Bear with me as I'm new to this. Like most people with careless children it is important for me to back-up DVD's and Computer games as the cost of replacing them is expensive and wastefull. I have all I need for DVD backing up now all i need is an idiot proof explanation of exactly what I need to copy my computer games. Eg. The Sims Deluxe Editon + expansion packs, Theme Hospital, Age of Empires etc. I would also appreciate not recieving any backhanded comments on [Well maybe you shouldn't let the kids play them] as I get enough of that from my mother Ha Ha. I have in my computer Windows XP, an LG DVD burner, a normal CD burner, Nero Express, Power Producer, DVD Shrink and DVD Fab. One last thing what CD's do I need to copy to is it just normal CD-R's. Thanks for your time and help. :hdspin:

It's not that simple to copy PC games as they're copy protected.

Either learn the correct procedure, or just copy it as you would a normal data CD, then use a No CD patch (use a search engine).

(And yes, just normal CDR's)

you will have trouble backing -up pc games and you will not be able to copy any EA Sports games....i.e. the sims.

you will have trouble backing -up pc games and you will not be able to copy any EA Sports games....i.e. the sims.


That's rubbish, I've copied plenty of EA games.

They are usually protected by SafeDisc, which is easy to backup, as long as you have a decent burner (and software).


Even if you don't, a No CD patch will save the backup.

It's not that simple to copy PC games as they're copy protected.

Either learn the correct procedure, or just copy it as you would a normal data CD, then use a No CD patch (use a search engine).

(And yes, just normal CDR's)

I used clone cd and was able to copy it but when i put in the cd and install it all seems fine the the play screen comes up but when i click on play it keeps asking me to put the cd in.
Have i done something wrong or do i need something else all the files are on the disc but after installation it doesnt recognize the copied cd.
If its not too much trouble and seeing as how you seem to know what youre doing i was wondering if you could tell me all the programs i need and whether i use my normal C drive or my LG dvd burner to copy. Sorry for the inconvenience but it took me awhile to figure out how to backup my dvd's and i did finally figure it out after alot of frustrating days. I dont expect this to be easy just not near impossible thanks .

Most games are protected by SafeDisc or Securom.

Both require different methods in order to achieve a working backup.

Notice I said working backup, as there is no such thing as an exact or 1:1 copy.

Commercial CD's are pressed, and it's impossible to replicate them exactly by burning.


Anyway, in order to burn a working copy, you need a decent burner and software.

You also need to find out what the protection used is, so a protection scanner is required.

It's too complex for me to go into step by step, but it involves scanning the original disc, discovering the protection, then burning using the appropriate method with the correct hardware.


If you want to learn the procedure, I suggest you visit one of the forums that specialise in this and read their articles.

CDFreaks (http://club.cdfreaks.com/?) and AfterDawn (http://www.afterdawn.com/) are about the best.


If you can't be bothered learning, then just copy them using any software as a data CD (as you have already done), then use a No CD patch so it doesn't ask you for the disc.

The reason it's asking you now is because it doesn't recognise the disc, so as far as it's concerned, you don't have the CD inserted.

A No CD patch is the easiest way, and they are found using a search engine.

Just type in Sims 2 no cd patch or whatever, then download the correct patch for your version game.

If you want the programs names that are used,

For burning, CloneCD, Alcohol 120%, and/or BlindWrite.

For protection scanners, Aray, Clony XXL, Copy Discovery 2000 etc, available from HERE (http://www.makeabackup.com/downcat12.html).

You will also require TwinPeak, BWA Builder, and BWA Editor.


(As I said, it's a lot easier for most people to simply copy it as you have, then use a No CD patch)

Thanks Insomniac for all your help I have managed to find no cd patches for most of my backups but not for all. For example the sims hot date expansion patch that I found in GameBurnWorld which is where I found the others doesnt give me the zip file like the others and I cant seem to find it anywhere else. Lucky for me I backed up my Sims Deluxe as 4 days after I did it I dropped the original and managed to back over it with my office chair. :bawling: So much for me worrying about my son damaging the games. I cannot find english versions for the following games : Sim City 3000 - Sim Safari - Sims Hot Date - Theme Hospital. Not sure if there are any?
P.S I apoligize if any of my questions relate to topics which are not allowed on this forum, like I explained at the start I'm a novice and dont really understand alot of the lingo.
Thankyou for any help you can give.

Best and easiest way is to use Google with the search terms sim city 3000 no cd patch, or sim safari no cd patch, for example. (can't post the links here)

Not all patches are bug free, so if one doesn't work, try another. (sometimes other language versions also work if you can't find English)