SafeDisc2 Info

[vec]

This information is provided to help other anandtech members make backups of their SafeDisc2 (SD2) protected CDs.

I've been trying to backup my copy of Red Alert 2 (SD2 protected) but failed using my yamaha 16x, hp9100i, and philips cdd4201.

I was finally successful using the philips cdd4201, after a firmware upgrade and using the newest version of clonecd.

I used the philips to read the image. I had the speed set to 2x and the fast error skip checked.

I used the philips to write the image. I had the speed set to 2x and none of the boxes checked.

Don't be worried if it seems like it is taking a long time. If the progress bars continue to progress you are doing fine.

Since the image was larger than what would fit on a 74 minute CD, I had to use an 80 minute CDR.

Using this method, I created a backup disk of RA which can be read on any CDROM or DVD drive.

The number of cdrws that can handle SD2 is limited. The forums at www.elaboratebytes.com have been very helpful. SD2 is a really tricky protection and it seems everyone has their own "recipe" on how to copy SD2 CDs. It took me quite a few coasters before I found my recipe.

Hope it helps someone out there.

 

[RedRooster]

I believe Plextor drives do as well, except the copy is only playable in the Plextor drive, as an example.
Those Phillips based drives are the ones to have though if you want to make perfect 1:1 copies of SD2.
Thanks for the info Vince, I know there's some out there that may use this for evil instead of good. None of us though! hehe

 

[vec]

Hey Jason,

Yeah, I read that about the plextors. I also read that with a firmware DOWNGRADE the plextor 12x10x32 can do 1:1 copies of SD2 as well. I'm don't own one so i can't comment.

True, it can be used for evil, but not by anandtech members right?

 

[JeSpre]

I use PlayBackup for SD2. It patches a CloneCD image and then you install a virtual device driver, and a program that sits in the tray. It's the only option I have. My Ricoh MP7120A can't handle SD2. I hate it, too, 'cause I always end up buying a lot of EA games and they always have the latest protection.

 

[Shudder]

what's bad is I HAVE to crack my games because me, a paying customer, can't play the games because of the protection. I'm not going to buy another CDROm just because EA thinks I'm a goddammed crook.

 

[vec]

Yeah that's true. All these protections are really testing older CDROMs. I had to replace a perfectly good 24x CDROM cause it couldn't handle my diablo 2 cd.

Playbackup is an alternative, but I'd rather just use my originals than fuss with some background process doing stuff.

 

[tm37]

The pnly problem with patching (AKA Cracking) a game to Get NO CD is Online Play some times can cause problems. My Solution would be to take the game back to the store and demand my money back. My DVD (Toshibia Gen II) works But If I couldn't play a game because of their protection scheme I would teke the game back. THe Systemrequirement make no mention of this on the box. It should read : This game contains a high security system that is unable to be played on older systems. That way we would KNow!! Friend Had this problem And Bought a new drive. I would no I would return it to the store and not buy that Publishers Games anymore. Why not go To Seiral Numbers and such. Much better IMO.

 

[JeSpre]

How about safedisc unwrappers? Has anyone tried or gotten one to work at all? I took a quick look at unsafedisc, but I'm working with Undying right now (great game, btw) and the executable it wants is inside an installshield .cab file, which I can't extract from. It would be nice if these CD-R manufacturers weren't going behind customer's backs making deals with Macrovision and the like. Giants is also giving me fits right now and it isn't even supposed to have any protection of consequense.

 

[vec]

JePre,

The only thing I can suggest is checking out www.elaboratebytes.com forums. Lots of knowledgeable people there.