Software dual-boxing WoW issues. Ideas?

I'm attempting to get WoW set up on two systems using either MultiBox (preferably), or Synergy, though I'm running into interesting issues on both.

Multibox leads to lag issues, switching issues, and crash issues. I'm using the latest version from Shock. Once I have the settings correct, I start the server, then the client on the server machine, then the client of the slave machine. Once the slave machine connects, the mouse gets "jumpy" and unresponsive for about 5-10 seconds. This occurs when switching between computers as well, though invariably the ability to move from the primary computer to the slave computer is lost after a few rounds, and I can only operate at normal speed on the primary computer. Occasionally, the multibox server will crash at this time.

Synergy works well in general, but when applying the spinning fix (using right-click hotkeys to lock the window), the fix does not work. Additionally, with the hotkeys fix in place, I lose the ability to return the mouse to the primary computer.


I'm not so picky as to which one I use, but rather just want one or the other to work. If anyone has any ideas whatsoever, please let me know. Ive attempted using IP addresses instead of host names with no effect.

Also, the link to the broadcasting version of Synergy is broken. If anyone needs some temporary hosting for these files, please let me know so that I can provide some reliable, non-timing-out space for them.

Hosting would be nice actually.

As for reliable multibox gear - you need to go hardware. It works. Period. Software.... sometimes does and sometimes does not.

It would be possible to refine Synergy/Multibox's code if you are so inclined.

But if you are serious about multiboxing - consider SOME kind of hardware route. I don't care which one but the Vetras I have used for 2+ years and they have never missed a keystroke. Ever. That says something to me.

I'll go ahead and set up some hosting a little later today and let the appropriate people know how to get their files up. No biggie.

I understand the benefits/differences with hardware, but I'd prefer a software solution since I'm not planning on spending anymore this month above the second monitor I just purchased. Looks like it's time to put my CS degree to some sort of use, heh.

If I get anywhere on hacking apart Synergy for this, I'll make a thread. If anyone comes up with a workaround in the meantime, I'd love to see it.

The multibox software itself is relatively simple once you get used to wxWidgets. A few people have the same issue you are currently having with it, and I can't figure out what is causing the problem. I experience some lag on my system at home. I know why mine lags, when something dominates the CPU of my computer it stutters trying to get updates. If Multibox doesn't get it's share of ticks, then you'll experience lag. I of course don't assume this is why you're experieneing lag as it would of been mentioned. Since I don't have your setup on hands to test I can't really figure out the problem. If you would like the updated source of Multibox, I can provide you with it. Even if you don't have wxWidgets you can still look through the code and maybe see something I'm missing on the problem.

Any way to set the priority to high or near real time?

XP can't REALLY support real time - you would need a custom real time enabled linux kernel for that.

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Originally Posted by shockbeta

The multibox software itself is relatively simple once you get used to wxWidgets. A few people have the same issue you are currently having with it, and I can't figure out what is causing the problem. I experience some lag on my system at home. I know why mine lags, when something dominates the CPU of my computer it stutters trying to get updates. If Multibox doesn't get it's share of ticks, then you'll experience lag. I of course don't assume this is why you're experieneing lag as it would of been mentioned. Since I don't have your setup on hands to test I can't really figure out the problem. If you would like the updated source of Multibox, I can provide you with it. Even if you don't have wxWidgets you can still look through the code and maybe see something I'm missing on the problem.

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I'd love to take a look at the source if you'd be willing to send it. Is there a reason you haven't yet released it or is it more of a hosting issue (which I'll start remedying as soon as I've got better access than just the phone I'm posting on now). The wxWidgets thing isn't a problem, as I'm sure I can get ahold of it in one form or another.

I'll attempt a few system changes regarding CPU stuff first however. It may be something as easy as setting the affinity for the program, since I know there were some games with a similar problem.

If you have hosting you can upload the source to, go ahead and do so and PM me the link and I'll look at it when I get home. Otherwise I'll have some hosting login info for you a little later tonight.

The version of Synergy I am using has worked flawless so far in my 5 box setup. Let me know when you get a place to host it and I'll upload the version I have been using.

I am still going to go to the hardware and use vetras as soon as I can afford them. While Synergy has worked great for me, I still do not trust software options when it comes time for arena competition :)

Everyone in this thread was sent ftp information. The files will show up at http://dualbox.novembear.com at some point when I start seeing files there.