A simple step by step guide to playing 2 WoW accounts on 1 computer
First, you should read through the wiki and stickied threads because they provide a solid base of knowledge, and the majority of the information in this guide is also covered there. This guide is specifically for Windows XP, a single monitor with 1280x1024 resolution, good enough hardware to run two copies of WoW simultaneously, and assumes you have enough computer knowledge to browse, copy, and rename folders and files. This is a very simple setup, and is designed for leveling two characters at the same time with minimal setup cost in time and money. If you have any comments or suggestions please leave them below. This is my first guide, and I am not a hardcore multi-boxer so any suggestions to further streamline things would be appreciated.
Step 1: Copy your World of Warcraft folder, and rename it adding a 1 to the end.
Step 2: Rename the Wow.exe file in your copy of the World of Warcraft folder to Wow1.exe, and drag it to your Start menu under All Programs for convenience.
Step 3: Go to http://www.hotkeynet.com/p/download.html and download HotKeyNet. Unzip the download into a folder named HotKeyNet, and drag the executable to your Start menu next to your Wow1.exe shortcut.
Step 4: Go to http://www.hotkeynet.com/wow/wow-sample-two-on-one.html and copy the sample script into a text file. Read through the copied text to familiarize yourself with the hotkeys it will provide. Save the file as wow2in1 in the HotKeyNet folder. In review of the wow2in1 text, use ctrl+R after opening both WoW programs to rename them, use the scroll lock key to switch key forwarding on and off, and the keys - and = are NOT forwarded. For now leave scroll lock off.
Step 5: Open the HotKeyNet executable, and load the wow2in1 text file via the Load Hotkeys button.
Step 6: Start both of your WoW copies and change their video settings to windowed with a resolution of 800x600. Arrange the windows in opposite corners of the screen so you can see both at the same time. If you haven't set up your addons on the characters you plan to play do so now.
Step 7: Set up your macros/keybinds. I use a modified version of the Accept All macro with two extra lines, don't forget to put in each character's name:
/script AcceptGroup();
/script AcceptQuest();
/script AcceptTrade();
/script RetrieveCorpse();
/script RepopMe();
/script ConfirmAcceptQuest();
/script StaticPopup_Hide("PARTY_INVITE");
/script StaticPopup_Hide("QUEST_ACCEPT");
/target <other characters name>;
/follow;
I bind this macro to the same key on both characters, it streamlines accepting various requests, makes buffing both characters easier, and allows me to switch which character is following/leading easily. I also change my keybinds to make the F1-F12 keys bound to the bottom left and right action bars. Since I am using two different classes; Mage and Priest, I also arrange my spells using separate bars for each character. I use 1-0 for my mage's nukes with my priest only contributing a few spells to that bar. I use F1-F8 exclusively for my priest so I can choose to assist, heal, or shield without interfering with the mage's nukes. I use the F9-F12 keys for my Accept All macro and buffs. I also use simple /assist <character name>; and /target <character name>; macros on my priest so I can switch between targets easily.
Step 8: You are now have the basic setup required to play. Remember to open HotKeyNet before starting, use ctrl+R to rename your WoW windows after opening them, and scroll lock to turn key forwarding off and on.
