Simple Dual Boxing FAQ / Wiki

I wanted to start a framework for a Dual Boxing "How To" Wiki/FAQ now that I have written up a lot about my setup. In researching dual boxing, I can clearly see the value of a simple "how do I even get started" Wiki/FAQ.

So - here goes.

Feel free to add to it.

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Xzin's Dual Boxing How To FAQ

So you want to know how to Dual Box World of Warcraft? Perhaps you get tired of never getting heals, you want twice the firepower or simply get bored of playing "only" one character. If so, then this FAQ is for you.

Getting Started

Q: How do I even get started multiboxing?
A: Simple. If you try running two copies of WoW, the game will crash - probably. This trips a lot of people up. The non-technical / slightly inaccurate reason is the game does so because you can't store all of the games information in files that would change from copy to copy (settings, macros, etc). So the simple solution is to copy your ENTIRE WoW directory (all 7.5 gigs or so). Rename it something that makes sense, like World of Warcraft Box 2 and then copy the shortcut to the desktop. Launch it just like you would the other copy. Leave the WoW.exe file alone. You now have two copies of WoW running on a single machine.

Q: What hardware requirements are there?
A: Fortunately, WoW is a pretty light game when it comes to needing the latest and greatest hardware. You can run two copies of WoW at acceptable framerates on a single core processor. Make sure if you are going to dual box on a single machine that you have AT LEAST a gig of ram and you take special notice to your graphics settings. No need to go crazy here - set them to the minimum first and see how playable it is for you. WoW will even run well enough on a laptop with an integrated graphics card - but don't expect to be able to dual box on a single machine this way as the video card will not be powerful enough on any laptop with a normal integrated graphics card. On a desktop system, dual cores are perfect as Windows will automatically assign each copy to a dedicated processor. Your choice of a video card is important. I highly suggest nVidia for their windows and linux support and certain features that ATI/AMD just do not offer. In short, if you have either single computers that each can run WoW on their own - OR a dual core system with at least a gig of ram, an nVidia 6 series (6600 GT, 6800, etc) video card then you have the basics of what it takes hardware wise to multibox.

Q: How expensive is it?
A: You can go as far as you would like, but strictly speaking any computer (even a decent laptop) will work as a second computer. With the right configuration and programs, no extra hardware is required.

Q: Is Dual Boxing Legal?
A: Without getting into the EULA argument as to whether or not violating a EULA (if a EULA even holds up) is "breaking the law" - the short answer is that dual boxing is perfectly fine. In fact, once you start dual boxing you become Blizzards best customer. Think about it - you increase their subscriber numbers, you double what you pay them each month and you have to buy two copies of the expansion. As long as you avoid using bots or obvious third party programs (like Glide, etc) then you will/should be fine. I can make no promises as they can ban anybody for literally any reason they choose but I have been multiboxing 5 characters for over two years now and despite being reported dozens if not hundreds of times by misinformed alliance, no action has been taken against any of my accounts.

Q: What quirks will I come across?
A: The biggest one is the way nVidia handles multiple DirectX/OpenGL games running on separate monitors. I highly suggest a wide screen monitor with at least 1680 x 1050 resolution if you want to run two copies of WoW on a single machine. In my experience, frame rates suffer significantly when you run two games in a window on separate heads of the same video card. Running them on the same head (port) of the same video card works fine. As an example, on my quad core system with three 8800GTX video cards, WoW runs at a constant 60 fps (its capped). When I run a second instance on the same port, it stays at 60 and the new WoW also stays at 60. When I move one of the screens across to the other port, (on the same video card) then the framerate drops to the low 30s on both copies of WoW. This is despite being literally the top consumer graphics card you can buy right now. This might be a driver issue isolated to the 8800 series but somehow I doubt it. If you can afford one of the 24, 27 or 30" widescreen monitors - those are perfect for running two copies of WoW from. The 24 and the 27" models also include a picture by picture option, enabling you to run a second computers output and display two computers (two copies of WoW) on one monitor, side by side - in case you want to upgrade to that later. Note that the 30" does not offer this option.

Running two copies of WoW on two computers will completely bypass this problem and help with saving the account names, etc.



Q: So how do I send keys to two copies of WoW running on a single machine?
A: This used to be impossible to do but with the advent of dual core processors and better graphics cards it is now quite possible. Simply use an open source program called AutoHotkey. You can read more about it here: http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums2/viewtopic.php?t=17

AutoHotKey is an application that allows you to send a keystroke to more than 1 client on the same PC.

http://www.autohotkey.com/

For those planning on dual-boxing with just 1 PC this may be the application for you. Being able to push keystrokes on 1 screen and it sending the same to the other greatly enhances the effectiveness.
Although it does take a bit to set up, this is an example of setting up the "2" key to be sent to both World of Warcraft clients.

There is another program called Keyclone that while not free, may offer a better and "more" legal version that combines the functionality of AHK and Multibox together.

[code:1]
WinGet, wowid, List, World of Warcraft

~2::
KeyWait 2
IfWinActive, World of Warcraft
{
ControlSend,, 2, ahk_id %wowid1%
ControlSend,, 2, ahk_id %wowid2%
Return
}
[/code:1]

Q: How do I send commands only to one computer or WoW instance?
A: Setup your macros such that one instance of WoW has non overlapping macros. For example, if you normally press 1 to cast a fireball but you are also dual boxing a warlock, you would want to change the warlocks casting bar to perhaps alt 1. That way you can avoid overlap and only cast the spells you want.

Q: Ok, I have two computers and I am running WoW on both. But I want to be able to use the same mouse and keyboard. Can I do that?
A: Yes, you sure can. Use an open source utility called Synergy.

Synergy, an open source software application that allows you to control multiple PC's through TCP/IP (your network).

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

http://dualbox.novembear.com/ (includes Broadcasting of Keystrokes, mirrored by Mooglemayhem)

I personally use this application and love its functionality. Allows you to seamlessly transition from 1 PC to another simply by moving your mouse to that screen or through the use of hotkeys. Once you've moved over to another PC your keyboard and mouse have complete functionality.

Each PC does require it's own monitor, it just enables you to control all with 1 keyboard and mouse. Setup time does take a bit, but is well worth the time spent.

Synergy by default does not handle mouse look very well. It makes you spin around so fast that you can't use the mouse to move your character by default. But there is a simple fix for that that involves changing a few options.

See: http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums2/viewtopic.php?t=392








More to come when I learn more about Multibox and Autohotkey and have some spare time to devote to fleshing this out a bit more. Please, feel free to add to it.

Xzin,

I have a quick question about going the single computer software route. I ask because as you know I’m about to go the hardware route. That being pretty expensive. I have a really nice main machine. I feel it would be possible to run 4 (maybe 5) copies all but (the main) one on max low settings.

This route could save me a lot of money. But how would Blizzard and its program Warden feel about auto hotkey and synergy once they perform a scan? What I’m really asking here is would I be up the crick with out a paddle when it’s detected?

As a two boxer it’s easy to be unnoticed. But when you’re strolling around with a small zerg someone notices hehe

Synergy is benign. It can't script, bot, repeat, anything. People use it all the time. I use it to admin boxes. No concerns there.

AHK.... not as much. I doubt it would be a problem but it is hard to say because it could be used to script. I can elaborate more later but its a bit risky. I am pretty staunch about hardware only being the best but its expensive and there are cheaper methods that don't give up too much. I thought about going software only but there were too many downsides (for me and my goals). Perhaps running them all in virtual machines, so Warden can't know about AHK or the other WoW copies? Performance hits though.

4 copies of WoW on 1 machine is pushing it - quad core 4 gigs of memory and a 8800gtx with max settings? Sure. Single core, 1 gig, 6200 geforce? Hah.

Forgive me if i sound noobish. Before i start, i appreciate everyone taking time out and writing their experiences. My question, when using autohotkey how am i able to target the same target as the main toon? Can this be done with an addon? etc. I did not see mention to this anywhere, but i am still reading.

Thanks,
Joe

All you do is write an in game macro....

'/target maintoonname
/assist'

or i think just '/assist maintoonname' works

hi there, i've actually got a simple question as well. It wasn't exactly clarified to me with Xzin's initial post, so i hope someone can clear it up for me.

I'm interested in basically running 2 (only 2 i know T.T) accounts of WoW simultaneously on my one PC with only one 24" Dell Widescreen LCD.

I'm pretty sure my system specs are up to par for doing this.

I've got a e4300 running at 2.8 stable
bfg 8800gts 640
and 2 gigs of ddr2 400.

Is it possible to dual box with only one graphics card? or will i need to have two graphics cards to do this (on one monitor)? Or do i need 2 monitors to be able to do this?

I know there are progs out there to enable me to use one keyboard and one mouse to control both. But i don't exactly know what i'm doing as of yet.

Any pointers to be able to play 2 toons effectively would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Easily done using KeyClone for example, you don't even need the other WoW running full screen, minimised is fine. Your hardware is more than capable of running 2 or more copies at the same time

would that basically be just having one person autofollowing me at all times and then i'd have to actually alt tab just to cast a heal on my main guy, and then having to alt+tab again to manage the dps on the main guy?

I'm not sure if that's how it would work.

I would kinda like it so that i would be able to kinda press a button on my G15 (one of the programmable ones on the left hand side), to switch between different keyboard and mouse controls for each character so i would be able to control em both without having to alt tab so much.

Once again, i'm a total noob to how this all plays out, so i am probably just spewing a whole bunch of nonsense.

Thanks again

Check out the threads and posts about KeyClone :)

Good one to start:

http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums2/viewtopic.php?t=616

thanks so much, i appreciate it.

I actually run two instances of WoW off of a single copy on my drive, and experienced no problems.

My setup is on a Pentium 4 3 GHz CPU with 2gigs of ram and a Radeon X1950 Pro on WinXP. I don't use any sort of external programs, and simply alt-tab back and forth between my priest and paladin.

I use a single 1280x1024 monitor, but run my WoW instances in windowed mode 1280x768. One instance is top aligned, and one instance is bottom aligned. With this arrangement, I can see the health bars and minimaps (herb and mine) of both characters while the bottom client is in the foreground. So usually I have my paladin, the tank/dps'er in the bottom window in the foreground, and the priest healbot passively following in the top window that is partially exposed in the background.

Alright, here's the deal. I've just started dualboxing today, after considering it for quite a while. I'm a complete retard regarding scripts and coding, but I learn quite fast.

I've gotten simple things like pressing 2 and both characters cast whatever is bound to the key 2 to work without much trouble. But! How do I, while having the maincharacter wow open, bind a key to ignore that toon and execute something on the other toon?

Example. I fire something from both toons, but right after I want to dot something from toon2. Can I code alt to only apply to toon2? So I can for instance (I'm trying out mage/lock) fire off a fireball and a shadowbolt, then press alt+3 to execute whatever is bound to 3 on toon2?

Hope you all got my point hehe

Edit: Another thing. When I tab out of wow to write something else, is there then any way to avoid AHK to execute the script for, say 2? Without disabling or suspending anything

You can use modifier keys in /cast in game macros, yes. Or just rebind WoW2 to be different than WoW1. See the macro thread for info on alt/shift/ctrl modifiers.

Nevermind, trying out Keyclone, which so far seems to be alot easier to set up. Thanks for your answer, though.

Is this possible on a mac? Are there mac equivalent programs that will let you stroke a key to acivate in two seperate apps? Anyone?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dark_flip

Is this possible on a mac? Are there mac equivalent programs that will let you stroke a key to acivate in two seperate apps? Anyone?

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I believe iusethis has some keyboard automation tools that do it. I know that realbasic has the apparatus to grab the app and send events to it. I have never tried doing it with a windowized wow on osx though.

Too many projects.

Is a Quad core important for dual-boxing or is a dual-core sufficient?

I've been doing this for about a month now. Just kind of messing around. I've been in some instances, Kara, outside questing, etc. My comp is a Core 2 Duo 2.4G with 2G of RAM and an 8800 GTS (BFG). When I dual box I generally reduce both windows to 800x600.

Occasionally I get into a situation where 1 or both windows suddenly slow down to 1 fps. I haven't quite figured out the rhyme or reason, but it seems to often happen when 1 character is in Shattrah and another character is somewhere else...but not every time. I've noticed that a single instance of WOW will do work on 2 cores, and there is definitely a performance improvement, so I'm curious if I'm overloading my processor here.

These are showing if your were to run on either 2 different cpu/screens or both running open on one screen, what if you wanted to run it as to where, both WoW's are running but you only maximized them one at a time, for example take your alt on one account, then set it to follow your main, and just minimize it will it take some stress off what is needed for a single core chip?

Currently this is what I have:

Intel Pentium Processor (HT) 3.2Ghz
2048MB RAM (I have space for another 2048RAM if needed)
nvidia geforce pcx 5750 (256MB)

I'm not sure how well this answers your questions, but...

My specs:
3.0 ghz dual core
3 gigs of ram
ati raedon x600 256mb

Most settings are set to minimum, using windowed mode and separating the windows so I can see most of all of them.

With 3 accounts, I get some serious lag in shattrath when they are all there. If I minimize two I can get around. Other than that I'm usually fine/minor lag.

With 4 accounts I set them to /follow my fifth(on other computer) so I don't use them directly as much, but when I do(mostly in towns) it varries from pretty bad to minor lag. I can minimize to reduce lag. I haven't been to shattrath yet.

Xzin,

I am going to start reworking the WOWWiki article on dual boxing... it needs to be cleaned up and updated. I figure on splitting it apart into hardware and software requirements. There are still a few zealots on WOWWiki's admin team who would prefer it just be deleted. Yet if it is cleaned up a bit I think it will have a long life there.

I also want to create a subsection (its own page) of useful mutlibox macros beyond the 5 or 6 in the macro page threads...

so, if you check WW occasionally don't be surprised it changed

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Zaelar

I'm not sure how well this answers your questions, but...

My specs:
3.0 ghz dual core
3 gigs of ram
ati raedon x600 256mb

Most settings are set to minimum, using windowed mode and separating the windows so I can see most of all of them.

With 3 accounts, I get some serious lag in shattrath when they are all there. If I minimize two I can get around. Other than that I'm usually fine/minor lag.

With 4 accounts I set them to /follow my fifth(on other computer) so I don't use them directly as much, but when I do(mostly in towns) it varies from pretty bad to minor lag. I can minimize to reduce lag. I haven't been to shattrath yet.

---

So working this way to the point that I mainly have one window always minimized, is there a way to avoid having to use the AutoHotKey?

Because truthfully when it came to the description of that in this thread I got completely lost, can someone explain the real purpose of AHK in lameman's terms?

Press a button for one of your characters, it gets pressed for all of your characters. Thats pretty much what AHK gets used for, but there are other things it can do. It isn't necessary for 2-3 boxing. I was 3-boxing for a while without it, but I had all of my windows open. If you want to keep one minimized you'll probably need it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Xzin

Q: What quirks will I come across?
A: The biggest one is the way nVidia handles multiple DirectX/OpenGL games running on separate monitors. I highly suggest a wide screen monitor with at least 1680 x 1050 resolution if you want to run two copies of WoW on a single machine. In my experience, frame rates suffer significantly when you run two games in a window on separate heads of the same video card. Running them on the same head (port) of the same video card works fine.

---

A few questions here in regards to dual boxing on 1 PC.

1. Your quote here you are referring to running two instances of wow on one monitor without them minimized correct? I have a sony 24" 1900x1200 and it would be great to run them side by side.

2. When you need to switch from one window to the other do you simply just ALT+TAB, and if so how long do you have to wait (processing lag) and of course using AHK or Keyclone the mouse can control both?

3. Why kind of experience are people getting with Keyclone in PVP in terms of lag from keypress's?

4. For those of you that PVP dual box on one box do you run the windows minimized or side by side?

Reasons why I ask is becuase I dont think I want to poor all my money into a 5box setup. I have PVP and PVE goals and in the long run I think I'll get more out of my current toons and new ones via dual boxing.

Another blue confirming multi-boxing is fine:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/th...cId=2856144935

OP:

Quote:

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http://www.warcraftmovies.com/stream...&stream=Stage6



It's basically botting... There is NO way someone can do that without getting banned, or is it not against ToS???

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Blue response:

Quote:

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Multi-boxing is not a violation of the Terms of Use, Sincast. On the contrary, it's a fairly common practice and extremely fun to watch. :)

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Ok this might seem stupid but I was wandering when I watch these videos it shows only one Wow screen pulled up yet you are controlling all the characters on that screen what addons make that possible?

Please re-read all the stickies. You failed to understand.

Hello all, sorry if this is an already answered question.

I am looking into multi boxing, but I am too poor to buy multiple computers. I have no problem running 2 characters on the same computer though, and I was wondering.

Is AutoHotKey considered illegal by blizzard? Will I get banned if it is detected by Warden?

Incredibly sorry about the double post, I didn't register when I made that post, so I can't edit it :(

The same question applies to KeyClone, Is it also illegal, in warden's eyes.

afaik, warden is happy with keyclone. i have chatted with GMs, and spoken with tech support / employees of blizzard... and everyone seems happy with keyclone, no mentions of any issues. the main reason, of course, is the complete lack of bot capability.

as for key press lag in pvp... if your machine is adequate for the task, there will be no lag (ok.. might be something like 100 nanoseconds... but seriously)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 'SensenmanN',index.php?page=Thread&postID=30484#po st30484

Is AutoHotKey considered illegal by blizzard? Will I get banned if it is detected by Warden?

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Short answer is no. AHK is not illegal.

On my laptop i say failed to find but on my desktop it says it is coneccted ?(

Xzin,

I have a simple question, I've been dual-boxing now with keyclone for about 2months and the one problem i have is gettn my toons to face the target properly. I dual-box 2 accts, 2pc's, 2monitors, 1keyboard with keyclone. The issue is I can't seem to get them to turn and face the target all the time.. Its seems as though the only way to guarantee it is when i have my clone on follow as i approach the target, but if im attacked and need my clone to face the target its hard to do. Any advise on how i can improve the part of my 2boxing experience. :)

Quote:

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Q: So how do I send keys to two copies of WoW running on a single machine?

A: This used to be impossible to do but with the advent of dual core processors and better graphics cards it is now quite possible. Simply use an open source program called AutoHotkey. You can read more about it here: http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums2/viewtopic.php?t=17



AutoHotKey is an application that allows you to send a keystroke to more than 1 client on the same PC.



http://www.autohotkey.com/



For those planning on dual-boxing with just 1 PC this may be the application for you. Being able to push keystrokes on 1 screen and it sending the same to the other greatly enhances the effectiveness.

Although it does take a bit to set up, this is an example of setting up the "2" key to be sent to both World of Warcraft clients.



There is another program called Keyclone that while not free, may offer a better and "more" legal version that combines the functionality of AHK and Multibox together.

---

Are you saying that with one computer I should use AutoHotKey?
I'm confused for which program would be more efficient for dual-boxing on one computer [KeyClone or AutoHotKey]

Thanks in advance, Rhippa.

PS. I'm using Windows XP if that makes any difference at all (It probably doesn't :s).

Hi people... first of all respect to all you ppl with more then one pc... Alltho i dislike the use of Multiboxing in pvp i kind alike it on pve.

The only answer that is still hidden for me is the following: I can run WoW on my pc 2 times with no probs.. Is keyclone also able to accept quests on the seoncd account when i do it on the first one? Basicly: are the mouse movements and clicks also cloned? And if yes does it has to run in fullscreen? I am using 2 screens on 1 graphic card with the extended option.

If the answer is somewhere in the forum tehn i apologize for not finding it.

Thnx in Advance

Grzt Ara

Okay, so I just downloaded AutoHotKey, and I am trying to set it up, but this is all REALLY intimidating to me, and I am really scared tht I am going to screw something up with my computer... Is there any way that someone can put in the full code to 2-box? I don't want to seem like a bitch, but I am scared to screw around with my computer, and do something that is irreversable.

Ok, this is how i resume this topic.

I have a dual core with a decent video card, 4 gig of ram, 2 monitors 22" install on the same card. I want to dual Boxing on the same computer 2 accounts with different class

1. I am copying my WoW folder to another folder and rename the folder.
2. I Install AutoHotkey and learn how to use it.. and setup the script as show on theAHK Topics
3. I start 2 copy of wow, enter my 2 accounts.
4. and i start the long task to setup my MACROS.

This is how i see it. I use Bartenders that give me 10 Bars of 12 slots. on tops of the 4 bars that come with wow

I set my main Toon on the Main screen and i set up my main bar with my own spell and ability on him, set my secondary on my second monitor using extended screen. and i set all the spell and ability i want to use on my second toon. This is how it complicate a bit. I set up macro i want to use on my main monitor but want the action to be done on my second toon, I key bind them with the ALT key and i put them on a second bar just dedicated for that toon on my second monitor, so from my main screen i have access to abilities of both toons but i dont create on my main toon the ALT key, just on my second. On my second screen i set my main toon on focus and create macros to assist focus or heal focus.