Read a MAME exit status and error message on Android
Capture the first MAME message, verbose log, exact arguments, and process exit status before relaunching. The Android wrapper may replace upstream status text, so reproduce with its logging controls and classify the earliest error rather than treating every return to the launcher as a crash.
Do this in order
- 01
Record the port and MAME revisions, device, short name, arguments and last visible action.
- 02
Enable the port's documented verbose or file logging before one clean reproduction.
- 03
Copy the first error line, final lines and numeric status if the wrapper exposes it.
- 04
Retry without custom INI, plugins or command files while preserving the original files.
- 05
Audit the authorized machine separately if the message names missing or incorrect media.
- 06
Report upstream only after distinguishing wrapper launch, configuration, content audit and runtime layers.
Decision and diagnostic table
| Evidence | Layer | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| No MAME log starts | Android wrapper/launch | Inspect wrapper diagnostics |
| Unknown option/config error | Arguments or INI | Remove one customization |
| Named missing file | Content/dependency | Run targeted audit |
| Log starts then stops | Runtime/driver | Preserve first and final messages |
The first error is usually the best boundary
Later lines can be cleanup consequences. Preserve both ends of the log and identify the first failed operation.
A wrapper can hide process semantics
Android ports decide how upstream output and status reach the user. Document that boundary instead of assigning an upstream meaning to an unseen code.
Logs can expose local paths but do not authorize content. Redact personal paths and never attach ROM, BIOS, CHD, keys, credentials, or copyrighted media.