Virtual Dive(s) in an Operating System

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

Greetings all,

Not sure if correct place to post this.
​

I have a disabled brother (service related) living out of State whom screwed up his computer hard drive (data corruption not physical damage) and to which I have the task of reloading everything back into it...I lost the .pst files or, at least I am not finding them...

He was running Win 7 Home in a Dell desktop and Office 2000(?) that would not boot - but, that is another story.....I have saved many files from his hard drive.

I am part way through placing Win 7 on a new hd and re-installing and have it "up and running"....What he liked to do is play a game called "Risk" (military styled game) when he had a much earlier computer but, that game will only run on Win 98se (and I think Win 95??), and I think Win ME...

I have partitioned his hd and want to install Win ME onto the empty side of it....My question relates to installing a VIRTUAL CD DRIVE(s) so that he doesn't have to utilize the discs that came with the game....I have done this before but, a very long time ago and simply forgot how.

The game runs from a cd disc that I THINK is initially installed(??) onto the hard drive where a user "plays against the computer" and, another disc that I believe is inserted into the cd optical drive for a second user to play - possibly 2 users playing against each other.

I have the iso's for both discs and need to create a virtual cd rom drive so that at a minimum, I can install the game (maybe virtual drive not needed for this part and maybe a direct install onto the hd) but, would want to create a "VD" for the "2nd disc".

Anyone help me out with this?

 

[iko22]

I think the game is called Risk II. You can burn the ISOs to CD, then you wont need virtual disk drive. I have never seen a virtual disk drive since MS-DOS, so I cannot help with that.

Risk II does not work on Vista/Windows 7 because of the DRM, and KB3086255. If you uninstall and hide KB3086255 , then you can run the game.
There also can be problems launching game on Win7. In which case, add -noavi to the Target commandline, in the desktop shortcut.

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

Thanks for the reply.

I think the game is called Risk II.
**I may be mistaken then...I need to do "Risk 1"...I just have to find teh discs....Possibly waht I looked at then was Risk2.

You can burn the ISOs to CD, then you wont need virtual disk drive.
**That is what I am trying NOT to do...I don't want to have him run it from a cd drive...I did this once before with XP(??) and it worked.....BUT, to reiterate, I would be using WIN ME on a partitioned hd with Win 7 on teh other side.

I have never seen a virtual disk drive since MS-DOS, so I cannot help with that.
**Well, that kills that..grin

Risk II does not work on Vista/Windows 7 because of the DRM, and KB3086255.
**I already thought that but, it WILL run on 95, 98se, Me.

If you uninstall and hide KB3086255 , then you can run the game.
There also can be problems launching game on Win7. In which case, add -noavi to the Target commandline, in the desktop shortcut.
**Will be launching game in a Win ME environment.

 

[iko22]

Risk I was released in 1996 for the PC, and Risk II was released in 2000 ....... take your pick.

I have partitioned his hd and want to install Win ME onto the empty side of it....My question relates to installing a VIRTUAL CD DRIVE(s) so that he doesn't have to utilize the discs that came with the game....I have done this before but, a very long time ago and simply forgot how.

Do you know what software you intend to use, for this purpose?

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

Thanks for the reply.

I have a file folder on MY computer that have 2 iso's...I remember (I think) that the original RISK had one cd and I believe it was installed(??) onto the computer and played from there...This has been so long ago that details are sketchy...

UPDATE - Briefly spoke with my brother and he stated;
" That disk is for Win95, and has two CDs, one is Host CD (which may be to play against the computer software) and Second Player CD.
The later version of Risk (“Risk II”) is a single CD for Win95/98, and resembles the original board game, showing dice rolling on the screen.

I recall that one option required loading info from a disk onto the computer, and then needing to insert the other disk into the drive and to remain in the drive throughout the game".


If RISK 1 (original for computer) had 1 disc, what was the other disc for then?...Did it come out and re-sold as "RISK 2" for 2 active players?

Would this not run in a WIN ME environment?

for example:
How to Copy Computer Games from CD to Your Hard Drive: 10 Steps

As for Virtual drive programs, there are quite a few and as yet, I have not decided since I have to get through all of this crapola.

 

[iko22]

The general procedure, when you have two disks, is to insert CD 1 and install from there. At some point during the installation, the Installer should ask you to insert CD 2. It may continue to complete the installation from disk 2, or it may launch the game, when disk 2 inserted.

If you were doing the install via virtual disk, then you would need to mount both CD's, which shouldn't be an issue, if you get that far.

The reason why games needed 2 disks is because the game makers run out of disk space on the one CD. I remember that kind of installation on games like Resident Evil 2, which was also supplied on two CD's.

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

Many thanks for the reply!

I may give this a shot later today or, tomorrow....Let me ask this if I may -

If the disc 1 is inserted, your best guess - would that load the program (install?) onto the OS and then, if it called for the 2nd disc, do you think there would be graphics displayed that I could not "get behind" to click on the other file or, would "setup" or initialization hold until disc 2 was clicked on?

Lastly, would both discs be mounted in a virtual drive as they are - ISO"S?

 

[iko22]

Dunno,, except that the Install Process is done through the desktop graphics interface. So, if you can see the desktop, then you should be in a great position to see the Installation messages. I think the installation should hold, until you start disc 2. The in-game graphics wont start until you reach some kind of "launch", "start" or "play" button.

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

 

[Barman58]

The current method to achieve what you wish, is to create a virtual Operating System, and run the game on this system, to do this there are a number of free and paid options for virtualisation. the setup requires a certain level of hardware to allow the possibility there are a number of threads and tutorials on the site ...

https://www.sevenforums.com/gtsearc...sevenforums.com/usercp.php&ss=6326j3235952j16

Take a look and see if this could be the way to go for you

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

**THANKS FOR THE REPLY!

The current method to achieve what you wish, is to create a virtual Operating System, and run the game on this system,
**I thought of that..I do have Virtual Box and VMWARE Workstation but, hesitate to use either...If he "f's" this up again, it will be harder in my opinion to get it back on it's feet and I won't want to fix it again.

to do this there are a number of free and paid options for virtualisation.
**Yes, I know.

the setup requires a certain level of hardware to allow the possibility there are a number of threads and tutorials on the site ..
**Agreed.....Going to stick with dual booting with "7" on one said and "ME" on teh other.

 

[file3456]

For Risk II, use the No CD Fixed Image then the No CD Fixed EXE. Risk 2 / Risk II / Risiko 2 - PC Game Trainer Cheat PlayFix No-CD No-DVD | GameCopyWorld[MULTI]%20No-CD/Fixed%20Image

You'll take the EXE and replace the one in the installation directory of Risk II. Make sure you backup the original first.

Now for the Virtual CD/DVD/Bluray drive, I use WinCDEmu. WinCDEmu - the easiest way to mount an ISO. And more...

What you'd do is double click the Risk II MDS file and it'll auto mount to a virtual optical drive shown under My Computer. Once you're done you just right click the virtual drive and select Eject.

In the WinCDEmu settings, select to prefer a drive letter starting with M or something way up there.

I am unable to find the Risk I No CD image and file.

The program I used in the past to make a game copy was called Alcohol 120% and that software included a virtual drive. But, depending on the game's CD protections, you have to copy in a certain way. To find out what protections a game has, I use a small program called A-Ray scanner. Which can be downloaded here: Download A-Ray Scanner 2.0.2.3

According to the Risk II downloads above at GameCopyWorld, the disk is protected by Safedisk v1. You don't have to worry about it with the image and no CD file for the game I gave a link to.

Any questions, ask.

 

[file3456]

BTW, inside the CD fix exe zip is a NFO file. To read it you can simply install Notepad ++ and right click the file and open with Notepad ++ or rename the NFO file to a txt.

Do note that if you intend to clone other games, they may have a blacklist something or other for your hardware even if you copy the game correctly based on the CD protections. For that you'll really need to get the CD image drunk per say and use a program called Y.A.S.U (Yet Another SecuROM/SafeDisc Utility). I had to use that when I made a 1:1 copy of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas for my PC. Using the disk all the time was a PITA so I just mounted the MDS file.

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

Thanks for the reply!

For Risk II, use the No CD Fixed Image then the No CD Fixed EXE. Risk 2 / Risk II / Risiko 2 - PC Game Trainer Cheat PlayFix No-CD No-DVD | GameCopyWorld[MULTI]%20No-CD/Fixed%20Image
I have RISK 1..He doesn't care for the later version.

You'll take the EXE and replace the one in the installation directory of Risk II. Make sure you backup the original first.

Now for the Virtual CD/DVD/Bluray drive, I use WinCDEmu. WinCDEmu - the easiest way to mount an ISO. And more...
Have downloaded "WinCDEmu

What you'd do is double click the Risk II MDS file and it'll auto mount to a virtual optical drive shown under My Computer. Once you're done you just right click the virtual drive and select Eject.

In the WinCDEmu settings, select to prefer a drive letter starting with M or something way up there.

I am unable to find the Risk I No CD image and file.
This is getting way to complicated...I think I can figure out how to mount a virtual drive and somehow "slide" the iso into it but, after that...ugh!

The program I used in the past to make a game copy was called Alcohol 120% and that software included a virtual drive.
I have this incl the version that will work for "WinME".

But, depending on the game's CD protections, you have to copy in a certain way. To find out what protections a game has, I use a small program called A-Ray scanner. Which can be downloaded here: Download A-Ray Scanner 2.0.2.3
All too confusing.

According to the Risk II downloads above at GameCopyWorld, the disk is protected by Safedisk v1. You don't have to worry about it with the image and no CD file for the game I gave a link to.
ok.....

Any questions, ask.
Yes, what temple is better to hold a gun up to on my head?...grin

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

BTW, inside the CD fix exe zip is a NFO file. To read it you can simply install Notepad ++ and right click the file and open with Notepad ++ or rename the NFO file to a txt.
I have an "nfo" reader so, no problem....

Do note that if you intend to clone other games,
Not a chance after this!

they may have a blacklist something or other for your hardware even if you copy the game correctly based on the CD protections. For that you'll really need to get the CD image drunk per say and use a program called Y.A.S.U (Yet Another SecuROM/SafeDisc Utility). I had to use that when I made a 1:1 copy of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas for my PC. Using the disk all the time was a PITA so I just mounted the MDS file.

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

I was intending to attempt to use the following"

Virtual CloneDrive works and behaves just like a physical CD/DVD drive, however it exists only virtually. Image files generated with CloneDVD or CloneCD can be mounted onto a virtual drive from your hard-disk or from a network drive and used in the same manner as inserting them into a normal CD/DVD drive.


Features

* Supports all common image formats such as ISO, BIN, CCD
* Supports up to 8 virtual drives at the same time
* Easy to use - just double-click an image file to mount as a drive
* Virtual CloneDrive is freeware, you may use it at no cost.


System Requirements
* An IBM-compatible personal computer with a minimum 500 MHz Pentium-classmicroprocessor (1 GHz recommended) and 128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
* Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit)
* If you use Windows 2000 or Windows XP you must be an administrator to install Virtual CloneDrive
*If your using Windows 7 or Vista you must run it as an Administrator

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

I had a thought -

Running Win 7, can I create a virtual drive inside Win 7 and load WinME onto that drive?....Then, load 2 virtual drives inside of Virtual WinME where I could place the 2 RISK discs into?...I do NOT want to run/install Virtual box if I don't have to.

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

anyone?
.....ANYONE?

 

[file3456]

You're making this way too complicated or I wrote it too complicated.

Since he wants to play Risk I, forget about what I gave info. on about Risk II. That is irrelevant obviously.

Since this is about Risk I and ONLY Risk I you'll need to use Alcohol 120% to copy the game as a MDS file. An MDS file is like an ISO, just different names so don't let that confuse you.

Alcohol 120% has a help forum so I'd check in there and ask what method in Alcohol 120% you have to use to be able to copy the game to an MDS image. That's because the game is more than likely protected with Safedisk. You can't just willy-nilly copy the game as an ISO/MDS and expect it to work. It has to be copied with a special software like Alcohol 120% and done in a certain way withen the software options.


About a virtual machine like VMware, Virtual Box, etc. That is not needed at all. You're complicating this. You'd use that if you don't partition off the hard drive for Windows Me. If you don't partition the hard drive off with Windows Me so that the game can run, then a virtual machine may work. VMs aren't really good for gaming and aren't made for gaming, but with this old game it may work. I'd opt for the free VMware Workstation Player.

Yes, what temple is better to hold a gun up to on my head?...grin

LMAO! In all the years I've been on forums I've never read that before. Try the Temple Of Doom from Indiana Jones. LOL

 

[WIN7 NIGHTMARE]

Thanks for the reply!

You're making this way too complicated or I wrote it too complicated.

Since he wants to play Risk I, forget about what I gave info. on about Risk II. That is irrelevant obviously.
*ok

Since this is about Risk I and ONLY Risk I you'll need to use Alcohol 120% to copy the game as a MDS file. An MDS file is like an ISO, just different names so don't let that confuse you.
*I see---I think...Can't i install Win 98se or WinME into Virtual box and from ther make 1 or 2 virtual cd drives and place an iso file there?

Alcohol 120% has a help forum so I'd check in there and ask what method in Alcohol 120% you have to use to be able to copy the game to an MDS image. That's because the game is more than likely protected with Safedisk. You can't just willy-nilly copy the game as an ISO/MDS and expect it to work. It has to be copied with a special software like Alcohol 120% and done in a certain way withen the software options.
*I have that software but....


About a virtual machine like VMware, Virtual Box, etc. That is not needed at all. You're complicating this. You'd use that if you don't partition off the hard drive for Windows Me.
*I have the hd partitioned but, I can eliminate that in a few seconds...I have read that using VB instead of partitioning creates a substantial draw on resources....It may be bad enough seeing if the game will play and finding drivers....If I load ME or 98 into empty partition and throw in the towel and let him utilize the damned game via optical drive (cd), what would be the difficulties of securing drivers?... Would it even install?....I am at the verge of giving up..

If you don't partition the hard drive off with Windows Me so that the game can run, then a virtual machine may work. VMs aren't really good for gaming and aren't made for gaming, but with this old game it may work. I'd opt for the free VMware Workstation Player.
*I have the full VMWorkstation.