virtualbox.org

I've been looking for a solution to using an Aladdin USB hardlock under a WinXP guest running under a Linux host. Many VirtualBox users have reported problems with crashes, or, like me, problems with WinXP seeing the hardlock, but not software. I am using a USB filter, of course.

There are several networked USB port sharing devices that a few VMWare users have reported success with. I am referring to items like:
IOGear's net sharestation- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6833139021
Linkskey's net server - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817402037 and
Belkin's network USB hub- http://www.belkin.com/networkusbhub/#

I am considering asking my client to blindly purchase one the IOGear solution and try it. I would really like to know if anyone else has found success with a similar device or other method for RELIABLY utilizing an Aladdin hardlock with a Windows guest.

Here's one of the VMWare users- http://notepad.bobkmertz.com/2009/03/us ... under.html
Silex is probably the Belkin OEM- http://www.silexamerica.com/products/us ... nectivity/

Thanks,
-Jeff Mings

A network usb hub will always work as its talking to it via tcpip, there are some issues with drivers that use udp or dumb mac broadcasts which should be solved at the next router level.

>A network usb hub will always work as its talking to it via tcpip, there are some issues with drivers that use udp or dumb mac broadcasts which should be solved at the next
>router level.

Thanks for the reply Vbox4me!

Have you or anyone else actually tried any of the network USB hubs, or can confidently recommend one in particular?

Thanks,
-Jeff

>http://blog.eight02.com/2011/04/aladdin ... -over.html

Thanks again, Vbox4Me.

Here is the VMWare doc that the blogger you linked seems to have taken his graphics and some info from:
http://www.vmware.com/pdf/esx_anywhereusb2.pdf

Another very real possibility is using a dongle emulator, I suppose:
http://www.dongleservice.com/emulate-hasp.phtml
If this works, it would virtualize perfectly. The hardlock-protected app is a POS server that can't be used at more than one location for various reasons. I wouldn't think emulating a USB device you already own would constitute any kind of infringement. I am primarily concerned about reliability of such an emulator. I would rather use a hardware solution that I can trust to work if we have to change the hardlock in a POS system upgrade.

It's always best to hear about actual experiences with a given product. If nobody posts anything, I'll end up trying one and posting my results.

-Jeff Mings