If your archive included a samples folder, place those ZIPs inside your emulator's configuration directory (usually Bios -> mame2003-plus -> samples ). Do not unzip them.
Merges clones into parent ROMs, saving space and making it easier to manage on SD cards (highly recommended for handhelds). Essential Tips for Using the ROMset mame 2003 plus romset archive
Here are a few tips for curating your set: If your archive included a samples folder, place
Takes up the most storage space due to duplicated files. Merged ROMsets Essential Tips for Using the ROMset Here are
Emulator cores read the zipped rom files directly.
This is the default archival layout. The parent game is one zip file, and each clone is a separate, smaller zip file. The clone file only contains the changes and relies on the parent zip file being present in the same directory to boot. The cleanest look for full-set collectors.
To help you get your arcade emulation environment configured perfectly, let me know: