Sick of the Disc

[DrFaustus]

A boneheaded question for you:

I love playing Warlords (even though it mainly kicks my ass).

However I can't stand putting in the disk every time, hauling it around with me on trips, and so forth. I'm playing it on my laptop and it would be more convenient to not have the disk with me.

Is there a way to play it without always having the CD? I imagine you guys have figured this out.

Thanks.

[Nightfire]

Why don't you leave the disk IN the laptop?

[DrFaustus]

Originally posted by Nightfire
Why don't you leave the disk IN the laptop?

Because I have several other disks.

I remember from years ago (was it with SMAC?) that there was one file you could copy off the disc to your hd, and that would do the trick. I'm looking for something similar.

[snoopy369]

It is not legal, if you own the CD version, to run it without a disc, nor is it simple.

You should've bought the Direct2Drive version (or Steam, if you prefer that route). D2D (www.direct2drive.com) installs the game to your computer without needing a CD (you download the entire couple of gigs). D2D has no online checks past the first time you run it, and never stops working even if the service goes out of business.

[Ming]

Sigh...

This site does not condone or support the illegal use of software... Yes, I KNOW you probably are a legal owner and you are doing this to save yourself some hassels... but unfortunately, it is considered illegal in many countries to use a no disc hack...

I'm sure if you look on other sites or do a google search, you could probably answer your own question.

However, we do not allow this kind of discussion on this site.

Thank you for your understanding.

[Nightfire]

My friend here says you've gotta download a patch, but they are a devil to find.

[DrFaustus]

Originally posted by Ming
Sigh...

This site does not condone or support the illegal use of software... Yes, I KNOW you probably are a legal owner and you are doing this to save yourself some hassels... but unfortunately, it is considered illegal in many countries to use a no disc hack...

I'm sure if you look on other sites or do a google search, you could probably answer your own question.

However, we do not allow this kind of discussion on this site.

Thank you for your understanding.

Well, for the record, I bought the dang thing.
But I understand your concerns.

[snoopy369]

Let me clarify:
Regardless of whether you bought the item or not, it is illegal to use a no-cd hack; and not permitted to discuss obtaining one here.

The only legal options are Direct2Drive and Steam, which would require an additional purchase (although it's often as cheap or cheaper than the retail version, it's not much cheaper).

[Wiglaf]

Originally posted by snoopy369
Let me clarify:
Regardless of whether you bought the item or not, it is illegal to use a no-cd hack; and not permitted to discuss obtaining one here.

The only legal options are Direct2Drive and Steam, which would require an additional purchase (although it's often as cheap or cheaper than the retail version, it's not much cheaper).

There is absolutely no legitimate legal complaint the game company can have if you use a no-cd hack after buying the software. None. Their EULA is horse **** and has never, nor will ever, stand up in court in such a case. They would not even bother charging anyone who did it for personal use. I would go so far as to say it is illegal for this poster to not use a no-cd key. Missing an opportunity like this would be truly criminal.

[snoopy369]

Regardless of the legality - which can be debated elsewhere - this is a strict site policy, as you know, Wig. If you have a problem with that, take it up via PM.

[DrFaustus]

Let me clarify: I understand your concerns.

[Dale]

Originally posted by Ming
Sigh...

This site does not condone or support the illegal use of software... Yes, I KNOW you probably are a legal owner and you are doing this to save yourself some hassels... but unfortunately, it is considered illegal in many countries to use a no disc hack...

I'm sure if you look on other sites or do a google search, you could probably answer your own question.

However, we do not allow this kind of discussion on this site.

Thank you for your understanding.

Ming, I know the rules of Poly, but you may want to change the "illegal in many countries" bit. It's fast becoming legal in many countries to use a no-CD version.

Australia recently ruled it not illegal to use a non-CD hack as long as you weren't the one to make it.

Their comparison centred around that car manufacturers can't tell you NOT to modify a car, so software companies can't tell you NOT to modify software. But the full court did state that it would breach warranty and support as it wasn't considered original condition anymore.

[wodan11]

Now that's interesting, Dale.

Wodan

[Ming]

Originally posted by Dale
Ming, I know the rules of Poly, but you may want to change the "illegal in many countries" bit. It's fast becoming legal in many countries to use a no-CD version.

Sigh... I know it is becoming legal in many countries, but it is still illegal in many countries and specficially in the US.

There are many other places where this kind of information can be found, and it will probably be more accurate and faster to find. So it is site policy that we don't allow this kind of discussion.

And to clarify... I'm not claiming anybody has an illegal copy... just making it clear that the site policy doesn't allow discussion of illegal use of software, even by legal owners

[Solver]

Yes, the legality bit it dubious. If you are in the USA, using a no-CD crack would be illegal. If you are elsewhere, they may be legal or not depending on your local jurisdiction.

And we indeed don't point to cracks or allow discussing them on our forums. Finding them doesn't anyway pose any serious challenge.

For future reference, as snoopy says, online retailers are quite useful in this sense. It's a download once, validate once, play freely system, usually. They are pretty good if you're on the move - personally, I would recommend Steam over Direct2Drive.