How-To Idle in TF2 Automatically After the Textmode Disable Update
Idling Is Now Officially Dead
WARNING: On July 17th 2013 TF2 Team posted a new Blog Post “An Active Solution to an Idle Threat” which makes it clear that idling is not supported by Valve/TF2 Team.
DO NOT IDLE using the methods posted in this article or you will most likely be banned!
I am leaving the information posted here for educational and historic reasons, as before this date the methods outlined here did not violate any known policies or information regarding idling in TF2. TF2 community openly idled and it was considered part of the game, however everything has changed starting on July 17th 2013.
TF2 idling is DEAD.
Introduction
A recent update to Team Fortress 2 has disabled idling for items automatically. Textmode no longer works, each item that is dropped must be confirmed or subsequent items will not drop and sv_lan must now be set to “0”. Here is a workaround using VJoy & AutoHotkey to continue idling automatically in regular TF2. This method also works under Sandboxie with multiple instances of TF2 running.
Note: Before you try this, please understand that there is a risk with using external programs. You may get banned and it is unknown at this time if Valve is enforcing a non-idling policy or not. Generally speaking AutoHotkey is a simple marco program and should in theory not cause any problems, as it does not hook into the process.
Software Required
- VJoy Virtual Joystick Driver v1.2 * - http://headsoft.com.au/index.php?category=vjoy
- Autohotkey - http://www.autohotkey.com
* Scroll to bottom of page, do not download the SDK or Driver Only, get VJoySetup.exe
VJoy, AutoHotkey & Autoexec.cfg Configuration
Step #1: Install VJoy, start VJoy Virtual Joystick Settings and configure them as follows:
a) Check mark next to Enabled
b) Make sure Joystick Device is set to: VJoy Virtual Joystick 1
c) Assign Scroll Lock to Button 1
d) Click Save Ini
e) Click Ok
f) Make sure VJoy icon appears in your taskbar
Step #2: Install AutoHotkey
1. Create a new text document using Notepad
2. Paste contents of the following AutoHotkey script inside:
Loop { Send {ScrollLock down} Sleep 500 Send {ScrollLock up} Sleep 60000 }
3. Save the script anywhere you want with File > Save As in Notepad, make sure Save as type is set to All Files (*.*) and name the file vjoy.ahk
Step #3: Configure Autoexec.cfg
a) Go to your Steam directory and to ...\SteamApps\common\Team Fortress 2\tf\cfg
b) Create a new text document using Notepad
c) Add the following inside:
sv_lan "0"
joystick "1"
bind JOY1 "kill"
d) File > Save, make sure Save as type is set to All Files (*.*) and name the file autoexec.cfg
So you would normally have autoexec.cfg in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Team Fortress 2\tf\cfg\auotexec.cfg
Keep in mind that SteamPipe has changed the cfg directories from /SteamApps/username/... to /SteamApps/common/...
If you are having problems with autoexec.cfg try typing the commands manually in console
Running Everything
1. Make sure VJoy is running.
2. Start TF2 in non-textmode, you can use launch options if you want for example: -novid -sw -w 640 -h 480 +sv_lan “0” +map itemtest
3. Open vjoy.ahk
You can select a team and class, but in theory the script will automatically assign you to a team and class because it's the same as pressing space on every screen. Because JOY1 is bound to “kill” you will die every 60 seconds, which will cause an item drop screen to appear if you had a drop, after another 60 seconds the script will press JOY1 again and this will cause the item to be auto accepted and placed into your backpack.
The reason why this works is because Joystick buttons are automatically processed by the game engine and input and can be issued when the game is not in focus. If you are using Sandboxie, this will work for multiple TF2 instance windows. Windows can be minimized and do not have to be active.
Post a comment if this is working for you or if you have any problems.
Did this method work for you?
How to Start TF2 & Sandboxie Using Batch Files
Here is an example how to startup TF2 & Sandboxie using several batch files, I don't really idle this was more of a technical challenge for me so I leave sv_cheats at 0, you can turn it to 1 if you want to use commands which lower memory usage.
To create a batch file in Windows all you need to do is make a text file using notepad and save it with .bat extension, make sure Save as type is set to All Files (*.*)
server.bat
start /low C:\"Program Files (x86)"\Steam\Steam.exe -login username password -applaunch 440 -dev -windowed -width 640 -height 480 -dxlevel 90 -sw -low -heapsize 131072 -novid -nosound -noipx -nopreload -nohltv -tvdisable -replay_enable 0 -maxplayers 4 +sv_lan 0 +sv_cheats 0 +map "itemtest" +mp_timelimit 0 +mp_idledealmethod 0 +mp_forceautoteam 1
client.bat
start /low C:\"Program Files (x86)"\Steam\Steam.exe -login username password -applaunch 440 -dev -windowed -width 640 -height 480 -dxlevel 90 -sw -low -heapsize 131072 -novid -nosound -noipx -nopreload -nohltv -tvdisable -replay_enable 0 +sv_lan 0 +connect 0.0.0.0
startup.bat
start C:\"Program Files (x86)"\VJoy\VJoy.exe
PING 1.1.1.1 -n 1 -w 2000 >NUL
start C:\Idle\server.bat
PING 1.1.1.1 -n 1 -w 30000 >NUL
start C:\"Program Files"\Sandboxie\Start.exe /box:Idle "C:\Idle\client.bat"
PING 1.1.1.1 -n 1 -w 30000 >NUL
start C:\Idle\vjoy.ahk
- Change the -login portion and fill in your user/pass.
- Change the 0.0.0.0 ip to your server ip.
- I don't use Sandboxie to start the server, only the client.
- PING 1.1.1.1 -n 1 -w 30000 >NUL is a timer technique in batch files. 30000 = 30 seconds, 2000 = 2 seconds.
- startup.bat works as follows: start vjoy, wait 2 sec, start server, wait 30 sec, start client, wait 30 sec, start autohotkey script.
Popular
Comments
actually, there's another way to auto accept drops, much more easy and much more better than this, i've managed to create a loop on autohotkey, you just need to bind any key on console for the command cl_trigger_first_notification and put on tf2 to press that key and press esc 2 times, i can't share here, because i don't want to get banned and i don't want to see it being fixed, but i already told how to do
Is there tutorial for this?
Can I get ban for using this method?
Thanks for the answer.
I just threw a space command in the ahk script. So its accepting them now.
I guess you don't monitor this anymore. But on the off chance you do.
Everythings working fine. Except the ahk script working in the menus.
eg scroll lock will make the button flash, but not do anything else.
another thing - i can't trade with new idling accounts - do i really need to buy a game and stuff to transfer idling items?
nvm, just tried to launch Big Picture - can't.
looks like Big Picture can't be launched in Windows XP, and I have WinXP. So.... any fix for that?
-
-
I tried this but there seems to be a problem:
autohotkey works and sends commands to TF2 etc. but TF2 does not react to "ScrollLock down/up", even when they are bound to Button 1. Tried it with both Joystick 1 and 2. I haven't tried it in Big Picture mode yet, but I thought it was optional.
I have tried using Joystick 2 and tried this outside of sandboxie neither seem to work, any chance of an updated guide ?
so you are using this guide and receiving drops and haven't been penalized so far? i.e. it works fine?
I set up my vjoy on big pic steam, and already have the loop set. so why does this not work? It does keep turning on and off the scroll lock, but it has no effect ingame. Why is this happening?
If you're a reverse engineer, you can bypass all checks except the VAC one (why would you bypass it anyway).
- Is responding to in-game drop notifications while not utilizing external programs to do so.
^ You can call Button::DoClick from the game.
- Is running only one instance of the game.
^ Lame check using CreateToolhelp32Snapshot...
Is not in textmode.
^ Obfuscated g_bTextMode check (See class IClientPurchaseInterfaceV2 from https://github.com/ValveSoftware/source-sdk-2013/b...
Happy idling! (im saying that to myself).
Can't set these keys in bigpicture mode
Could you make an updated guide on idling?
hi, yesterday i tried to also use vjoy BUT it looks like its not workign anymore its not detected by steam/tf2 at all maybe they patched it cuz a lot people used it to get the beta tester badge could you may try if its still working for you somehow?
Thank you very much im using vmware and autohotkey now :)
-
-
can u tell me what is virtualbox and if it's a programe can you tell us how to use it and idle plzzz :)
tf2 now detect sandboxie and any help please :(
Well, i know that's somewhat "off-topic" but, what would i have to change to mek the script press mouse2?
Alexmk what does it mean? Only drops on one sandboxie account even if I sit in front of computer and do not use any other programs/scripts?
Don't bother, it has been patched again, you cannot idle more than one instance.
I have the same problem as johnas. I left 2 tf2's running and no items.
Hello, i did everything that you explain, i have actually 4 TF2 running with sandboxie and they get killed each minute, but i left pc turned on last night and i don't get any item. Any suggestion?
I don't understand the last thing about changing controllers :s Can you explain better? Big Picture and that settings
I got every thing working perfectly except for one thing it won't click past the dropped item screen or however it's supposed to work when you get a new weapon
alexmk what happens with autoexec.cfg is that removed now?
alexmk, what now? VJoy no longer works! :(
no longer works for me! dang
Yesterday it worked great but now (after the aug 27 update) it doesn't. It's like it's not sending the scroll commands anymore.
Oolong that means you did not scroll to the bottom of the page as instructed, you must have downloaded the first thing you seen. You must scroll down and you'll see 2 options;
VJoy Virtual Joystick Driver v1.2
VJoy Virtual Joystick Driver v1.2 (Driver Only)
Download the none driver only one
I can't launch vJoy. After installation it says laucnch via icon installed and there is no icon,
Im having trouble getting this to work in sandboxie. I got it to work unsandboxed, but when it comes to sandboxie, i can't. please help!
fixed u.u
Nope. It is VAC-banable. That is the problem with public hacks - VAC Team will know and take actions. I heard a story that letting them know about private hack is quite... beneficial.
At the moment the best way to idle with max 6 acc is to start the game and move the windows to another monitor and then do your job on the main screen. You can also buy your younger brother/sister big bag of sweets and let them "play".
Man, this trick still work?
Video Tutorial for Dummies :D
So I did everything as far as I could, but I only got 1 item from each account, which makes me think that something isn't working so it's not accepting items, just getting the one. Any suggestions?
lol my bad, i should sleep more... just forget it :D
hey, nice tut so far. but if i see it right, i should press spacebar and die every 60 seconds? im pretty sure i did everything right, but what the heck do u mean with "open vjoy.ahk" what is ahk, because it wants me to chose a programm to open it with
I don't understand why you used -dev as a command, wouldn't that further get the attention of valve?
Everything works but can you run the tf2 instances minimized?
also can you will it continue idling and confirming drops if you're logged out?
One question I got everything working and it is working, but can you minimize the all of the tf2 games and will it still autohotkey?
Also why is -dev mode running?
http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.p...
read that post as well :)
Hey i have some problems the scroll lock works but doesn't kill in TF2
Hello!
I've been trying this idle method but it seems that it isn't working for me. Downloaded vJoy, autohotkey. Booted it up and went into my own server with those autoexec parametres entered in console. Left the game running on but didn't find any item.
Could you explain what's wrong for me or create a video tutorial, please?
ok thx for help
so far getting windowed screen and iemtest map to work
added new autoexec lines to existing autoexec
autohotkey seems to be working according to script reading, but not dying every 60 secs
tried changing Bind joy1 "kill" to bind "joy1" "kill" still nothing
tried both in console also nothing
@l I think I read after 11 or so hrs of idling, you no longer qualify for drops that week, even if you only got the 1st drop
I don't think so, i have couple accounts and i tried a lot of them... hmmm
ok got the windowed mode to work
but not dying after 60 secs
Question? if I already have an autoexec.cfg, do I delete old one and create new or just add new files to old one?
seems to work but yet no drops.
@ PL sv_cheats 1 disables the item server right? every time i turn on sv_cheats i get a message saying item server gets disconnected. Is that normal? what's the purpose of sv_cheats to be on?
hey bro! thanks for the tutorial. I set it up a little differently where there was one host account and the rest connected to the server that one created. However only the one that hosted the server got the drops?
i finally got it working.........thankx for the help and for the guide
L, sv_cheats have to be "1"
Question? to run in non-textmode, I change my command line in my TF2 shortcut from :
steam://rungameid/440 to
steam://rungameid/440 -novid -sw -w 640 -h 480 +sv_lan “0” +map itemtest
Having trouble running TF2 in window mode
2 comments:
first, set up BOTH your virtual joysticks the same. my computer decided to reorder the joysticks; just set them both up and you wont have that problem
second, I am getting a "]" character in the console when the console is open, rather than the kill message. this ONLY happens when the console is open, but the console opens if I alt tab out of the active window. but fyi, as it took me a while to figure out that's that was happening.
one more issue; using scroll lock has become a pain when browsing web pages. it keeps moving the page around. ill probably change it to some other unused character on the keyboard, but at least the method is sound.
thanks for all the work you did on this
@ alexmk I have vjoy running with sandboxie everything seem to be running find. All the accounts die after 60 sec but ive yet to see any items. here is what my settings look like:
My server: -dev -windowed -width 640 -height 480 -dxlevel 90 -sw
-low -heapsize 131072
-novid -nosound -noipx -nopreload -nohltv -tvdisable -replay_enable "0"
-maxplayers "24" +sv_lan "0" +map "itemtest" +sv_cheats "0"
+mp_timelimit "0" +mp_idledealmethod "0" +mp_forceautoteam "1"
+sv_password password
my idle accounts:
-applaunch 440 -dev -windowed -width 640 -height 480 -dxlevel 90 -sw
-low -heapsize 131072
-novid -nosound -noipx -nopreload -nohltv -tvdisable +sv_cheats "0"
+connect 192.168.1.149:27015 +password password
any idea?
nope it dosent have any issues with that ........i have done every thing in the trobleshooting guide and everything looks fine......but when i run tf2 and run the autohotkey it dosent do anything
i have done that as well everything is running fine but my tf2 dosent do anything when the autohotkey presses scroollock
when i run tf2 autohotkey is running but it dosent do any thing in tf2
hello
i tried this but it didn't really work for me....i know that vjoy and autohotkey are working fine but when i run tf2 and then run the script it dosent work.
Thanks for responding, so I don't need to confirm drops?
Because joystick 1 is meant to kill yes? Will this keep my drops without me confirming them?
Anyway thanks for this guide, it's great!
Because when the notification comes up saying 'You found x!' pressing space should confirm it but it never presses space.
Hey, how is it meant to keep on spamming space?
I couldn't find anything in this guide to show how to do the keep on pressing space thing.
Thanks!
Make sure your computer detects vjoy and big picture detects it as well. if your using sandboxie change the configuration so it can access vjoy or else it wont work :)
forgot to mention: Im using my PC with cheap USB keyboard.
Im not sure but I think the issue's from kb side because I installed vJoy on my laptop and it works just fine.
joy.cpl check failed. Key 1 doesn't flash when I hit Scroll Lock on kb. What should I do?
Works great without sandboxie. How to use with sandboxie?
Someone make tutorial on youtube please.
it should be sv_lan 0, not sv lan 0
99