Easy way to use magicJack without usb dongle...

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 12:36 pm

Here's how to use the magicJack service without plugging in the dongle...

1.plug in the magicJack dongle
2.copy the "magicJack" folder from the magicJack drive to a drive on the harddrive
for example, "C:\magicJack\"
3.[optional, but so it would be available for any user, and easier to access] copy the
"mjusbsp folder somewhere else
for example, "C:\mjusbsp\"
4.if no shortcut to magicJackLoader.exe, make one
5.open the properties page for the shortcut (right-click shortcut...properties)
6.replace the "Target" entry with:
"C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _magicJackPersonalDataRoot "C:\magicJack"
(using drive letters for the drives the folders were copied to)
(notice the use of "magicJack.exe" rather than "magicJackLoader.exe"
7.put "C:\mjusbsp" in the "Start in" entry
8.using msconfig, disable the "cdloader2" entry in the Startup tab

start magicJack from the shortcut

for updates, plug in the dongle periodically to let updates occur and re-copy the folders...

Darkman90808 · Post by **Darkman90808** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 4:36 pm

johnnyboy... apologies for asking the proverbial "dumb question" but where do you plug in the phone jack?

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 4:45 pm

well, this is assuming you will be using the computer with headset and not have to plug in a phone

I just personally prefer to use the computer and not have to use the usb hardware for it

Darkman90808 · Post by **Darkman90808** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:35 pm

Like I said, "proverbial dumb question"... duh!

I tried using a headset once without very good results, so I pretty much forgot about it. Since I use a cordless handset with a headset for mobility, it's probably a moot point, but I like knowing it can be done anyway.

In the immortal words of magicjoe, "I love my little bundle of joy!"

Thanks!!

HendersonMike · Post by **HendersonMike** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:34 pm

I have seen many a post asking if that dongle was needed and I have even answered some with "Yes", but now you (if indeed your idea works) have shattered that knowledge base.
I do like the idea that you have to plug in to get any up-dates (which we all know that some of those "up-dates" are killers).

But I could never figure out why anyone wants to get rid of the dongle. I can't even see mine unless I really want to move stuff out of the way and all that.

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:45 pm

I use a tablet pc and do not like the dongle sticking out and getting in the way of things.
It is just much more convenient
That, and also the usb port is free for other things that might be handy
Not to mention that it doesn't have to be passed from computer to computer
as you can duplicate the same thing on all computers as I do
Anyway, it does work very well.

teddy_b · Post by **teddy_b** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:04 pm

Hmm... Can you run the softphone and make/receive calls on multiple computers then? Have you tried?

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:08 pm

I haven't tried it simultaneously yet... but yes.
I haven't tried running them simultaneously yet

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:52 pm

it seems I forgot to mention one thing:

when setting this up, leave the dongle plugged in, but end both process "magicJack" and "mjsetup" from the processes list in the Task Manager
after copying the folders and setting up the shortcut, still do not unplug the dongle, but run magicJack from the harddrive for the first time with the dongle plugged in, else you will get an error saying the serial number has not been passed. so run it the first time with the dongle plugged in but make sure the processes have been stopped first, and you will be asked to log in by providing your email address and password
as soon as you are logged in and the service is active unplug the dongle
you can then run the program without the dongle.

Post by **laserjobs** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 12:31 am

johnnyboy wrote:it seems I forgot to mention one thing:

when setting this up, leave the dongle plugged in, but end both process "magicJack" and "mjsetup" from the processes list in the Task Manager
after copying the folders and setting up the shortcut, still do not unplug the dongle, but run magicJack from the harddrive for the first time with the dongle plugged in, else you will get an error saying the serial number has not been passed. so run it the first time with the dongle plugged in but make sure the processes have been stopped first, and you will be asked to log in by providing your email address and password
as soon as you are logged in and the service is active unplug the dongle
you can then run the program without the dongle.

Ok, this makes sense now. At first I was going to call bullshit because the serial needs to be passed and it is located in the USB registration data. Thanks for posting this information, it is very helpful.

strndedinalska · Post by **strndedinalska** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:10 am

If it works, is definitely useful for travel and laptops. I may give it a try and see what happens.

MajicHack · Post by **MajicHack** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 10:49 am

Does this exactly need to be entered;
C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _magicJackPersonalDataRoot "C:\magicJack" ?

or

C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _C:\MagicJack "C:\magicJack

I entered it into target and start in exact as you posted. copied my folders as same names and locations as you.
c:\magjicJack
C:mjusbsp\
I get target is not valid.

please help!

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:35 am

MajicHack,

if you "get target is not valid" that's because it doesn't exist
That is it doesn't point to the actual folder you made...
or the file is missing or wrong ...

you said you copied everything exactly

did you put them on the "C:\" drive?
(I put mine on a separate partition "Z:\"
make sure you have the drive letter right
or make sure you really did copy exactly

it's more like this:
"path to my copied mjusbsp folder\magicJack.exe" .... "path to my copied magicJack folder"

also make sure you copied the Start in path correctly
check spelling"...
copy the folders before you enter the shortcut paths...

TOF · Post by **TOF** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 12:59 pm

strndedinalska wrote:If it works, is definitely useful for travel and laptops. I may give it a try and see what happens.

I followed the instructions (both parts) and it works on my laptop.

1. You may have to migrate your addressbook.xml to the "c:\majicJack" folder and restart the magicJack to see the addresses.

2. Your 911 address may not show up. No problem for me.

3. Received conversations are good. Some transmitted conversations are loud enough but broken up. This could have been due to my wireless connection and/or having a USB laptop cooler pugged in.

Thanks johnnyboy for this innovation.

LisaD · Post by **LisaD** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:22 am

Thanks for the tip!! Worked for me and what a difference!! Took me a whole 3 minutes to do..
One question..could it be possible to use your telephone modem in the pc so you can use your handset telephone?? you know what I mean??

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 12:24 pm

LisaD wrote:Thanks for the tip!! Worked for me and what a difference!! Took me a whole 3 minutes to do..
One question..could it be possible to use your telephone modem in the pc so you can use your handset telephone?? you know what I mean??

Sorry lisaD, I did try plugging a phone into the phone modem of my computer but it didn't work
I noticed the headset mode is the only option available...

maybe somebody reading this would know how to point magicJack to the modem port...?

runitragged · Post by **runitragged** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:33 pm

Does this exactly need to be entered;
C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _magicJackPersonalDataRoot "C:\magicJack"[quote]

The quotation marks have to be included.

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:13 pm

runitragged wrote:Does this exactly need to be entered;
"C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _magicJackPersonalDataRoot "C:\magicJack"

The quotation marks have to be included.

Yes, but make sure the paths to your folders are correct

eye2020 · Post by **eye2020** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:41 pm

If I can finish this job with your instructions, it'll be great help for me.
I mean, I can leave the dongle behind home and there's no chances of losing it.
What a wonderful tip it is!

But I don't understand only 1 line (#7)
What do you mean by saying "7.put "C:\mjusbsp" in the "Start in" entry".

Thank you johnnyboy.

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:22 am

eye2020 wrote:If I can finish this job with your instructions, it'll be great help for me.
I mean, I can leave the dongle behind home and there's no chances of losing it.
What a wonderful tip it is!

But I don't understand only 1 line (#7)
What do you mean by saying "7.put "C:\mjusbsp" in the "Start in" entry".

Thank you johnnyboy.

Below the entry for the Target in the shortcut properties is an entry for "Start in"

runitragged · Post by **runitragged** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:50 am

AttaBoy, JB!

I really appreciate your efforts. It works great. You freed magicJack and it now enjoys an out-of-dongle experience.

Thank you.

99ss2759 · Post by **99ss2759** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:21 am

I put it on my flash drive. Now all I have to do is make sure I'm at a pc w/a mic and speaker and away I go! Good work!

I also have to change the drive letter in the shortcut, no biggie.

PTravel · Post by **PTravel** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 1:13 pm

JB, I also want to say, THANKS! When I use MJ on my laptop, it's exclusively with a headset when I'm on the road. Now I have one less piece of hardware to carry with me. Nice work!

Post by **laserjobs** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:12 pm

So if you run it this way what happens if you change the SN in the registry?

Search your registy against your MJ SN to find places in the CurrentControlSet

joevv · Post by **joevv** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:41 pm

laserjobs wrote:So if you run it this way what happens if you change the SN in the registry?

Search your registy against your MJ SN to find places in the CurrentControlSet

Ops! I smell a security issue here. Number hijacking?

Joe
Magicjack reseller

sbw07 · Post by **sbw07** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:27 pm

Does using this method make MJ a truly portable app? Meaning if I run it from a flash drive on a new computer will there be any files written to the PC or its registry?

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:31 pm

sbw07 wrote:Does using this method make MJ a truly portable app? Meaning if I run it from a flash drive on a new computer will there be any files written to the PC or its registry?

That remains to be seen.
However, we have seen that magicJack relies heavily on the registry. I did a search of the registry for 'magicjack' and turned up 80-some entries. Seeing that, I would believe magicJack needs to set up with its registry entries.
We also must keep in mind that magicJack must pass the serial number of the dongle in order to set itself up on your computer.
So... what I did is create a new partition on my harddrive and assigned it the same serial number as I retrieved from the dongle. Keep in mind that the serial number the OS displays may be erroneous. Certain partition managers will show something different.
Likewise, one can treat a flash drive the name as a harddrive blah blah blah but the fact remains that the sotware has to setup.
So I would say no, but you can try it and see what happens.
I think I can say confidently MJ by this means is portable provided it is permitted to set up. But keep the dongle accessible in case of upgrades, etc.

sbw07 · Post by **sbw07** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 11:53 pm

johnnyboy wrote:so run it the first time with the dongle plugged in but make sure the processes have been stopped first, and you will be asked to log in by providing your email address and password.

I followed your instructions, & my MJ is up and running without the dongle, but I wasn't asked to login.

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:24 am

sbw07 wrote:
johnnyboy wrote:so run it the first time with the dongle plugged in but make sure the processes have been stopped first, and you will be asked to log in by providing your email address and password.
I followed your instructions, & my MJ is up and running without the dongle, but I wasn't asked to login.

Great, thanks.
I was wondering about that
Was thinking maybe if it is used a bit first it'll have all its files and registry set up and will take care of itself...

Pismire · Post by **Pismire** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:39 pm

Works great. Thanks for the tip!

LisaD · Post by **LisaD** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:32 pm

I think I can say confidently MJ by this means is portable provided it is permitted to set up. But keep the dongle accessible in case of upgrades, etc.[/quote]

If it is working without dongle, then why even try to update it..flying solo is the best!!
Plus if it ain't broke...don't fix it...
The no choice update installed on my MJ and now its crappy..was fine before..anyone know how to install the older drivers?? I tried and checked the version it was still the newer crappy one...must not be possible to downgrade to the older functionable update.....

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:12 pm

LisaD wrote:
If it is working without dongle, then why even try to update it..flying solo is the best!!
Plus if it ain't broke...don't fix it...
The no choice update installed on my MJ and now its crappy..was fine before..anyone know how to install the older drivers?? I tried and checked the version it was still the newer crappy one...must not be possible to downgrade to the older functionable update.....
You have a very good point there...
As for your drivers and update, I have no idea what could be going on there
I had to plug in only once for an upgrade, and that was only on one machine
that upgrade hasn't changed the quality at all...
I haven't noticed and upgrades or updates on my other machines
But the drivers...?
most likely won't be able to downgrade since the software is automatically updated when connected...
sorry, maybe try cleaning out the software and/or registry and re-install
by the way, did you copy the folders again after the update?

LisaD · Post by **LisaD** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:59 am

johnnyboy wrote:
LisaD wrote:
most likely won't be able to downgrade since the software is automatically updated when connected...
sorry, maybe try cleaning out the software and/or registry and re-install
by the way, did you copy the folders again after the update?
The actual updated version is on the dongle...the drive won't accept the older version update, I think the file that gets changed on dongle is read only, the autorun.exe located on the MJ dongle. still searching around for the answer I appreciate the responce!

also you cannot delete the autorun.exe off the dongle..I tried unlocking the file and use unlocker program. no luck.

magicod · Post by **magicod** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:19 pm

where is this folder? mjusbsp

I can't find that one.

Darkman90808 · Post by **Darkman90808** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:44 pm

Try this (Windows XP): c:\Documents and Settings\YOUR NAME\Application Data\mjusbsp

In my case, YOUR NAME is actually Compaq_Owner, if that helps.

r_pimpn · Post by **r_pimpn** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:45 pm

I love it, it works (ed) awesome until today. I started mj no dongle tonight and now it asks me to activate it. I deleted the files and recopied them but still a no go. Anyone else having this problem? Oh and yes I did open mj no dongle with the mj in for the first time after recopy.
Thanks.

magicod · Post by **magicod** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 7:51 am

Using Vista I found that folder in \Application Data\Roaming\

Works like a charm now. Thanks!

Darkman90808 wrote:Try this (Windows XP): c:\Documents and Settings\YOUR NAME\Application Data\mjusbsp

In my case, YOUR NAME is actually Compaq_Owner, if that helps.

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:15 pm

r_pimpn wrote:I love it, it works (ed) awesome until today. I started mj no dongle tonight and now it asks me to activate it. I deleted the files and recopied them but still a no go. Anyone else having this problem? Oh and yes I did open mj no dongle with the mj in for the first time after recopy.
Thanks.

it might have done an upgrade
copy the folders again and initiate it again with the dongle plugged in, just like you did the first time.
otherwise, if all you have to do is put your email address and password then do that.

gadgetshrink · Post by **gadgetshrink** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:52 pm

Once this is done, can you still plug in the dongle and use a traditional phone as well?

sbw07 · Post by **sbw07** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 9:36 am

gadgetshrink wrote:Once this is done, can you still plug in the dongle and use a traditional phone as well?

To do that you'll have to shut down MJ and restart it with your old command (i.e. pointing the command to the actual MJ drive letter instead of the location of the copied files). EDIT- This info is incorrect, see following posts.

gadgetshrink · Post by **gadgetshrink** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:04 am

sbw07 wrote:
gadgetshrink wrote:Once this is done, can you still plug in the dongle and use a traditional phone as well?
To do that you'll have to shut down MJ and restart it with your old command (i.e. pointing the command to the actual MJ drive letter instead of the location of the copied files).

Thanks for the reply! I actually just gave it a go and copied all the files, etc. I got MJ working fine without the dongle. I then plugged in the dongle and MJ loaded everything from the dongle, plugged in the phone to the jack, and it worked without a hitch. I then unplugged the dongle and tested without -- worked fine! (If anyone else tries this, make sure you rename you MJ shortcut to something other than the default 'magicJack.' As when you plug in the dongle, it gets overwritten.)

This is perfect because I like to use the same computer in my office with a regular phone and on the road with just the bluetooth headset and no annoying dongle hanging out.

Thanks for all the help contributors to this thread!

sbw07 · Post by **sbw07** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:18 pm

I stand corrected.

It seems that you have Autoplay enabled, which is why your shortcut would get overwritten when plugging in the dongle.
However, even with Autoplay disabled, I was able to start MJ from the copied files (both the mjusbsp folder and the dongle's folder are copied) and yet when I plug in the dongle I'm able to switch to telephone mode.

(As an aside, I just realized that even when in Headset mode you can use the phone if it's connected, and picking up the phone transfers the audio from your headset device to the phone. This applies whether using MJ straight from the dongle or as described above.)

askfault · Post by **askfault** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:48 pm

Thanks for the awesome tip!! I was concerned that the dongle would get broken sticking out all the time. Sure, I don't have a blue night light anymore, but I'm sure I'll be able to live without it. I'm also dying to try out having someone collect call me so I can accept the charges that won't have anywhere to be sent!

ktg · Post by **ktg** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 1:19 pm

johnnyboy wrote:Here's how to use the magicJack service without plugging in the dongle...

1.plug in the magicJack dongle
2.copy the "magicJack" folder from the magicJack drive to a drive on the harddrive
for example, "C:\magicJack"
3.[optional, but so it would be available for any user, and easier to access] copy the
"mjusbsp folder somewhere else
for example, "C:\mjusbsp"
4.if no shortcut to magicJackLoader.exe, make one
5.open the properties page for the shortcut (right-click shortcut...properties)
6.replace the "Target" entry with:
"C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _magicJackPersonalDataRoot "C:\magicJack"
(using drive letters for the drives the folders were copied to)
(notice the use of "magicJack.exe" rather than "magicJackLoader.exe"
7.put "C:\mjusbsp" in the "Start in" entry
8.using msconfig, disable the "cdloader2" entry in the Startup tab

start magicJack from the shortcut

for updates, plug in the dongle periodically to let updates occur and re-copy the folders...

Can someone pls clarify steps 2,3 and 4? I have my magicjack plugged into the pc and when i open my computer, i see two MJ icons. so which one do i select to copy to the hardrive? Also, i dont see any files right now on the two icons especially the mjusbsp folder as well. thanks for your help. btw, another question is how do i see what version s/w my mj is running?

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:27 pm

ktg wrote:
johnnyboy wrote:Here's how to use the magicJack service without plugging in the dongle...

1.plug in the magicJack dongle
2.copy the "magicJack" folder from the magicJack drive to a drive on the harddrive
for example, "C:\magicJack"
3.[optional, but so it would be available for any user, and easier to access] copy the
"mjusbsp folder somewhere else
for example, "C:\mjusbsp"
4.if no shortcut to magicJackLoader.exe, make one
5.open the properties page for the shortcut (right-click shortcut...properties)
6.replace the "Target" entry with:
"C:\mjusbsp\magicJack.exe" /foreground /scf _magicJackPersonalDataRoot "C:\magicJack"
(using drive letters for the drives the folders were copied to)
(notice the use of "magicJack.exe" rather than "magicJackLoader.exe"
7.put "C:\mjusbsp" in the "Start in" entry
8.using msconfig, disable the "cdloader2" entry in the Startup tab

start magicJack from the shortcut

for updates, plug in the dongle periodically to let updates occur and re-copy the folders...

Can someone pls clarify steps 2,3 and 4? I have my magicjack plugged into the pc and when i open my computer, i see two MJ icons. so which one do i select to copy to the hardrive? Also, i dont see any files right now on the two icons especially the mjusbsp folder as well. thanks for your help. btw, another question is how do i see what version s/w my mj is running?

re step 2: righ-click the folders, click properties, choose the one that says ''PHONE". Should be the second one.
re step 3: the mjusbsp folder is: c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/mjusbsp/
re step 4: the shortcut that appeared on your desktop as magicJack

sbw07 · Post by **sbw07** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:33 pm

johnnyboy wrote:re step 3: the mjusbsp folder is: c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/mjusbsp/

Make that c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/application data/mjusbsp/

For Vista it's: C:\Users\[folder that is your user name]\AppData\Roaming\mjusbsp

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:41 pm

sbw07 wrote:
johnnyboy wrote:re step 3: the mjusbsp folder is: c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/mjusbsp/
Make that c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/application data/mjusbsp/

For Vista it's: C:\Users\[folder that is your user name]\AppData\Roaming\mjusbsp

oh, sorry, thanks!

ktg · Post by **ktg** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:56 pm

johnnyboy wrote:
sbw07 wrote:
johnnyboy wrote:re step 3: the mjusbsp folder is: c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/mjusbsp/
Make that c:/documents and settings/[folder that is your user name]/application data/mjusbsp/

For Vista it's: C:\Users\[folder that is your user name]\AppData\Roaming\mjusbsp
I am using xp and the "application data" folder does not exist. therefore the mjusbsp folder as well. am i supposed to create this folder? sorry for the nood questions.

also, how do i check what version software the magicjack is at now? Thanks.

sbw07 · Post by **sbw07** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:46 am

ktg- you need to allow hidden folders to be shown. To do that:
1. Click Start
2. Open My Computer
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options
4. Select the View Tab
5. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders
6. Click Yes to confirm
7. Click OK

ktg · Post by **ktg** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:36 pm

sbw07 wrote:ktg- you need to allow hidden folders to be shown. To do that:
1. Click Start
2. Open My Computer
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options
4. Select the View Tab
5. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders
6. Click Yes to confirm
7. Click OK

Thanks sbw07 and all in this forum.

I can now see those foldersand will try this.

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