[Question] - fully installing a game onto the HD

[chris34]

Hi all,

I am trying to figure out how to install a game onto the hard drive so i don't have to use the cdrom when i'm playing the game. I have heard you can go into the registry and alter where the location of the game files are (change from the cdrom drive to location on the hard drive). I am a confident computer user and do not mind going into the registry but when i've looked i cannot figure out what i should alter and where to look for the data that needs to be altered. Does anybody have any idea's?

[Fencer128]

Hi,

I'm afraid that it's no longer as simple as that. Most games that run from the CD to enforce copyright through protection mechanisms. As such just changing paths, and these may well be hardcoded into the executable - probably won't work.

There are ways to get games running from the HD instead of the CD but some of them are very close to warez efforts and so I wouldn't think this is an appropriate forum in which to discuss them.

Before you PM me to ask - I don't know of any specific utilities myself (I don't use them).

If you own a legitamite copy of a game you could always try creating an ISO image of it locally and running a virtual CD emulator with copy protection emulation features.

Cheers,

Andy

EDIT: User below is correct. I forgot to add the word "that" to the above line. Most games do run from the HD.

Edited December 2, 2005 by Fencer128

[cumminbk]

Content Removed - See Rule #1

Edited December 2, 2005 by Zxian

[net_user]

Content Removed - See Rule #1

Edited December 2, 2005 by Zxian

[Zxian]

To answer the original question, Fencer's suggestion of using an ISO of the CD is probably your best bet. It's fully legal, and doesn't deal with altering or cracking any files.

As for the links posted, they were removed because they discuss circumventing copyright protection. I understand that they're "meant" to be used with legitimate copies of games, but they also allow for illegal games to be used. Do not post links such as those on this forum.

Title Edited - Please follow new forum rules from now on.

[chris34]

Thanks for the advice everyone, i am disappointed that a couple of posts were removed before i could read them. I do own a legit copy of the game and it would be nice to be able to discuss issue's like this.

[Zxian]

You are free to discuss how to do this, as it is possible with completely legal methods (such as the one described by Fencer128). However, discussion of cracks or patches is not allowed on MSFN.

Just FYI, I've done this with several games of my own, so I know that the method works. Not to mention that you get a bit of a performance boost as well.

[phkninja]

try using gamejackal. its completely legal.

[Lightbringer-]

I personally have been using Virtual Drive software from Farstone Company since version 5.

It is now in its 10 version and works just wonderfully on all sorts of copy protected games. It features an easy setup and is very user friendly to use...

ps:- I sound like a farstone salesman!