Data CD create image and use same as CD?
 

I use Rosetta Stone software and I was wondering if it is possible to burn a copy of the Language CD to an ISO file or something like that and then use software to use the ISO as if it is a CD in my drive. I do not want to have to travel with my CD drive and with my CD, I am worried that the CD may get damaged with the travel.

Is this even possible?

E

It can not be done.

At least not easily ;)

CD's like this have copy protection built in, and it isn't as simple as making a rip of the .ISO.

There are some threads about it on the Internet.

But of course, I'll add the usual DMCA/copyright disclaimer. You'll need to install all kinds of copy protection bypass applications, and even then it might not work. I understand the frustration, especially since you are a legitimate owner of the software, but companies like Rosetta Stone have to deal with so much theft of their stuff that they have no other choice.

well that is awefully annoying. If my CD breaks i'm SOL and have to buy the software again?

really really annoying! I will try to see if I can get around this since i have a legal version.

E

Couldn't they use software activation (à la Adobe, etc.) instead of copy-protecting the media itself?

Data is data is data. It makes no difference whether it's really audio or computer data.

The problem is the Rosetta Stone CD's are protected and not easy to copy.

And how well has that worked for Adobe?

Software protection like the stuff used by Adobe has turned out to be the easiest thing to bypass for crackers :(

And you think there aren't cracked versions of Rosetta floating around?

The harder it is to do, the fewer hacked copies there are. When it comes to pirated software, it's all a numbers game.

Cheers.

This is not difficult at all to do with many CD based programs, including copy protected ones. I do it all the time with my medical books on CD. It is really inconvenient to carry them all with my laptop so I just used a program called GameDrive made by FarStone. It stores a copy on the CD drive. No guarantees it would work for Rosetta Stone. They used to have a free trial, but I don't remember how functional it was. I think Slysoft also makes a similar program although I have not tried it.

I finally figured out a way in case anyone else wants to know - pm me.

E

Daemon Tools (free) has emulation for most of the popular CD protection schemes. Never used that functionality but I imagine it might work if you have an ISO of your CD.