How to Play Games Without Using a CD Rom

I'm sure it has happened to all of us at some point. We go buy that expensive piece of software, get home, install it, and then promptly loose the CD. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that you will be forced to go out and buy that particular product again, as there are a number of back door methods that will allow you to play games or run programs even without the original CD. So, in this tutorial, we will take a look at three different methods of countering this irritating problem.

Things You'll Need

• A Windows based computer

Instructions

1. Use the "Full" install option. This method usually only works for older programs and games, but if you are able to find a product that features this option, it is a full proof method. What happens is that when the program is installed on your computer, it transfers everything on the CD directly to your hard drive, creating no need for the CD itself; and as such, the program will not require the CD to be in the drive when the program is run. This is also common among network and enterprise versions of various software products, and is the easiest method for a fail safe backup.

2. Create a virtual drive and ISO image. This method involves ripping the contents of the CD and storing them on your computer as an ISO image. Then, a program will create a virtual drive, and the user then mounts the CD image in the virtual drive. The computer will recognize this as if the CD itself were physically inside the computer, and will read it normally. There are a number of programs that are designed to assist in this complicated process, but a few of the notable ones include Magic ISO, Alcohol 120%, and Nero Burning ROM. Also, make sure to check that such an action doesn't violate copyright laws or the security policies of the software itself.

3. Author or download a "Crack" for the software in question. This is a method that involves altering the source code of the program you are trying to run. It rewrites the program into thinking that a CD isn't required for the program to function normally, and will allow the user to run the program without difficulty. These "Cracks" are often considered illegal by major software companies, so one should be careful to read the terms of use, copyright, and security policies of the program in question to make sure that it doesn't violate any of the above agreements before attempting this method.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the legality of these methods before attempting. It will vary from company to company, so don't assume that any one method is universally accepted.