Looking for a program to ISO-ersize Sims 2 collection

[MrMugg]

What I would like to do is turn all of my Sims 2 EP and SP discs into ISOs, and then consolidate them all on double layer DVD's.  I've tried Alcohol 120%, but I am getting disc errors.  I have tried using the multiple "safedisk" options for the protection type, but I am still getting the errors.  I've also tried "Clone CD", but with the same results.

I was reading the information off of Game Copy World in regards to backing up my collection, which is why I tried Alcohol and also Clone CD.  Does anyone have any suggestions for software they use to ARRR....  err, I mean...  backup up their collection of Sims 2 CD's?

[seanzol]

ISO Recorder is decently simple to use, and I know firsthand it works.
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

[MrMugg]

And you've used this to make an ISO of a copy protected disc?  The FAQ clearly states that it won't work, unless they are not admitting anything.

[witch]

I use AnyDVD as a base, then run the DVD Decrypt for movies. I don't know if that would work for games.

[morriganrant]

And you've used this to make an ISO of a copy protected disc?  The FAQ clearly states that it won't work, unless they are not admitting anything.

To my knowledge it does work to make an ISO, it's just that you can't get around the copy protection without the right program. So making an ISO of your own games would work, they just won't run on their own and you will need something like Daemontools or MagicISO to actually use them. So what EA says is kinda true, for the average user the iso will not work, for prepared pirates it's all clear sailing.

[GelatinousSubstance]

My personal favourite is Alohol 120%.

Not only does it deal with Safedisc and SecuROM, among others, it also comes with emulators so that you never need to touch your discs again.

[MrMugg]

My personal favourite is Alohol 120%.

Not only does it deal with Safedisc and SecuROM, among others, it also comes with emulators so that you never need to touch your discs again.

This is what I'm trying to use, and I just get disc errors.  I must be doing something wrong, but I'm not sure what it is.  I've selected the different Safedisc options when trying to make an image, but I just get disc errors.  So, I stop the process.  I'm just trying to start with the base Sims 2 game and University.  I've also tried with Sims 1.

Now, I'm wondering --  Should I expect disc errors to pop up and let it continue anyway?

What I want to do is box up my original discs in their cases and put them in storage.  I want to use a DVD with the images on it for my backup.

[GelatinousSubstance]

No. You shouldn't be getting disc errors. You might be using the wrong options, depending on when you bought your discs.

Sims 1, up to Sims 2 (before BV) should be burned with Safedisc options, but if they were purchased after BV, you might need to burn them with SecuROM options. You might need to play with the different Safedisc options to get the right ones. Sims 2 EPs that are after BV, and including BV, should all be burned with SecuROM (not version 7 though).

If all else fails, you can try burning them with general settings, and playing with the settings to get it right. I can't recall exactly what I did, but I know I got them all copied, and I can install and play them all through Alcohol's emulator.

[MrMugg]

I got it to work.  For one, I phailed to check the help topics.  When I did so, it explained that "disc errors" are normal for copyprotected games.  Once I read that, I went ahead and selected "Safedisc" and let err rip.  I was a bit concerned when I saw the LONG list of disc errors, but I just let it keep going.  Eventually it finished.

So far, I've made an ISO of the original Sims and Livin' Large, and they both worked.  Gotta love VMware for testing purposes.  I haven't tried Sims 2 yet, but I'm pretty sure that it will work also.

I've been wanting to consolidate everything all one one DVD, including patches, and official downloadable content and programs.  It's much more convenient for archiving.