How to Play PC Games Without the CD

Play video games on your computer without the game CD.

When installing a PC video game, the data is copied from the CD to the hard drive of the computer. Because many video games are very large and require a lot of computer memory and hard-drive space, the computer usually defaults to "standard installation." Standard installation copies the main game files to the computer, but keeps the very large files, such as music tracks and cut scenes, on the CD (although installing from the CD, the computer actually controls the installation process). As a result, the CD must be inserted to play the game. If you don't want to find and insert the CD each time you play the game, it is possible to install the full version of the game onto the computer.

Things You'll Need

• Video game installation CD

Instructions

1. Insert the CD into the disc drive and wait for the game's installation wizard to appear on the screen.

2. Click "Next" on the welcome page, then read and accept the license agreement. You may be asked for a product key code when installing the game. This is located on the CD case.

3. Click "Next" for both the "Installation Name" and "Location." When the installation type appears on the screen, select "Complete" as the type of installation. This installs all the files for the game onto your computer, so you won't need the CD during game play. You must have enough hard drive space to accomodate the entire video game. When installing the game it states exactly how much room on the hard drive you need. If not enough is present exit out of the installation, click "Start," "Control Panel" and either "Programs" or "Add or Remove Programs." A window appears with all the programs currently installed on the computer. Find all the programs you no longer need and click "Remove." Once you have made enough room on the hard drive (the computer states how large each program is you are removing) you may restart the installation process.

4. Click "Install," and the complete game will install onto the computer.

5. Double-click the desktop icon (or select "Start," "All Programs" and choose the game title's tab) and the game will load without the aid of the video game CD.

References

• Computer Hope: How to Install a Software Program