As new core versions come out for Linux and then natively to Windows, this is meant to compliment SniperXX's bigadv guide so someone who usually folds A3s in Windows can get a trimmed down version of how to set up their VM. It's step-by-step with pictures to keep things stupid simple.
Step 1: Download VMware Player
VMware Player v3.0.0
Ensure that you're set to download v3.0.0 and hit "Download This Version". Later versions do not support more than 4 threads.
Once downloaded, run it and Next through the installation. Once complete, you will be prompted to restart. Restart.
Step 2: Download and extract the image
Linux FAH Image v1.2.7
Extract the folder within. I personally run it from my User folder, but you can use C:\\ if you so choose. Go ahead and create a shortcut to "Linux64_FAH.vmx" on your desktop for later.
Step 3: Configuring VMware for first run
There should now be an icon for the player on your desktop. Double-click it.
Click "Open a Virtual Machine"
Navigate to wherever you extracted the image and open "Linux64_FAH.vmx".
Click "Edit virtual machine settings"
Reduce the memory allocation to 1000MB since we are not folding bigadv.
Go down to "Network Adapter", ensure the VM's network connection is bridged, and click "OK".
Step 4: Running the VM and configuring the folding client
Click "Play virtual machine"
Allow the VM to boot, and this is what you should end up with.
You have two options from here. You can either start the folding client manually by typing a command string, or you can open up the web configuration in a browser and make the client start automatically when the VM is run.
(a) If you choose to start manually, this is the string you should use. You of course need to edit the smp value depending on your processor and setup.
./fah6 -advmethods -smp 8 -verbosity 9
Now I occasionally get an error message saying that client ID is currently in use, or something along those lines. Just type the command in again, and it'll work.
(b) If you choose to set the client up to start automatically, go to the address listed at the VM startup.
Check the same boxes as below (Nehalem = i7) and Submit. Once the VM reboots, the client should automatically download a WU and begin folding.
But note: The folding log will not be listed in the VM if set to start up automatically. You will need to type the following string if you are not using monitoring software and wish to see it.
tail -f FAHlog.txt
Capitalization matters. You need to type FAHlog.txt and not fahlog.txt, or it will throw you an error message.
If you use monitoring software, look for the "Log Folder" line at startup for setup.
When you need to pause the VM folding, go to "VM -> Power -> Suspend and Exit" in the top menu.
Everything is good to go now. You can just double-click the shortcut you made earlier in the guide to resume folding.
You can setup this backup script if you wish. It's meant for bigadv, but I'd imagine it works for A3s just the same.
foxtrotniner's Backup Script
That's it!
