I want to (legally!) copy my BF 2142 DVD

[pprior]

Anyone able to do this yet? Toast titanium seems to fail. I have retail box and receipt to match, copying off of original DVD. I want to run off copy disk, not the original. Not transferring game or serial to anyone outside my own home so this is within my fair use.

It will copy enough to install, but when game starts it asks for original disk.

Also, same problem with the C&C 3 (also EA) game.

[Fearless Leader]

no, not legal.

[DaftUnion]

Hate to break it to you, but copying for anyone besides yourself is NOT legal.

[Markleshark]

Best way to do it is to put your disc away in a safe place as to never use it, and get a No-CD patch.

I believe as long as you own the original disc that is actually legal.

[friarlicious]

Not transferring game or serial to anyone outside my own home

Strange qualification to people in your home. You mean kids, siblings, parents, etc.? Usually you're allowed to make backups for yourself, but if you want to give a backup or original to someone else, you must give/sell them _all_ copies (or destroy any, even installed, copies that you don't transfer). To highlight this, you probably noticed that apple sells single and family-pack versions of Tiger.

But it sucks that even if you're just making the backup for yourself, they're putting up roadblocks: it reminds me of the early 80s and the Apple ][ cracking scene.

[Naimfan]

Contact the game manufacturer. You are permitted under copyright law to make a backup copy. However, the EULA may restrict or even eliminate your right to do that--read through the license agreement.

For example, Adobe CS2.3's license clearly states that you may make a "reasonable" number of backup copies. You may not, however, as others here have correctly said, transfer those copies to anyone else.

Bob

[pprior]

Hate to break it to you, but copying for anyone besides yourself is NOT legal.

This -is- for myself. I'm not shipping a copy elsewhere.

When I bought this game and C&C3 at the apple store I specifically asked the salesperson whether I could play multiplayer on my LAN without having to buy multiple copies. I was told yes. I have done the same thing with Age of Empires and I spoke with the folks directly at their company and they were fine with it, so long as it's just within my own household.

All i want to know is if anyone knows a way to do it. I do NOT want to use my real disks - the kids scratch them up quickly and then they won't work after awhile.

[Little Endian]

I understand your predicament. Many games actually do require multiple copies when running multi-player games on your own LAN. The CD or DVD for the game is often needed for each computer. This is an unfortunate situation created by piracy protections, however most EULAs allow for copying to run MP on your own LAN.

As mentioned earlier you might want to try a no CD/DVD patch. It would also help if you could clarify why Toast Titanium is not up to the task as I have never run into problems making working backup copies of Games with Toast, but then again I never tried to backup C&C3.

[lag1090]

When I bought this game and C&C3 at the apple store I specifically asked the salesperson whether I could play multiplayer on my LAN without having to buy multiple copies. I was told yes.

I hate to break it to you, but the sticker at the top of each game box clearly states that each multiplayer client requires a separate disc. Now while the law does not consider having your kids play two copied versions of the disc at the same time as using a "backup copy," I believe it is fair use. For the results you want to achieve, your best bet would be a No-CD patch found on many gaming sites. Simply install normally, then replace the .exe file inside the BF2142 .app package. I'm not sure if you can simultaneously use two different soldiers on the same account with BF2142 since EA tracks everything to their master server. I would suppose it would come up with an "already logged in" error if you tried to do that.

[pprior]

It says to access ONLINE features you must register and only one user may register the game. I'm not trying to go online, just play on our local LAN with 1 other computer.

Toast gives an error after the disk is copied - the copied disk will install but is not recognized by the program when it starts to run.

I would be THRILLED to get a no-DVD patch for these games but I can only find it for the PC versions. Since this is a port - is it possible somehow to use the PC version of the no-DVD patch?

[CanadaRAM]

End User License Agreement (http://support.ea.com/cgi-bin/ea.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8174&p_created=1098725015)

"EA grants you a non-transferable non-exclusive license to ... install and use one copy* of the software ...Tools & Materials... Your right to use Tools & Materials is limited to the license grant above, and you may not otherwise copy the Tools & Materials."

*(copy in this context means the original disk you bought, not an additional copy)

[kwood]

FYI (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42724).

This procedure can be used to make a back-up copy of your software. Although you should read the EULA for BF 2142 before doing so to make sure you can make a back-up copy.

Most software allows you to do this. A lot of my audio CDs In have allow me to make 5 back-up copies just like most software.

[pprior]

FYI (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42724).

This procedure can be used to make a back-up copy of your software. Although you should read the EULA for BF 2142 before doing so to make sure you can make a back-up copy.

Most software allows you to do this. A lot of my audio CDs In have allow me to make 5 back-up copies just like most software.

That doesn't work. DVD copies but game won't run with it in, just hangs.

[mikeyredk]

Heres an idea just copy the installed files on your computer and save as a backup on what ever you want since on mac os x the apps are self contained do this when you first install so you won't have loose files to track down

Edit: sorry thats not what you wanted but if you get a no-cd "patch" than you will never have to touch the original even to reinstall

[merman637]

Have you tired using disc image to create an image and then burn a copy?
Go to Disk Utitlity, then select the disc and create image...
Should make an exact copy of the dvd...

[kwood]

Have you tired using disc image to create an image and then burn a copy?
Go to Disk Utitlity, then select the disc and create image...
Should make an exact copy of the dvd...

See Above.

FYI (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42724).

This procedure can be used to make a back-up copy of your software.

[makku]

Have you tired using disc image to create an image and then burn a copy?
Go to Disk Utitlity, then select the disc and create image...
Should make an exact copy of the dvd...

The disc has a SafeDisc copy protection so it will not give you an exact copy. You may just end up with a useless dvd so you should reconsider before wasting resource.

[kkat69]

Regardless of how you slice this.

A. After reading the materials/docs your not allowed
B. It's only illegal if you get caught (lol bad reasoning and no you can't quote me on that LOL)
C. This particular disc (as someone mentioned) does have SafeDisc which will NOT allow by any means a copy to be made.
D. And most importantly, you will NEED a No CD Patch, which I'm unsure if there is one for Mac version.

GameCopyWorld.com (this will probably get deleted) has a list of patches mainly no-cd patches you can find and use.

Personally if I was this worried about not wanting to use the original for fear of kids scratching it, I would buy 2 copies and keep one in the plastic.

[Krevnik]

Regardless of how you slice this.

A. After reading the materials/docs your not allowed
B. It's only illegal if you get caught (lol bad reasoning and no you can't quote me on that LOL)
C. This particular disc (as someone mentioned) does have SafeDisc which will NOT allow by any means a copy to be made.
D. And most importantly, you will NEED a No CD Patch, which I'm unsure if there is one for Mac version.

GameCopyWorld.com (this will probably get deleted) has a list of patches mainly no-cd patches you can find and use.

Personally if I was this worried about not wanting to use the original for fear of kids scratching it, I would buy 2 copies and keep one in the plastic.

The Mac version is the PC binary in a wrapper... some adventurous guy could probably dual-boot and get the no-CD patch for the Windows version working, but that will break downloaded patches for the game itself, yadda, yadda, yadda...

[Unspeaked]

Not transferring game or serial to anyone outside my own home so this is within my fair use.

Misconceptions, misconceptions...

[pprior]

Well I've come to the conclusion that I was given bad advice at the Apple store. I spoke with EA games and they confirmed that it is not within my EULA to install on two computers for multiplayer play within my own home and they will not allow me to copy the DVD.

I will be buying a second copy of both 2142 and C&C3 to be able to do this with my son as I intended.

However I will NOT be buying any further EA games products. both of these products have been a disappointment in several ways, and the above is last straw for me.

Age of Empires III was fully supported for this type of play and seems to me a very reasonable way to go- nobody should have to buy a separate license for every computer in the home, it's just not reasonable. Macsoft has earned my business, EA games will no longer get my money.

I'm reluctant to even buy the copies, but my son loves C&C and now loves 2142 and I told him we'd be able to play together. I don't hack or crack games illegally and so need to show him the right choice and behavior.

I appreciate the advice and discussion in this thread. Personally I would encourage anyone else NOT to buy these games, but that's up to the individual and their opinion of fair use.

[pprior]

Oh - I still would appreciate any advice available on how to either copy the disk or to use a no-DVD patch if one is available. I have purchased the copies needed, but I still prefer not to use my original disks if possible.

No way ANYONE can tell me that making a backup copy for my own use while the original is stored in the box and not used by anyone else is not within my rights!

[KennyW]

I do not promote illegal copying but if you are so concerned with scratched disk by kids, here is how to have your peace of mind. To play without the CD/DVD, you need a no CD/DVD patched exe file of the game application file. An earlier post here has quoted the site to locate the PC patch. Another has rightly said that these new Intel-only games use the Cider wrapper to enclose the PC binary game files for playing in Mac OSX.

If you right click on the OSX game application, you can Show Package Contents of the "file". When you look into the Resources folder, you will see some more nested folders similar to the Windows directory structure, like C:/program files/... etc. The complete version of the game in Windows binaries is in one of the folders. Store / duplicate / move the original binary of the exe game file to elsewhere and drop in the patched PC binary game file in place of the original. That's all I can say.

[ma2ha3]

copy protected
not possible with the equipment in your house.

[GavinTing]

copy protected
not possible with the equipment in your house.

Says you. :rolleyes:

[plokoonpma]

Dunno if i'm ok or not.
But I think you should check the size of BF2142 dvd, probably is more than the capacity of a regular dvd and you should use a double layer blank one to perform your copy. Sometimes we skip the obvious.
If not, well.. it happened to me once.
jeje

[pprior]

I do not promote illegal copying but if you are so concerned with scratched disk by kids, here is how to have your peace of mind. To play without the CD/DVD, you need a no CD/DVD patched exe file of the game application file. An earlier post here has quoted the site to locate the PC patch. Another has rightly said that these new Intel-only games use the Cider wrapper to enclose the PC binary game files for playing in Mac OSX.

If you right click on the OSX game application, you can Show Package Contents of the "file". When you look into the Resources folder, you will see some more nested folders similar to the Windows directory structure, like C:/program files/... etc. The complete version of the game in Windows binaries is in one of the folders. Store / duplicate / move the original binary of the exe game file to elsewhere and drop in the patched PC binary game file in place of the original. That's all I can say.


Awesome man that is exactly what I needed. I owe you one.

As to the other comments: I tried dual layer DVD - that's not the issue (C&C takes a dl but not 2142).

Gavinting - not enough info :)

[KennyW]

It is possible to copy SafeDisc protected CD/DVD in your Mac, provided it has an Intel CPU and can run Windows in Bootcamp. Currently CD/DVD burning softwares in OSX don't handle copy-protected games but in Windows a few can do that, like CloneCD/DVD, Alcohol (I don't want to get into the details here as it is inappropriate in this forum and I don't promote illegal copying).

Having said that, it is a hassle even if you play with a backup duplicate. No CD/DVD patch is still the most convenient solution. I bought all the games I play over the years, filling almost my whole bookshelf of man height and the first thing after my game installation and update is to locate the no CD/DVD patch file and replace the original game application. Though such copy protection is meant to halt any illegal distribution of copy-righted content, it has become more a punishment/nuisance to the legitimate users.

[justflie]

copy protected
not possible with the equipment in your house.

Swing and a miss. ;)

[xplayman]

See I lost my MacDVD of 2142 about 3 days after I bought the game. And I needed to head out about 4 1/2 hours away from where I live so I figured I drop by the Apple Store there to get the game (being that the 4 1/2 hour away Apple Store is the closest Apple Store near me) while I'm there. There is absolutely no Apple Store or Best Buy or any store that sells Macs or Mac Software near me and now I'm stuck to see the message that I need the disc to run Battlefield 2142. I loved that game too, I found it more addicting than World of Warcraft.

[Yamcha]

Wow take it easy, I've noticed that people running Mac are very afraid of the word "Piracy", like it matters these days, people are running illegal software/games and are unaware of it, if you'd truly think it matters, then we'd have to jail/fine a large large population of people, every person/friend I know does it, and this goes back to when I was 12. It's funny to me because I'm actually a PC user, using OSX86. Just being real. People go on about Piracy being a crime such and such, and well true that but nobody can do anything about it plain and simple. I can tell you without any doubts at least 30-40% of people using Windows/Mac probably download things instead of purchasing, the downside is you can't play online depending on the game you have.. thats what makes people purchase games, Half Life for example still has no work around, same for Battlefield and such, but they added that very recently when they realized it was being pirated :P, anywho just my thoughts, truth is as I mentioned before no one can do anything, If you've ever been to third-world Asia they sell pirated stuff all the time, and no body cares, the stores are open to everyone.

In the end its like this, If a person can truly afford the game he probably would buy it :P, my fam isn't rich or anything we just get by, in my case I would actually only be able to buy like 2-3games an year :P because these things cost like 69.99 and such.. expensive..

[scotty91]

If you have access to a windows pc (or windows in bootcamp), try Blindwrite, I used it to create a backup copy of BF2142 for windows and it worked without problems, so I don't see why it wouldn't work with mac. Worth a try if you can.

[physicsdude1]

If you right click on the OSX game application, you can Show Package Contents of the "file". When you look into the Resources folder, you will see some more nested folders similar to the Windows directory structure, like C:/program files/... etc. The complete version of the game in Windows binaries is in one of the folders. Store / duplicate / move the original binary of the exe game file to elsewhere and drop in the patched PC binary game file in place of the original. That's all I can say.

I am trying to make a backup copy of my Intel-Mac Civilization IV game (Aspyr converted it to a Mac release). The structure that you suggest does not seem to be the same that Aspyr uses.

> cd /Applications/Games/Civilization\ IV/Civilization\ IV.app/Contents/Resources
> ls
ASLTestBed.nib/ Civilization IV.rsrc French.lproj/ Italian.lproj/
AppIcon.icns English.lproj/ German.lproj/


But none of these directories shows the C:/program files structure you mention.

I play solely on my MacBook pro laptop, so my disk tends get scratched. I'm afraid one of these days it will just stop working, so I want to make a backup copy for myself.

I've already tried DiskUtility, but to no avail.

Does anyone know a way around the SafeDisc protections? Is there no way to make a bit-by-bit copy of the disk?

Thanks!

[Plutonius]

Have you tired using disc image to create an image and then burn a copy?
Go to Disk Utitlity, then select the disc and create image...
Should make an exact copy of the dvd...

Many game disk images will not work unless you lock the image after making it.