Can I install Charles Proxy on P99 computer?

[mwatt]

So, my job sometimes requires me to user Charles Proxy (or Fiddler). I also develop my own stuff and sometimes wish to use Charles Proxy or Fiddler. The thing is, the computer I run P99 on is also the same computer that I use to do dev work.

I want to install those two utilities on my computer, but I want to know for CERTAIN that I won't be seen as trying to hack messages back and forth from the EQ client to server.

Will installation of these two programs potentially cause me to get banned? Is it enough just not to be running either Charles Proxy or Fiddler while I am running Project 1999 EQ? What if I forgot, and left one of these programs running while I was logged into P99 EQ? Would that risk a ban?

I'm thinking it might, but I need to use these programs. I just fear the risk of screwing up.

[Crawdad]

Total programing newb here, but I do know that GMs can see the other applications and processes you're running while EQ is open. If the programs you have up are flagged for exploitation (you seem to know already that they are) then don't run them with EQ up.. seems easy enough.

[mwatt]

Well, that's a part of my question really. Are these two utilities considered "flagged for exploitation"?

[Crawdad]

I'm a little skeptical that the GMs will tell everyone the programs they're watching for.. You said:
I want to install those two utilities on my computer, but I want to know for CERTAIN that I won't be seen as trying to hack messages back and forth from the EQ client to server.


If these programs have the ability to do that, then don't run them along side EQ.

[Barkingturtle]

I'd err on the side of caution and ditch the job.

[mwatt]

@ Barkingturtle:
LOL

@ Crawdad:
What you are saying is logical. Two things I don't know:
1) Whether or not either of these utilities could be used to cheat in some way. I know next to nothing about EQ client/server interaction. But I'd say the worry is definitely a valid one.
2) If merely INSTALLING them is potentially a problem. I do know that some DLL is run on your client during log-in that probably does some checks, but I do not know how far it goes.

[Thulack]

Does the program change anything in the EQ client or modify anything? If answer is no then you should be good. No idea what either of those programs are though so cant give you a direct answer. Doing a quick google on Charles Proxy it just seems like a monitoring program which doesnt look like it would be against the rules. If the program can change things then i think there would be a issue.

[mwatt]

What I'd really like is for somebody official to weigh-in on this...

[baalzy]

Run EQ in a VM.

[mwatt]

A VM would do it but I don't have Windows 8.1 Professional version. Which granted is odd, I should.

[Megaevils]

A VM would do it but I don't have Windows 8.1 Professional version. Which granted is odd, I should.

Don't need 8.1 to do a VM. Either use VMware or Hypervisor.

[mwatt]

I may be incorrect in these assertions, but it is my understanding that:

* Hypervisor won't run on a Windows Home edition.

* VMWare would cost about 70 bucks.

[Megaevils]

Should if your motherboard and hardware allows it, additionally if you want something freeish (havent looked into it too much) try https://www.virtualbox.org/

[norova]

I highly doubt Charles Proxy is a problem. It's exactly what its name implies: a proxy. Without some advanced wizardry, you won't be sending any data from the EQ client through the local proxy app and then onward to the EQEmu servers.

It's no different than running Wireshark at the same time. And if running Wireshark at the same time as EQ gets you flagged/banned, then I'm hosed. I use it on a daily basis for my job, for debugging personal apps, etc. I've not ever had any trouble.

[Bearlight]

You may want to ask this question in the tech forums and/or ask in the petition forums. May take a day or three for them to get back with you although

[Secrets]

You won't get banned for using VPN software like BattlePing, so I don't see why this would be an issue. Anything that interferes with the EQ client's memory space, such as MySEQ, MacroQuest, ShowEQ or other utilities that are designed and have scripts to target the EverQuest client are grounds for bans though.

Now, if you modify Fiddler to read EQ traffic, that's probably not the brightest idea and will get you banned. If you use a proxy to bypass the 2 boxing restriction, you'll be banned as well, so don't even try that.

As long as they don't directly interfere with the EQ socket connection, give unfair advantages in gameplay, modify or read memory, or intercept packets that are designated for and to the eq client, I think you should be just fine.

You have no excuse for not running VMWare if you are that paranoid though; it's free for personal use.
https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/free#desktop_end_user_computing/vmware_player/6_0

Google TinyXP rev 9. Install ISO. Move EverQuest to freshly installed TinyXP. Enable virtualization of 3D graphics. Done.

[tristantio]

EQ also runs great under GNU/Linux using WINE if you prefer to virtualize something other than a pirated OS :D

VirtualBox is pretty good virtualization too (and has 3d support last I checked).

[mwatt]

Thanks all who replied and extra thanks to those who provided technical information on top of opinion. Special thanks to Secrets, whose reply was probably the most incisive of all.

I'd still love to have the word of he-that-feeds-hamsters, but I'm feeling better about it. I think it will be safe, especially if I simply remember not to run them simultaneously.

[Byrjun]

I doubt they scan for things you just have installed. A lot of people play P99 as well as other custom servers which allow programs like MQ2 as a boxing tool. The problem would be running those programs concurrently with P99.

[jarshale]

I doubt they scan for things you just have installed. A lot of people play P99 as well as other custom servers which allow programs like MQ2 as a boxing tool. The problem would be running those programs concurrently with P99.

This

[Secrets]

EQ also runs great under GNU/Linux using WINE if you prefer to virtualize something other than a pirated OS :D

VirtualBox is pretty good virtualization too (and has 3d support last I checked).

TwitchPlaysEverQuest, when I had that running, used VMWare because of the lack of support from VirtualBox for 3D if I remember correctly. It is implemented but doesn't work with EverQuest Titanium.