making cd images of old games

May 31, 2005 6:29 PM

Hi, My kids have a number of old cheap games from discount houses and Walmart. A bunch of them are circa 1998 or so. The problem is that they scratch the heck out the cds.

I'm aware of virtual cd images with software like Alcohol x.x, but was wondering if, given the ancient state of these games and the relative lack of copy protection if there is a cheaper alternative for creating virtual cds on our spare hd. Thanks. My eight year old is freaking because Hot Wheels Stunt Track has quit working.

posted by mecran01 to computers & internet (5 comments total)

Yes
posted by Good Brain at 9:02 PM on May 31, 2005

You can convert the CD to an ISO using ISO creator, and then you can mount the ISO later as a virtual CD with Daemon Tools.

If the disc is too scratched to read, try polishing it with toothpaste and a q-tip before ripping it.
posted by cmonkey at 9:02 PM on May 31, 2005

I second Daemon Tools.
posted by ori at 1:15 AM on June 1, 2005

I use Daemon Tools also and give it a big thumbs up. Also, if the CDs are badly scratched, find a local used CD store in your neighbourhood that does CD repairs (most if not all do, although they won't always advertise it). They'll put the CD back into near mint condition in no time and then you can rip it for posterity.
posted by furtive at 4:56 AM on June 1, 2005

Thank you for the excellent suggestions, my son will be very happy!
posted by mecran01 at 6:32 PM on June 1, 2005