.5.empty=true
input.1.mouse.5.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.6.empty=true
input.1.mouse.6.disabled=0
input.1.mouse.7.empty=true
input.1.mouse.7.disabled=0
input.1.keyboard.0.friendlyname=RAW Keyboard
input.1.keyboard.0.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0303#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{884b96c3-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.1.keyboard.0.empty=false
input.1.keyboard.0.disabled=false
input.1.keyboard.1.friendlyname=WinUAE null keyboard
input.1.keyboard.1.name=NULLKEYBOARD
input.1.keyboard.1.empty=false
input.1.keyboard.1.disabled=false
input.1.keyboard.2.empty=true
input.1.keyboard.2.disabled=0
input.1.keyboard.3.empty=true
input.1.keyboard.3.disabled=0
input.1.keyboard.4.empty=true
input.1.keyboard.4.disabled=0
input.1.keyboard.5.empty=true
input.1.keyboard.5.disabled=0
input.1.keyboard.6.empty=true
input.1.keyboard.6.disabled=0
input.1.keyboard.7.empty=true
input.1.keyboard.7.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.0.empty=true
input.2.joystick.0.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.1.empty=true
input.2.joystick.1.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.2.empty=true
input.2.joystick.2.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.3.empty=true
input.2.joystick.3.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.4.empty=true
input.2.joystick.4.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.5.empty=true
input.2.joystick.5.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.6.empty=true
input.2.joystick.6.disabled=0
input.2.joystick.7.empty=true
input.2.joystick.7.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.0.friendlyname=Windows mouse
input.2.mouse.0.name=WINMOUSE1
input.2.mouse.0.empty=true
input.2.mouse.0.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.1.friendlyname=RAW Mouse
input.2.mouse.1.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0F03#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{378de44c-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.2.mouse.1.empty=true
input.2.mouse.1.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.2.empty=true
input.2.mouse.2.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.3.empty=true
input.2.mouse.3.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.4.empty=true
input.2.mouse.4.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.5.empty=true
input.2.mouse.5.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.6.empty=true
input.2.mouse.6.disabled=0
input.2.mouse.7.empty=true
input.2.mouse.7.disabled=0
input.2.keyboard.0.friendlyname=RAW Keyboard
input.2.keyboard.0.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0303#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{884b96c3-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.2.keyboard.0.empty=false
input.2.keyboard.0.disabled=false
input.2.keyboard.1.friendlyname=WinUAE null keyboard
input.2.keyboard.1.name=NULLKEYBOARD
input.2.keyboard.1.empty=false
input.2.keyboard.1.disabled=false
input.2.keyboard.2.empty=true
input.2.keyboard.2.disabled=0
input.2.keyboard.3.empty=true
input.2.keyboard.3.disabled=0
input.2.keyboard.4.empty=true
input.2.keyboard.4.disabled=0
input.2.keyboard.5.empty=true
input.2.keyboard.5.disabled=0
input.2.keyboard.6.empty=true
input.2.keyboard.6.disabled=0
input.2.keyboard.7.empty=true
input.2.keyboard.7.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.0.empty=true
input.3.joystick.0.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.1.empty=true
input.3.joystick.1.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.2.empty=true
input.3.joystick.2.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.3.empty=true
input.3.joystick.3.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.4.empty=true
input.3.joystick.4.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.5.empty=true
input.3.joystick.5.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.6.empty=true
input.3.joystick.6.disabled=0
input.3.joystick.7.empty=true
input.3.joystick.7.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.0.friendlyname=Windows mouse
input.3.mouse.0.name=WINMOUSE1
input.3.mouse.0.empty=true
input.3.mouse.0.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.1.friendlyname=RAW Mouse
input.3.mouse.1.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0F03#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{378de44c-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.3.mouse.1.empty=true
input.3.mouse.1.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.2.empty=true
input.3.mouse.2.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.3.empty=true
input.3.mouse.3.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.4.empty=true
input.3.mouse.4.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.5.empty=true
input.3.mouse.5.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.6.empty=true
input.3.mouse.6.disabled=0
input.3.mouse.7.empty=true
input.3.mouse.7.disabled=0
input.3.keyboard.0.friendlyname=RAW Keyboard
input.3.keyboard.0.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0303#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{884b96c3-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.3.keyboard.0.empty=false
input.3.keyboard.0.disabled=false
input.3.keyboard.1.friendlyname=WinUAE null keyboard
input.3.keyboard.1.name=NULLKEYBOARD
input.3.keyboard.1.empty=false
input.3.keyboard.1.disabled=false
input.3.keyboard.2.empty=true
input.3.keyboard.2.disabled=0
input.3.keyboard.3.empty=true
input.3.keyboard.3.disabled=0
input.3.keyboard.4.empty=true
input.3.keyboard.4.disabled=0
input.3.keyboard.5.empty=true
input.3.keyboard.5.disabled=0
input.3.keyboard.6.empty=true
input.3.keyboard.6.disabled=0
input.3.keyboard.7.empty=true
input.3.keyboard.7.disabled=0
input.4.mouse.0.friendlyname=Windows mouse
input.4.mouse.0.name=WINMOUSE1
input.4.mouse.0.custom=true
input.4.keyboard.0.friendlyname=RAW Keyboard
input.4.keyboard.0.name=\??\ACPI#PNP0303#4&3a9a8c3e&0#{884b96c3-56ef-11d1-bc8c-00a0c91405dd}
input.4.keyboard.0.custom=true
input.4.keyboard.1.friendlyname=WinUAE null keyboard
input.4.keyboard.1.name=NULLKEYBOARD
input.4.keyboard.1.custom=true

[TCD]

No need for the config as the ingame save/load feature is independent of WinUAE. Does the saved game load at all (has it ever worked)? If not, you might want to use the savestate option of WinUAE instead.

[ConjurerDragon]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

No need for the config as the ingame save/load feature is independent of WinUAE. Does the saved game load at all (has it ever worked)? If not, you might want to use the savestate option of WinUAE instead.

I tried to lower floppy disk accelatrion from 800% to 200% and could load the savegame again. So now the game works and I can start it with only 1 click from the desktop

[TCD]

Don't increase the default disk speed (as it might break stuff you see ). Use 'End + Pause' to speed up the emulation and the same key combo to switch back to normal mode.

[andreas]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

Don't increase the default disk speed (as it might break stuff you see ).

Right; however, with some games/demos, sometimes 800% will fail badly, whilst "Turbo" works fine I wonder what speed factor "Turbo" actually stands for, therefore...

[TCD]

Originally Posted by andreas

I wonder what speed factor "Turbo" actually stands for, therefore...

"Turbo-floppy speed enables fast writing, and uses the maximum transfer rate from the media that the floppy image is accessed from."
http://winuaehelp.back2roots.org/gui/floppies.htm

[Toni Wilen]

Turbo just dumps the data to memory instantly, no DMA emulation, no floppy rotation emulation, no disk lowlevel stuff emulated.

[andreas]

Thanks Toni! I just didn't remember anymore.
(also thanks to TCD for that handy "help file" - bookmarked )

OK, so let's say I was ridiculously lucky that "my" game did not make extensive use of DMA, hence "Turbo" sped things up a lot without causing any side-effects!

[ConjurerDragon]

Originally Posted by TheCyberDruid

"Turbo-floppy speed enables fast writing, and uses the maximum transfer rate from the media that the floppy image is accessed from."
http://winuaehelp.back2roots.org/gui/floppies.htm

"Turbo" works for me too.

As the game runs now I want to try to speed up the emulation.
Tried to change the CPU to 68030 or 68020 with JIP and both crashed the game very quickly. Are there any other settings that could enhance speed without lowering compatibility too much?

Pool of Radiance has an internal game speed setting from 0 (fastest) to 9 (slowest) and I currently need to use 1 to be able to stand larger fights without the need to have a nap, but 0 is too fast for rolling text. Having a faster emulation would allow me to use perhaps an internal higher delay so that fights run faster but text is still readable.

[andreas]

Well, there's also a way to tweak the clock speed...e. g. you can run an A500 game at twice the clock speed if you insist...even custom values are possible (but do NOT bug the developer(s) if something fails, since you're totally on your own with those tweaks, compare it to the unpredictable results if you clock a CPU or a RAM stick beyond their specifications)