24 replies to this topic

[testthepinballworld]

Hello everybody,

 

Problem:

I have a working 10.7.4 VPX Cabinet with a couple of tables working and runnung nicely.

Now with an attempt to install Time Machine I get the note it was written for VPX 10.8.x

I tried to start it anyway, but it won't work.

 

Question:

Is there a way to install VPX 10.8 next to 10.7 and leave the old install intact?

Note: The 10.7. was installed with "Baller Installer" to folder c:/

 

What I Already tried:

As I found googling, I just copied the VPinballX64.exe (10.8. 64bit) next to the working VPinballX.exe (10.7.4 32bit).

Tried to start it, but I got a couple of .dll missing. I copied those as well, but with no successful result.

 

Do have any tipp, how I can safely install VPX 10.8 without harming my working system?

 

Best regards and thank you,

Qwerti

 

[bigus1]

Rename your current vpinball.exe to vpinball7.exe then do a full 10.8 install plus latest b2s server and flexDMD then whenever you need it rename the new 10.8 vpinball.exe to vpinball64.exe 

then rename vpinball7.exe back to vpinball.exe to play 10.7 again.

[testthepinballworld]

Thank you!
Do you think, it does not matter, that one got installed by baller installer, and the 10.8 will be genuine..

I am a little afraid, that the folder structure might be different.

Or the PuPopper will be messed up.

[Tesla]

 

Problem:

 

I have a working 10.7.4 VPX Cabinet with a couple of tables working and running nicely.

 

 

Question:

 

Is there a way to install VPX 10.8 next to 10.7 and leave the old install intact?

 

 

 

Do have any tips, how I can safely install VPX 10.8 without harming my working system?

 

 

 

Installing VPX 10.8.x 64bit in-parallel to an existing/working 10.7.4 32bit install is an Excellent-Question (so following now).

 

But in my situation, it's VPX 10.7.2 (32-bit) ... but it works, and our favorite 10-tables are all dialed-in and working.

(for real multi-player sessions, not just play-testing or messing around).

 

My install is recently migrated onto this newer Intel-i7/Windows-11 Pro (64 bit) computer. I used the same installer version (from early-2023) I was running on old computer. Actually ... it worked pretty good (for VPX and Pinball-Y) without a lot of hassle.

Edited by Tesla, 16 September 2025 - 06:26 PM.

[testthepinballworld]

So well.. I followed a guide to update everything by hand - no baller installer.

I did a complete BackUp to another harddisk before trying the update...

And backed up all folders with the files I knew are working.

And when exchanging inis -> only one at a time...

 

https://vpuniverse.c...and-b2s-server/

Basicly everything VPX 10.7 32bit to 10.8 32bit and 64bit.

B2SServer 2.1.3

VPinMame 3.6

FlexDMD 1.9

DirectOutput to x86 and x64 "mrj" (newest 2025.07.01)

PinUp Pop and Player 1.5

 

Under 10.8 32bit:

Everything works like a charm...

 

Under 10.8 64bit:

Also, everything works fine.

(Note that some tables do only support LEDs and no other TOYS...)

Find a x64 table to test your setup, you know should be working with all toys!

 

Now I have a running 10.8 32bit 10.8 and

a running 64bit in parallel...

 

The only trouble I ran into, was an older video, stating to create a link to the "config" folder in x86 DirectOutput Folder... This didn't work.

I just installed the newest DirectOutput with corresponding .msi installers... and after install I only ran the x86 ...RegisterObject...exe. 

The x64 version gave me an error exit code 100... (but this seems to be normal and registering the x64 is not necessary.

 

Thank you guys! Very much! 

Edited by testthepinballworld, 18 November 2025 - 05:30 PM.

[Tesla]

1. Now I have a running 10.8 32bit and 10.8 64bit running in parallel... Under 10.8 32bit Everything works like a charm...

 

2. Under 10.8 64bit:

Also, everything works fine.

(Note that some tables do only support LEDs and no other TOYS...)

 

3. Find a x64 table to test your setup, you know should be working with all toys!

 

4. The only trouble I ran into, was an older video, stating to create a link to the "config" folder in x86 DirectOutput Folder... This didn't work.

I just installed the newest DirectOutput with corresponding .msi installers... and after install I only ran the x86 ...RegisterObject...exe. 

The x64 version gave me an error exit code 100... (but this seems to be normal and registering the x64 is not necessary.

 

 

 

1. Thanks for posting detailed directions. I guess I need to tackle this soon and this will help.

 

You remembered to install both on this step, so good.

- "DirectOutput to x86 and x64 "mrj" (newest 2025.07.01)"

 

2. I thought turning on a LED was just as DOF-ish as something more mechanical.

Are you sure Night-Mode is still Off?

 

3. If you pass Pinscape device testing, try DOF-Test Table from VPU.

 

4. AFAIK, the only error that is allowed is something like (from my notes) :

I got the same install-error on both msi-files (32 and 64) , about

- not being able to update B2S settings-file "to disable errors on startup when backglasses are missing"

- - This ended-up being a minor error (all the files and folders DID get installed)

 

I think it was just this:

 

My B2STableSettings.xml file resides in C:\Visual Pinball\Tables\

- and you should (eventually) see by date-stamp that it has been recently updated 

- In the top-section it gets changed to <ArePluginsOn>1</ArePluginsOn>

 

Or that check-mark on B2S Options-screen about "missing backglasses" ... whatever file that setting is stored in. Anyway, it's just the installer trying to change a minor settings for you.

 

Any other error might be more serious and why it's not working 100% on both sides.

 

 

Edited by Tesla, 18 November 2025 - 08:08 PM.

[Emanoel299]

Hi

 

Nowadays is very simple.

 

Keep the main install folder

 

C:\Visual Pinball\Tables

                          \Music

                          \Vpinmame

                          \etc

 

With their last DMD extensions and Backglass server 64 bits files

 

For any new version VPX 10.7 DX 32 or

                                 VPX 10.8 DX, GL  32 or 64

 

Install each one in a separated folder

You can assinged any Frontend pinup, PinballX, PinbalY) to the VPinball.exe or Vpinball64 DX or GL path folder

It only

 

It works

 

I´ve never had problem

[Tesla]

 

1. For any new version (VPX 10.7 DX 32 or VPX 10.8 DX, GL  32 or 64)

 

Install each one in a separated folder

You can assigned any Frontend pinup, PinballX, PinbalY) to the VPinball.exe or Vpinball64 DX or GL path folder

It only

 

 

2. With their last DMD extensions and Backglass server 64 bits files

 

 

1. Haven't started yet, so need to get in the weeds on it. But interesting you mention this way ... as I thought of it also. Just install (like with Toxie's full-installer like always) and use Pinball-Y as it looks like it already supports multiple parallel versions being installed and run from it. 

 

2. Not sure what you mean here.

 

So, use the full-installer and let all the various versions of bundled PinMame and B2S install along-side each other?

 

Or, more like only install (the multiple-versions of) Visual-Pinball only. Then for PinMame and B2S-Server, you try to only have one (magical - Goldilocks ) version installed ... that works for everything.

Edited by Tesla, 19 November 2025 - 01:05 AM.

[Emanoel299]

@Tesla

 

Hi

 

In the basic VPX installation, it will create a basics folders as you know

 

I will try to explain with pictures below:

 

For VpinMame

 

 

For Visual Pinball

 

 

Then you can install all other VPX auxiliar programs where they need to be installed.

DMDextensions 2.3.1 - 32 and 64 bits - Use their install with their basic folders

FlexDMD 1.91 - You you need to assigned in flexDMD.exe setup DMDdevice.ini and DMDdevice64.ini path, register and so on. I think you know what I meant

Last VpinMame SC release 32 and 64 bits - I only overwrite the 32 and 64 bits files in VpinMame folder

Last B2S - BackGlass server 64 bits - It servers for all BG files - I only overwrite in Visual Pinball\Table folders.

 

Don´t forget to make a backup only for your safety

 

Install your different VPX versions in separeted folders

 

 

 

Now you can assigned any VPX Frontend for especific Vpinball.exe as follow:

 

For Pinball Y

 

 

For PinUpPopper - VPX 32 BITS Ex:

 

 

 

For PinUpPopper - VPX 64 BITS Ex:

 

 

 

I hope you understand.

Any questions don´t hesite to ask me.

 

Cheers

[Tesla]

It's all very nice and thanks for taking the time to upload all that. I follow most of that.

 

That said, if  start a new thread, would someone be up to just leading me through adding VPX v10.8 to my 3-screen (and Pinscaped) VPX cabinet?

Of course, keeping my existing VPX v10.7.2 working install (and it's perfectly-adjusted 11 tables).

 

Looks like I'll then be able to run one-or-the-other from Pinball-Y, and then the other is just run from the Desktop VPX icon? Yeah, actually that is fine.

 

It's raining here, and of course my APC-UPS-1350 is acting-up. I'm swapping it out now, and then I'm going to start a Macrium-Reflect full-backup Image (to prepare).

Edited by Tesla, 22 November 2025 - 05:27 AM.

[Tesla]

Well, I got my C-Drive Imaged . I also did a quick straight-file copy of the main VPX folders over to another drive.

 

So, I was thinking ... I'm not exactly a beginner so if I put my mind to it, I should be able to take-care of at least some of this myself.

 

What I did tonight was upgrade my B2S-Server from v1.4.1 to v2.1.4 .

I tried a few tables and everything still works.

 

I did the whole un-Register, install, and Re-Register procedure. I also moved it from inside the C:\Visual Pinball\B2S\ folder to just C:\B2S-Server\ folder. This seems to de-couple it from any particular VPX folder, and seems more like the DOF folder now in that regard.

Edited by Tesla, 22 November 2025 - 05:28 AM.

[digitalarts]

Hi Tesla,
Some suggestions... I have just ONE folder of vpinball, with some different .exe Files of the different vpx Versions. Two x.7.4 in x32/x64, two x8.0 in x32/x64 .
Using the unbelievable Tool by Jarr3 "PinballX.starter", with one simple .ini to administrate all. And the Option to use table-based pre/post .bat Files.
With this, i can start proc-tables, GB (the forbidden one 😉) and some Other Tables which need some Special Care. And all of them with one Common exe.

Edited by digitalarts, 22 November 2025 - 01:30 PM.

[Tesla]

I have just ONE folder of vpinball, with some different .exe Files of the different vpx Versions. Two x.7.4 in x32/x64, two x8.0 in x32/x64 .
Using the unbelievable Tool by Jarr3 "PinballX.starter", with one simple .ini to administrate all. And the Option to use table-based pre/post .bat Files.
 

 

Interesting.  I'll take a look at PinballX.starter but I already have a Front-End ... I use Pinball-Y. I get that it might only be for this "transition period" but at any given time, I really just need my Top-5 Tables to be loaded up and ready to be selected and played from a simple-menu or selector-wheel.

 

So the only thing different between "VPX versions" is just the main-EXE ?

 

Whether it's facilitated by separate Folders or separate EXEs ... I'm really only going to need 2 maybe 3 different ones.

Edited by Tesla, 22 November 2025 - 03:51 PM.

[Tesla]

In the basic VPX installation, it will create a basics folders as you know

 

For VpinMame

 

Last VpinMame SC release 32 and 64 bits - I only overwrite the 32 and 64 bits files in VpinMame folder

 

 

 

Putting Pinball-Y and any Front-Ends aside for now ...

 

So, we can have multiple versions of vPinMame installed huh?

Am I correct that the one that loads for a particular Table or Visual-Pinball EXE is determined by the folder hierarchy? Meaning vPinMame just follows VPX ? I suppose that is why you see Relative paths set in many places (not Absolute ones).

Edited by Tesla, 22 November 2025 - 10:00 PM.

[digitalarts]

Hi Tesla,

VPinballX.starter isn't a frontend. It's a "man in the middle" between its own "vpinballx.exe" and all other "vpinballx_x.exe's"

All you need to set is this small exe as default handler for .vpx. It is driven by its "vpinballx.starter.ini". 

Use the default .ini of the package and modify it as you need.

Even when you rightclick a .vpx table to edit, it will be open with the right/assigned .exe. 

When you start a .vpx table directly with doubleclick, it will be starting with the right/assigned exe.

In PinballY, you only need one "emulator" - its the "vpinballx.exe". With all the same parameters as the "originals", if you want/need.

[Tesla]

@DigitalArts,

 

Yeah, gotcha.

 

Hey, so each of my last posts above basically asks a single question. If one of yall could answer both of those ... I would feel more confident with proceeding.

 

I really only need two copies (folders, or however you want to refer to them) of VPX.
a. One with my existing (working) install ... v10.7.2 and vPinMame 3.5 (and those Tables)

b. And one with VPX v8.0.x (current Release). Hopefully, this 64-bit version yall keep talking about. Oh, and the matching/proper newer version of vPinMame for it (nestled inside it's folder structure).

 

Once I have that working, I'll work on a creative way to start it.

 

I'm not interested in Baller, Popper, etc. Heck, I don't even need Flex-DMD, or DMD-Extensions right now. My install is easy/old-school (and works fine).

All this is really just so I can install and run the newer versions of the VPX-Tables that I already have. The table-developers are saying that VPX 10.8 is the minimum-version they run on now.

 

I really just keep my cabinet in "play mode" so me and family members can just walk up to it, pick a table from the Selector-Wheel, and start playing.

Edited by Tesla, 22 November 2025 - 10:01 PM.

[Tesla]

Well, I installed VPX 8.0 (along-side my v10.7.2) and it seems to be working fine.

 

I had already upgraded to B2S-Server v2.1.4 (see above)

 

I then downloaded Toxie's ... Main.Download.Installer.-.VPX8setup.exe ... from GitHub.

and installed it to C:\VPX80\  ... with the default-options.

It also installed vPinMame v3.6 for me (and it auto-setup the folders already).

 

I then copied over some Table files, matching .directb2s, roms, nvrams, ScreenRes.txt ... usual stuff like that.

 

My Preference settings seemed to be carried over from the other v10.7.2 install.

It all seems to be working fine. Even DOF is already working.   

Edited by Tesla, 22 December 2025 - 09:27 PM.

[Emanoel299]

Hi Tesla

 

All the others programs as:

VpinMame, Backglass server, DMDextensions and Flexdmd are the same.

They are at least last version if needed.

 

Then, you can create any VPX separated folders for any VPX release as I showed with my pictures.

I use to play with VpinMame 64 bits installed

DMDextensions are installed both versions because they are installed in separeted folders by their installer.

 

I am surprise about your Backglass server version was too old and works. It sounds good to updated.

 

As I told you, my installation works fine.

[Tesla]

 

As I told you, my installation works fine.

 

Yes, I am copying you.  

Using Pinball-Y to the max. (like I was hoping we could) . Pinball-Y seems to work fine as a multi-EXE launcher.

 

Those "Systems"  ... I deleted the ones I'll never use like FX2, and just added one called "vPinball-X 8.0" (pointing to C:\VPX80\ , and any actual .EXE in there that I want to).

 

I just copied over my Top-5 Tables for use and testing now. Now I can go get the updated versions, that need v10.8.0 minimum. 

 

If you name them right in the database, I think you can you CAN still use your old captured media-files for them (so the Selector-Wheel looks instantly prettier).

 

Edited.

Edited by Tesla, 22 December 2025 - 09:30 PM.

[Tesla]

 

1. I am surprise about your Backglass server version was too old and works. It sounds good to updated.

 

2. VpinMame, Backglass server, DMDextensions and Flexdmd are the same.

They are at least last version if needed.

 

3. DMDextensions are installed both versions because they are installed in separated folders by their installer.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Well, B2S-Server v1.4.1 was real solid, and worked with my VPX v10.7.2 for years.

As the first-phase of my upgrade, I took it to v2.1.4. It seems to be working fine with both my current VPX installs (10.7.2 and 10.8.0).

 

2. Yeah, using Toxie's ... Main.Download.Installer.-.VPX8setup.exe  (posted on GitHub)

with (ONLY) DMD-Drivers/DMDext Support selected as extra (like always before) .. looks like I got 32-bit and 64-bit versions of
VPX v10.8.0
vPinMame v3.6
and DMDextensions

 

I had some Alt-Colored DMDs for StarTrek-TNG and ToM already copied-over. The newly-installed DMDext version loaded them up (you can tell the DMD is a little different and re-sizes easier).

Not sure about FlexDMD installation, but the DMD is working on the Flex Demo Table (if that means anything). I haven't tried any other rom-less Tables yet.

 

I like knowing what I have and versions. And generally, what these combo-installers are installing on my system.

 

3. Cool. So, I now have DMDextensions ... which is fine as these seem to be working fine so far. I haven't tried running all the different Visual-Pinball-X 10.8 EXE versions yet. I was more interested in getting my cabinet running again (now on v10.8.0) with at least my Top-5 Tables loaded and ready to play from PinballY.

 

Edited.

Edited by Tesla, 25 November 2025 - 12:14 AM.