What are p3.ini Error Messages?

General p3.ini Runtime Errors

p3.ini file errors often occur during the startup phase of MAME, but can also occur while the program is running. These types INI errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while MAME is running. Here are some of the most common p3.ini runtime errors:

• p3.ini could not be found.
• p3.ini error.
• p3.ini failed to load.
• Error loading p3.ini.
• Failed to register p3.ini / Cannot register p3.ini.
• Runtime Error - p3.ini.
• The file p3.ini is missing or corrupt.

Most INI errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your p3.ini file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with MAME), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, p3.ini file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading MAME, system crash while loading or saving p3.ini, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.

How to Fix p3.ini Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your p3.ini issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the p3.ini error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

You can uninstall MAME software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
4. Find the entry for MAME 0.211b and click "Uninstall"
5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall MAME software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

MAME 0.211b

Open Source

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many p3.ini error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

1. Hit the Windows Start button
2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the p3.ini error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.

If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your p3.ini File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate p3.ini file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free p3.ini files for every applicable version of MAME. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download p3.ini Files".
2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
3. Copy this file to the appropriate MAME folder location:
   
   Windows 10: C:\MAME\ini\examples\
   
4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.

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