ok I got it.
the fucker did something to the MAME.EXE so it won't run except on the original HDD, or a hacked SATA HDD that appears as a 64GB SSD (which is what I have here). Or maybe he checks something on the HDD. It won't run on a normal PC.
I replaced the hacked shit with the factory MAME.EXE (renamed to game.exe) and it loads. Of course it doesn't work with the cabinet controls.
But it does work with the keyboard
At least now I can start setting it up with MALA and snaps/cabs etc.
(I'm also curious to know what most people are using for MAME frontends nowadays)
Maybe someone can do a tutorial on modifying the Windows on the TX2 to add other drivers.
I would be nice to add a Logitech wireless keyboard or something. Info about modifying Embedded XP on the net is a bit blurry.
btw, Chase HQ 2 runs on the standard TX2 (but very slowly for some reason. It uses a different video card I think). Controls don't work of course so that will need to be patched if people want to run it on the multi.
Anyway, I am uploading it now...
It would also be nice to get Wacky Races working too. The hacked version on the net is a big mess and doesn't run on TX2 (at least not here)