Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

[sbn]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

I can't remember if I already posted this here, or if it was in another thread. Just dump this whole XP fast user switching crap and run D2 in a virtual machine. You can download for free either VMWare Server or Microsoft's Virtual PC. I am sure anyone can easily get their hands on another copy of Windows (anything from Win95 to Win2k). Then install, run D2, transfer directly to char, and never lose an item again. Best thing of all is you can switch between accounts in less than a second, as opposed to switching accounts. Also beats the hell out of certain hacks that can get your account banned as this is easily legit in the eyes of Blizzard obviously.

 

[snickersnack]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

I just reinstalled WinXP (yesterday). Before the new installation of XP, all worked fine with the two User Konti and I could rush myself

Problem Now when I switch to User B, myUser A is going "off" or "abrupted" I can't do a thing, cant move mouse or do anything on the computer. Meantime when I open (ctrl-alt-del="windows joblist"? dont know that in english)) I see that user A is "non-active or "abrupted".

All in all I cant make another User account on my computer, help me

"Task Manager" :thumbsup:

It sounds like you don't have fast-user-switching turned on. Verify that.

You can't make another user? If you just installed it, you must be the administrator. Why can't you make one? Also, if you read previous posts, there are some about using a virtual machine to play diablo. Other than fast-user-switching and a VM, I don't think there is a legit way to run 2 copies of diablo on the same computer.

 

[ffejrxx]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

go to the process tab and check the box 'show processes from all users'

game.exe or diabloii.exe should be listed for the user if its running

 

[BeNice]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

Hi thanks all for reply but I found the solution.

I installed Hitman Pro and it took away a trojan Horse that caused the problem. Which was when I loaded up the second user, it caused the computer to freeze and couldnt load up windowXP.

Now all is back to normal after cleaning my computer for virus.:thumbsup:

 

[LouisLeGros]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

I hope this doesn't go too far into third party type stuff, I don't think it does but bans are given out easily and the rules are strict.

Would it be possible to simply copy and paste your diablo 2 directory folder. Rename this copied one and then with the registry editor change the CD key?

Or maybe going along a similar thought train.
Install Diablo 2 with the first set of CD Keys, move the Diablo 2 directory to a different drive (I <3 my external hdd) and then install Diablo 2 again with the second set of CD keys and then move the original Diablo 2 directory back to the primary drive and then possibly just change the folder names?

I've heard of people using methods like these... I'm not sure if they delt with anything forbidden though, especially since just about anything third party could be considered that.

 

[Orphan]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

Would it be possible to simply copy and paste your diablo 2 directory folder. Rename this copied one and then with the registry editor change the CD key?

The Cd-Key isn't stored in the registry, so no.

Or maybe going along a similar thought train.
Install Diablo 2 with the first set of CD Keys, move the Diablo 2 directory to a different drive (I <3 my external hdd) and then install Diablo 2 again with the second set of CD keys and then move the original Diablo 2 directory back to the primary drive and then possibly just change the folder names?

That doesn't involve third party programs, so if it works then go for it.

 

[ffejrxx]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

the cd key is stored in some of the files in the d2 folder, not in windows registry

you need to do seperate installs for each cdkey set

before you can reinstall you need to uninstall, or remove the registry entrys for d2

 

[Spectrus]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

I'm not sure how this might work out, but you could install it with one set, save the .mpq files somewhere, and uninstall D2. Then install it again with a second set. Then you can swap the .mpq files...

I don't think it's necessary to copy the complete directories, and as ffejrxx said, you need to uninstall before you can install another one.

 

[LouisLeGros]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

I might have mixed up registry with hex editor.. or I could just be confused, that is a very likey reason.

Either way that kind of stuff gets confusing and can mess things up so I try to avoid them.

 

[Bioburg]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

@ all: Do you happen to know if there is a limit of this approach of 4 characters which can entry the same game? I'm curiuos because I have 4 PC's and I'd like to set them up in a way I can make 8 of them (by using virtual win XPs).

I'd like to know since last week a friend of mine who hadn't (played for a while) tried to login with his laptop @ my house (so same IP adress) while I was using my 4 PCs. And when the 5th character of my account tried to login, the last one which entried got a lost connection message. We tried this with different accounts aswell but we couldn't get more then 4 characters in the same game. We could run 2 games and have 5 characters log in into Bnet tho...

So again:
Do you happen to know if there is a limit of this approach of 4 characters which can entry the same game?

I'm kinda hoping that it's possible to login with 8 characters in the same game, due to some more speedy lvling since I don't have much time to play and I'd like to keep up :wink3:

 

[Chuck_Dunnball]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

You can only have 4 characters simultaneously logged in on any one connection, so unless you set up a secondary dsl line... :laugh:

 

[Bioburg]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

You can only have 4 characters simultaneously logged in on any one connection, so unless you set up a secondary dsl line... :laugh:

tnx for the confirmation :wink3:

So I'll just have to figure out how to get an extra IP adress right?

I think I know an Internet Provider who still does that for a nice price :grin:

 

[aishilee]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

ok. This sounds pretty much the safer way to mule. Lost many stuffs to TempBann.

alright. Going to try this at night when i got home.

Hmm just to ask, My laptop is running on XP, 512ram. Will it able to handle both D2 programm at the same time ??

 

[krischan]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

You can only have 4 characters simultaneously logged in on any one connection, so unless you set up a secondary dsl line... :laugh:

Did you try it yourself or have you read it somewhere ?

Anyway, I currently have two ISPs. One is via DSL, the other via TV cable (I'm changing ISPs and the contract for the old one hasn't run out yet), so I could circumvent it for a while. I just lack the game licenses.

ok. This sounds pretty much the safer way to mule. Lost many stuffs to TempBann.

alright. Going to try this at night when i got home.

Hmm just to ask, My laptop is running on XP, 512ram. Will it able to handle both D2 programm at the same time ??

Two Diablos should be no problem, but three might be a bit annoying if you switch back and forth often and need responsiveness for some reason. Muling or having a dummy in town while soloing with another character (which I'm doing with 3 Diablos running in parallel on a 1 Gig computer) should be OK.

 

[Yacoby]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

You can only have 4 characters simultaneously logged in on any one connection

I thought it was 4 per server, and 8 in total?

 

[beuhey]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

thank you so much for the guide, I went out today and bought another d2 but a got a question, I'm running my PC in dual monitor, I'd like to know if its possible to run 1 account per monitor??? If so , how???

 

[Gorny1]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

thank you so much for the guide, I went out today and bought another d2 but a got a question, I'm running my PC in dual monitor, I'd like to know if its possible to run 1 account per monitor??? If so , how???

You would need a seperate computer for the other monitor. I don't think it's possible for one comp to display seperate instances of the game on seperate monitors.

 

[Mcwhopper]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

Me thinks that it is possible : You can open the screen of the virtual pc in one screen and the normal version in the other.

Ehm this does imply you using a virtual pc and not switching users which is a waste of time imo ^^

They would not be accesible at the same time perhaps, d2 is NOT made to work with dual screens.



Please not that a virtual pc IS not a third party program Well unless you consider your browser as a third party program as well.

 

[beuhey]

Re: Running Two Copies of D2 on one computer

thanks for the replies, I'd love at least that my windowed diablo 2 game would stay on screen while doing other things on the PC, whenever i click on my desktop of any other function it reduce the game and I cant keep an eye on my game while browsing forums on the other screen ( hopes i'm clear : / )

 

[Skullstorm]

Well, there is a 3rd party program that provides a "don't minimize d2 when losing focus" command and that is, at least for me, the most tempting reason to use it. I like to play d2 in windowed mode as you can easily and quickly switch between winamp, instant messenger, internet browser and other stuff because it needs only few memory space. Also the resolution doesn't get stretched that way. Losing focus (and thus, minimzing the game) while playing on hell difficulty often means death to weaker characters...
So, is there a legit way to prevent d2 from minimizing when you click on the desktop?