August 08, 2008 by sharky
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to run multiple instances of µTorrent on the same computer. We’ve seen similar tutorials posted throughout ‘torrent forums’ in the past; however, it’s getting more difficult to find. The reason we are redoing it is to add some needed screenshots, and to use it as a setup for an upcoming article on "uTorrent Mods & Ratio Hacking" in which we need to explain how to run different versions of µTorrent on the same computer simultaneously (hacked clients vs. original). Thus, it’s not imperative that you run the same version of µTorrent for this to work - you’ll be able to run the ‘latest stable release’ v1.7.7 and the new µTorrent v1.8 at the same time.
The Problem: If you already have µTorrent installed - for example v1.7.7 - and you download the new version 1.8 and try to run it, it will either launch the previously installed (older) version; or (if you have µTorrent closed and run the new desktop ’shortcut’), it will override the older one and take over the existing torrents. While v1.8 is superior to its predecessor, it’s still not an acceptable client for most private trackers, so it should be used with discretion. For torrenters who want to run both versions concurrently (or play around with hacked / modded µTorrent clients), here is the solution:
Assuming you already have µTorrent installed (although this is of little importance, really) - you can download another instance of µTorrent (be it either the same version you already use, or a totally different release / name / version - it doesn’t matter) - or, you may also use your existing "uTorrent.exe" file. Select a scenario from below that suits your needs.
Running different µTorrent clients - (i.e. - v1.7.7 and v1.8)
In this scenario, we’ll assume you already have µTorrent v1.7.7 installed, and wish to use a secondary (different) client simultaneously - for example v1.8. In reality, it makes no difference which two (or more) different versions of µTorrent you wish to use - the basic principles are the same.
STEP 1. - Download and Installation.
First of all, completely exit and shut down µTorrent v1.7.7 (if you have it running).
Download the latest release here. If the old version is completely shut down, you’ll be prompted with a µTorrent Setup screen, as shown below. It’s very important to change the "installation path" - by default it will overwrite your old uTorrent.exe file if you leave the path as shown.
If the new version 1.8 runs automatically after installation, it may likely launch your torrents from v1.7.7. Completely exit µTorrent, and proceed.
STEP 2. - The Shortcut
Go into your new installation folder, (i.e. -> C:\uTorrent) and right-click on "uTorrent.exe", and select "Create Shortcut". Now, on the new shortcut, right-click and select "Properties". Where it says "Target", enter /RECOVER to the end of the path (outside of the quotes, if applicable).
STEP 3. - The "Settings.dat" file
CREATE A NEW ONE: (In the same folder as your new "Shortcut to uTorrent.exe" - i.e. "C:\uTorrent"). If you don’t particularly care about how you originally set up µTorrent, or, if you want to use the default factory settings, simply create a new text file, and rename it to "settings.dat".
USE EXISTING ONE: If you prefer to use your old µTorrent settings, you can import them from your existing ’settings.dat’ file. To find the folder where it is located, click "Run" from your Start Menu, and type in %AppData%\uTorrent as shown below.
Once located, "copy" the settings.dat file, and "paste" it into your new folder at C:\uTorrent. If preferred, you can also copy/paste any other *.dat files (dht.dat, rss.dat, resume.dat) etc.
After you have created or ‘pasted’ the settings.dat file, you will now be able to run µTorrent v1.8 from the shortcut, and it will launch as a separate instance of µTorrent.
Running the same µTorrent client in multiple instances
The setup is almost identical to above. You can either download a second "uTorrent.exe" file from µTorrent headquarters, or use your existing one. In any event, you’ll need to create a new folder and copy "uTorrent.exe" into it, create a shortcut to it, edit it and add /RECOVER to the target path. Again, either create a new ’settings.dat’ file or use your existing one from %appdata. Note that your original µTorrent.exe file is not located in your /appdata directory - by default it is installed to C:\Program Files\uTorrent\uTorrent.exe.
Running multiple µTorrent ‘Mods’ alongside the original
Again, exact same setup. In an upcoming article we’ll delve into µTorrent mods & hacks for private trackers - you’ll be able to run multiple instances of modded µTorrent clients, as well as the original. NOTE: It is not imperative that the target name is "uTorrent.exe" - it is arbitrary and can be anything.
Additional Information
uTorrent v1.7.7 has now been removed from the main uTorrent website, although you can still find it at FileHippo.com (or by clicking this link).
It is best for each instance to use a different port number. Make sure you have your ports forwarded correctly for each instance if you are behind a router. Using different port for each instance also allows you to access each of them via WebUI.
Remember that upload limit is cumulative for all instances. Make sure that summed upload limit of all instances doesn’t go over 80% of your connection upload speed.
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