Copying protected games and No CD cracks

dogdogman · #1 10-02-2003, 13:42

Hello all,

My question is quite a straightforward one: Can I use any copying program (e.g. Nero) to make backups of my original disks that are protected by the very latest protections (e.g. Securom 4.8 onwards) and older ones (e.g. Safedisc and Safedisc 2) along with No CD patches? I have had success with games like Unreal 2 where I have simply used Nero and a No CD patch and it works a treat! I am not too bothered about trying to create 1:1 copies and don't mind using NoCD patches. If this method works then I will just continue to use the NoCD method and Nero. Your advice is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Dogdogman

JoyBoy · #2 10-02-2003, 13:46

Yes, keep doing it. I personally prefer making backups using the 'Temp Directory' method.

dogdogman · #3 10-02-2003, 13:51

Thanks for that. So will this method be OK for Safedisc 2 and Tages? Are all protections simply based on looking at certain code characteristics when the disk is spinning up? i.e. if a NoCD crack is used for EVERY protection I won't have problems? Also could you elaborate on the Temp method.

gh0sth@cker · #4 10-02-2003, 14:07

Even though you say you aren't bothered about 1:1 copies - have a look here if you want to learn.

By the temp directory method he means:

1) Copy contents of the cd to a temp directory on your hard drive

2) Add crack: either by overwriting original exe, or by creating a crack folder on the cd.

3) Burn the contents of the folder back to cd using the same cd-label.

4) If you overwrote the exe, you should be able to play the game straight from installation. If you created a crack folder instead then you'll need to copy/paste the crack over after installation.

Edit: Beat you to it Bounty

JoyBoy · #5 10-02-2003, 14:08

The Temp Directory is basically what you are already doing for a quick brief on it go to the Newbie Hints over at GCW. On your other query, yes this method is fine for SafeDisc and SecuRom. Not all protections are based on the 'CD Spinning', stick around on these forums and you will find out what other means of protection developers use to 'defend' their games. Especially when it comes to Online Play.

Edit: A little slow on this reply

dogdogman · #6 10-02-2003, 14:26

Thanks guys. I seem to recall I have tried this 'Temp' method before but there are always files missing from the copy (the amount of data is always considerably less than the original-I am wondering if I need to tick 'Show hidden files' in Folder options). Also are there any foreseeable problems with using NoCD cracks e.g. not being able to update to newer versions of the game via patches? Maybe this is the reason for copying the original EXE file in the game directory BEFORE patching with either a FixedEXE or NoCD crack? Would there be many instances also where I would need to create two Temp directories due to Audio on the original? I did not quite understand this point?
Last point is it better to create working backups using the suggestions in the 1.62 FAQ at the start of this forum rather than NoCD hacks?

JoyBoy · #7 10-02-2003, 14:30

Read the Newbie Hints.

Yes its better to create 1:1 backups. Saves alot of bother when trying to patch the game. But this is why you make sure to keep the original exe though.

dogdogman · #8 10-02-2003, 14:38

So just to recap NoCD cracks work fine but I should save the original EXE file before patching with the NoCD EXE so that should I want to update the game to a newer version I would simply paste the original EXE back into the game folder, patch the game with the new patch or autoupdater and then paste the NoCD crack back in. I take it this process can be repeated over and over for newer updates etc. If this is done would you say that NoCD methods are as good as the hassle one has to go through with all the 1:1 prots?

JoyBoy · #9 10-02-2003, 15:05

Yes this process can be repeated, but each time you patch/update a game then you are going to need get a new crack (NoCD or Fixed Exe). Cracks for updates are not always guranteed.

dogdogman · #10 10-02-2003, 15:46

Thanks Bounty.
So you like the Temp method. What program do you use to burn the contents of the Temp folder to CD? I thought the copy protection would not allow such a simple case of copying the original CD contents to the HD and then simply burning the files onto CD! SO it is as simple as that when using NoCD cracks! Cool.

Which copy prots do you NOT use the Temp folder method if any and why?

JoyBoy · #11 10-02-2003, 16:11

Quote:

Originally posted by dogdogman
I thought the copy protection would not allow such a simple case of copying the original CD contents to the HD and then simply burning the files onto CD! SO it is as simple as that when using NoCD cracks! Cool.

I thought the very same thing, when I used this method for the first time about 3 years ago.

The best program to use when burning via the Temp Directory is probably Nero, but you can still use Adaptec/Roxio if you must. Heck any CD Mastering software would do the trick. Just make sure to label the cd properly. E.g If a cd is labelled kick_my_asscd2 in Windows Explorer then you would need to label your backup the very same thing. Also make sure to add any patches and their corresponding cracks to a new directory on your burnt cd (obviously before you burn it)

Just read one of your earlier posts:

Quote:

the amount of data is always considerably less than the original-I am wondering if I need to tick 'Show hidden files' in Folder options

Yes, always make sure to tick the Show Hidden Files option in the 'Folder Options' window [B]before[B] copying the original cds contents to a temp directory.

This method of copying will work for the most used protections (SafeDisc & SecuROM) but not for Oversized Cds like on Championship Manager 01/02 or Red Faction. Basically you cant use it for this type of protection because it contains dummy files which according to Windows Explorer they can be over 1 gig in size! But this protection can be easily overcome too.

I would not bother using this type of copying method if the protection used on the original is basically cd checks, like on Soldier of Fortune 2 or Jedi Knight 2. Straight burn with whatever software you use.

CDKiller (who is every newbies best friend on here) has made a tool that will identify what protection is used on a cd.Look in THIS thread.

Enjoy

WhatWhat · #12 11-02-2003, 03:03

I copied Unreal tournament 2003, which has securom NEW protection without replacing exe. files. I did it with alcohol 120% and the game itself works really well. The only problem is that the installation doesnt work. It doesnt autorun and I can`t open it by using explorer. How do I run the installation program, or is their something wrong??????

handyman156 · #13 11-02-2003, 10:01

create a folder im my docs, name it the game

copy all cd contents to a folder to the game folder
add the no-cd exe from gcw (or create ur own using unrapper)
then select iso image in nero
burn the contents of the game folder from my docs.

works with nearly 99% of games..
the odd ones use clone cd and scan cd with clonyxxl, this will give u the settings for clone cd....

Special Agent · #14 11-02-2003, 14:56

>> CDKiller (who is every newbies best friend on here)

Yes he is! He be my hero! haha

-=SA=-

ckelih · #15 27-03-2003, 06:30

I wanna do the Folder-Copy Trick too, cause i wanna make a Backup of my UT2003! So do i have to mark all files on the CD in the Explorer and kopie it in an order to the harddisk , i do not need a special programm for it??? i can do it all in the explorer????

Stormwind