Program won't allow VM usage

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Palorius
Posts: 3
Joined: 26. Nov 2014, 03:52

Program won't allow VM usage

Post by Palorius »

Hello everyone,

I recently had to build a new PC and went with Windows 8.1. I play an MMo and had too many compatibility problems so I decided to run it on VM.
After installation I discovered the guy running this game server (it's a private server of a long extinct game) put some kind of exception for VM, I'm guessing as a protection from double-boxing. Seeing as this seems the only way for me to run the game and the server admin is MIA 99% of the time, I want to ask the community here how a program would go about prohibiting use in a VM and how could I possibly circumvent it?

My thanks in advance.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Program won't allow VM usage

Post by mpack »

I would imagine that it's the game itself, running inside the VM, which is detecting that it's running in a VM. It is not the server doing the detection, because the server couldn't tell anything from the network traffic.

I'm afraid that if software wants to detect that it's running in a VM, then there is no way to prevent it. Aside from checking DMI data and driver ID strings the app can also do implicit testing, e.g. if the graphics hardware isn't recognized: VM. If the hardware is apparantly much older than the CPU:VM. If a timing test shows an abnormally high latency accessing a particular piece of hardware: VM.

You need to contact the software company if you want them to change their VM policy.
Palorius
Posts: 3
Joined: 26. Nov 2014, 03:52

Re: Program won't allow VM usage

Post by Palorius »

Thanks for the quick response, even if it's not what I'd hoped.

A little more info. It's not the program. As mentioned, the game is long extinct and no longer supported my the long dead company (ca. 2006).
I have run it on a different server in VM before. This server requires using a .dll file (anti-hack) run in tandem with the game .exe.

Not sure this info would make a difference, but there you go.
Last edited by Palorius on 26. Nov 2014, 17:31, edited 1 time in total.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Program won't allow VM usage

Post by mpack »

No, that information doesn't make me want to change anything from my earlier post.
Palorius
Posts: 3
Joined: 26. Nov 2014, 03:52

Re: Program won't allow VM usage

Post by Palorius »

Alright...thanks
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