Making ISO's for games - Legal or not?

Captain Jack Sparrow

Anti-cryptominer
Joined
Jul 1, 2007
Messages
561
Reaction score
118
Making images of the CD or DVD in .iso formal, because this means that you can run the game without needing the disk in the drive. However, I've heard this is illegal. Is it? If it is, moderators have all rights to close this topic.
 
Its an iffy subject tbh mate

Some here agree you should be able to make your own for backup purposes only so as to not damage your original disks. However, Some believe under no circumstance should this be allowed because after all copying is copying
 
Definitely a grey area.

Most game publishers will tell you it's illegal but then they would wouldn't they?

The law itself is difficult to understand but from what I can make out it is illegal.

My own point of view - and this is not formal PCRUK's pov - is that if you've purchased the game you should be able to run the thing without having the disk in the drive.

There are 'no CD cracks' available online which enable you to do much the same thing.

And that's as far as I'm going to go because I'm starting to dip my toes in hot water now ;)

In short, we have to say 'It's illegal - don't do that' and if you do EA, Ubisoft et al will make you walk the plank :D
 
Yes, I have purchased the games because that's how I make the images, I need the original disk. And I don't use "no cd patches" because when I did, I got a virus! So I should think if you own the game you should be allowed too, but if "PC Review does not promote or endorse piracy at any level" then I guess this topic must be closed then.
 
moderators have all rights to close this topic
Mods have the right to close any thread they see as counterproductive to PCR ;)


:user:
 
Copyright laws state that your allowed to make 1 working backup aslong as you own the origional media.


This is true for all digital media.

The backup can be in any state you wish.... however, you mustn't alter the software unless its open-source or allowed in the EULA.
 
It has been a grey area for most people for a long time ... the "Law" does state, and EU Law does state, you are permitted to make a "backup" of software you own.

HOWEVER, the EULA, End User Licence Agreement, you enter into by reading the said EULA, you do read them don't you? and you click the button agreeing to that said EULA will clearly state ... up yours jack, we do it our way, you lump it or leave it ... is one reason I NEVER AGREE TO THE EULA. ;)

In fact, the license agreement for Microsoft Office might leave you scratching your head ... It says you can keep the original media after you install ... that’s your backup, pall. :nod: The exception is if the disc is required to run the software. In that case, you can make one backup. :thumb:

Please bear in mind, American Law don't stand for squidly here in the UK, so any "fair use" crap is out the window ... if in doubt READ THE BLOODY EULA. Or do as I do, never agree to one. :D

:user:
 
muckshifter said:
HOWEVER, the EULA, End User Licence Agreement, you enter into by reading the said EULA, you do read them don't you? and you click the button agreeing to that said EULA will clearly state ... up yours jack, we do it our way, you lump it or leave it ... is one reason I NEVER AGREE TO THE EULA.

Can I ask, if you don't click "agree" how do you get the screen to advance so that your software will install? Doesn't it usually just close and tell you you can't continue?
 
Taffycat said:
Can I ask, if you don't click "agree" how do you get the screen to advance so that your software will install? Doesn't it usually just close and tell you you can't continue?

Very good question there Taffy..And I would love to know the answer...That statement could be filed in the same box as the thread about the woman wanting to know if text's weighed anything...ROTFPMSL
 
If mucks never ticks "I Agree" on the Windows EULA how come he has Windows on his system?!:lol:
Has he been caught red handed lying? :p
 
Taffycat said:
Can I ask, if you don't click "agree" how do you get the screen to advance so that your software will install? Doesn't it usually just close and tell you you can't continue?
I quote out aloud "I do not agree to your EULA" and carry on ... in MS Vista case, I have a writen statment. :nod:

Works every time ... :wave:


:user:
 
I did it for a few games so that I could put them on my laptop going to uni and didn't have to take the CDs with me. Old games: Myst, Serious Sam etc.

I don't see what is wrong with it, I bought the CD, I own the CD and I haven't pirated anything. I made a copy of a game I bought, which is on my computer, in exactly the same way it would be if the disk was in the drive, surely?
 
Hi folks....just thought i'd throw this in here whilst your discussing ISO's etc.

http://www.rombay.com/

Lots of games here and all legal to copy....have a look around ya might find summat ya like.

Zzzzz
 
Back
Top