Cracked CDs/DVDs?

keogh · 19 Apr 2007 at 11:57

Howdy,

When I say cracked CDs/DVDs I don't mean illegal warez type cracked, I mean literally!

I have STALKER and I got it the day it come out from a well known online game retailer. I got the limited edition copy, and I love the game and have been playing it a lot recently.

Well I just looked at the actual cd, and the middle of the CD is split? So where the hole in the middle of the cd is, its split from there, to where the data on the CD starts?

I don't know if it was like this when I got it, but I do doubt it... as its quite visible and I'm sure I would have seen it? I look after all my stuff, I'm really particular about that... hell I'm that fussy that when I put the CD back in its case the label on the fron has to be straight! So its DEFINITELY not me misusing the CD.

No I don;t know if its the case that has cracked it when it goes back in? Or even if its my DVD drive, as I only built my rig last week, so this drive is new... so it could be that?

But I want to know, what can I do about this? I mean I paid for the CD so its mine... and its certainly not my fault the CD is cracked... cos if I dropped it, or treat my CDs like rubbish I deserve this, but I don't! Does anyone know if you have a right to get a new copy fromt he retailer? Or even the game publisher? I'll prob drop THQ an email, but I thought I'd ask you guys cos you might know?

Any help will be appreciated!

btw, I have just copied the entire contents of the CD to my harddrive as backup... dunno if the game will install from there though? but I have a copy nonetheless!

thanks

hardc0re_tid · 19 Apr 2007 at 12:13

ive had 1 or 2 games do that, ive even had one shatter in the drive.

sometimes they work fine other times they wont work.

keogh · 19 Apr 2007 at 12:15

hardc0re_tid said:
ive had 1 or 2 games do that, ive even had one shatter in the drive.

sometimes they work fine other times they wont work.

What did you do bout it? Just ignore it? Or did you get a replacement? Its never happened to me before cos I really look after then, so I am just wondering if its a dodgy weak CD, or if its my drive?

tripitaka · 19 Apr 2007 at 12:21

The publisher would probably exchange it for a replacement, for a small fee.

They should have a customer services or a support department.

This would be the legal way to deal with the problem.

jcb33 · 19 Apr 2007 at 12:21

I have had that on a dvd, still got the dvd 6 years later and it works

Just be carefull with her

keogh · 19 Apr 2007 at 12:25

tripitaka said:
The publisher would probably exchange it for a replacement, for a small fee.

They should have a customer services or a support department.

This would be the legal way to deal with the problem.

Yeah I have dropped THQ a email, ill see what they say. And I know what you mean by the legal way, but I dont feel I should have to make a copy... although that is still legal, its a copy of my CD that would only be used by me! But I want a proper copy thats not cracked... I have that right, after all I have paid £30+ for it

jcb33 said:
I have had that on a dvd, still got the dvd 6 years later and it works Just be carefull with her

I hope your right jcb, I will keep it and look after best I can... and hopefully it wont kick the bucket!

ta

basmic · 19 Apr 2007 at 17:02

Use Nero DriveSpeed and limit the speed of your drive. The slower the drive spins the cracked disc, the less chance of it exploding. :eek:

keogh · 19 Apr 2007 at 17:06

basmic said:
Use Nero DriveSpeed and limit the speed of your drive. The slower the drive spins the cracked disc, the less chance of it exploding.

Ahh cool, never knew that existed, I'll give that whirl for future CDs.

I have actually no cd cracked it (I'm not breaking the law at all, cos I own the game) atm so I don't need the CD in there! Want to keep it as long as poss

tom_e · 19 Apr 2007 at 17:12

keogh said:
Ahh cool, never knew that existed, I'll give that whirl for future CDs.

I have actually no cd cracked it (I'm not breaking the law at all, cos I own the game) atm so I don't need the CD in there! Want to keep it as long as poss

you are breaking the law as your disabling copy protection

keogh · 19 Apr 2007 at 17:18

blitz2163 said:
you are breaking the law as your disabling copy protection

what about if I put the CD in the drive and run the game... the game wont use the CD but it will be in there and will be no different than me using it

DJKahuna · 19 Apr 2007 at 17:20

blitz2163 said:
you are breaking the law as your disabling copy protection

It's illegal in that sense. But, some people use it as they like to run an image from their HD, mainly to save having to put the disc in the drive, or to save on disc check times. But they are generally classed as illegal.

Also, UK law states that you're allowed to make one copy for your own personal use. I'd wait and see what THQ say. Also, i believe that you are allowed to return it within one year for a free replacement if it's damaged due to faulty workmanship.

I've had it happen to me with my retail BF2 disc. I simply bought an OEM copy off Ebay. I would still use my original retail key if i had to reinstall, but it does mean i have a key spare if i ever need it.

tom_e · 19 Apr 2007 at 17:26

DJKahuna said:
Also, UK law states that you're allowed to make one copy for your own personal use.

I thought that was yank law? and that we wernt allowed to make backups