FS mega DVD

[EHM-1001 Robert]

Hi folks!

It was always annoying to me to store FS2004 on 4 CDs! What a waste of space! It would fit into 3 discs, or 1 DVD. The question is if anybody tried to copy the content of the 4 discs into 1 folder, and burnt it onto a single DVD?

It would be practical in 2 ways:
1: to store the sim in only 1 disc
2: I could insert into the MS cab files all of my add-on files that replaces original MS files. So next time I install the game, I should not have to install the replacement add-ons one by one...you know I mean replacement textures for terrain, clouds, sky, etc.

What do you think?

[EHM-0962 Zhen Yi]

Did Microsoft implement slipstream technology into Flight Simulator like it does with it's OS products? If it does then it could be done easily........if not then i dunno

[EHM-1365 Benjamin]

I think if you lived in the UK it would be a illegal

But it sounds a great idea, would make a lot more sense. I'm sure they'll have to do it for the next one anyway. They are putting serveral games to DVD now

[EHM-1315 Adam]

Actually, I'm not sure it's illegal. You are allowed to make one backup, so long as you own a legal copy in the first place.

Therefore, backing it up onto DVD is not illegal, however editing the files to install the scenery would be illegal I think.

I'm not 100% certain though.

[EHM-1507 Manuel]

In germany Its even illegal to make an backup of a disk, as long as it got an technical copy - protection, but I don´t know, how it is in other countries

[EHM-1365 Benjamin]

As I said...same in UK....not even allowed to copy things for backup or personal use.

However, saying that the law is not as clear in relation to computer programs...so it would need looking up

[EHM-1001 Robert]

I am not a lawyer, but I am almost sure you can do anything with your own copy of any legal media, as long as you do not earn money with it. Other point for this: about 2 years ago the price of CD-R discs raised significantly in Hungary, and a small holographic thing was stamped to every piece, said: you have to pay a special fee -included in the price-, for making copies of your media onto the clean disc.

Anyway, for first, I will try to put the whole stuff onto a HDD, and try to install from there...if it works, then the idea is technically possible. But now, I stay speculative only, as I do not have a DVD player now. But for the future, it would be good to know

[EHM-1199 Philip]

Originally posted by EHM-1365
As I said...same in UK....not even allowed to copy things for backup or personal use.

However, saying that the law is not as clear in relation to computer programs...so it would need looking up

This is a real gray area. The manufacturers of DVDs, computer software and music would have you believe this but it is not true. You are entitled to take a back up of any digital data you own - including that purchased. Now, to test the industry's resolve on this find a very old computer disc - you know - a game that you used to play ten years ago. Scratch the disc up good and then return it to the manufacturer reminding them that as detailed in their instructions you have not backed up this data and therefore could they replace it. I'm sure they'll tell you to go away. Hence, until such time as companies who state that you may not backup their data take responsibility for the loss of said data then take backups - whatever they say. I think if it came to the crunch the law would be right on your side. Obviously though - no copying or making money from it.

I personally am currently in dispute with 3 - the mobile phone company over just such an issue. They lock the phone down so the only Internet access available is the 3 portal. Consequently you are not able to install games purchased from elsewhere or go anywhere else on the Internet. You are also not allowed to back up this directory - it really is superbly locked to prevent you doing so. Therefore when my phone went back for a repair under warranty and came back with the data (purchased from 3) wiped, I asked for a credit. Surprise, surprise - they are not prepared to take responsibility for loss of data that they have prevented me backing up. The same is true of software companies so please - my own advice - backup no matter what they say. I mean - flightsim costs fifty quid and being on four cds has four times the probability of most software of developing an install error.

[EHM-1627 Chris]

what you could do to get around the issue to to write a copy of the FS DIR onto a DVD, and then when you install FS again (for whatever reason, you can just copy all the files back into the FS DIR and all the add ons would be there, and then their is no copying of disks...the only issue is that you will need to actually install FS again so as to create all the registry entries that realate to FS!!!

this SHOULD work, although i wouldn't put any money on it!!!

i might try it though...if i do will get back to you all!!