I was trying to find ways to run Janes F/A-18 without the original CD. I want to keep the original in a safe place and play with a backup. However the Safedisk copy protection didn't allow me to make a straight backup. I didn't want to install the various addons from Team Super Hornet. So I used Daemon Tools v3.47 under Windows 98SE and an image of the original. It worked like a charm.

I recommend using Alcohol 120% to make the image of the CD. I made an image using Nero and it didn't work when trying to burn to a CD.

Just thought I'd add this for those who don't know.

Rayvyn

IIRC, TSHv3 includes NoCD functionality.

Yes, it does. But Joe Smith says he doesn't want to use TSH add-ons. May I ask why, Joe Smith?

I've been looking for a way ot back up my JF-18 CD. I don't use it to play, but it's to valuable to not have a backup copy. Thanks for the tips; I tried using Nero and it didn't work similar to your experience.

FYI, there is also a No-CD executable out there. No links allowed. Most everyone uses TSHv3 to get the No-CD funtionality, though (or the previously-used TSHv1 packages).

There is a commercially sold product called, "VirtuaDrive 8," which allows you to run almost any program without the CD. I bought my copy at Staples for under $10.00. It works with Win 98SE through Win XP. I do not know if it will work with Vista.

With regard to JF-18, though,TSH 3 is superior answer, by far, ... and, it is free.

The NOCD is widely available on most fine JF-18 sites..the policy of not linking is well understood BUT...not to open a can of worms here, but why is it VERBOTEN to link to the NOCD patch, but it is perfectly permissible to link to the TSH packages that essentially do the same thing w/re to modfiying the .exe????

Always wondered about this...

Recluse

P.S.Feel free to delete this post if necessary, or let me know and I will do so.

Recluse,

Such are the quirks in place to protect SimHQ. I've discussed with the bosses the fact that various TSH downloads offer No-CD functionality. The rule applies the same for them - no links. No CD can be discussed, but SimHQ may not be used as a vehicle for transmitting them.

What this means is that links to TSHv1 and TSHv3 downloads are not permitted in threads such as these. A bit odd, but it gets the job done to the bosses' satisfaction.

The reason I don't want to use the TSH addons is I want to play the original all the way through. I'll probably use the addons after I play the game through.

As for the CDs, I used Nero years ago to back them up and it worked fine. I don't remember what version it was. I'll be backing my images up to DVD as they installed and worked fine. However I tried it this time and the image I made with Nero would only burn as an audio CD. Alcohol 120% worked better.

I tried the NoCD patch but the one I found was for an unpatched version of F/A-18. It crashed and I had to reboot.

Right now I'm going install the game on an old dinosaur of a PC running Windows 98. It should work fine.

Rayvyn

Just so you know, using TSH add-ons does not significantly affect the gameplay of the stock Jane's F-18 campaign. The fun in that is the campaign itself, which has never been modified.

To each his/her own, but I will add my voice to the opinion that there is really NO REASON not to get the TSH upgrades. They enhance the sim without taking anything away from the original. The sole change is the difference in Pallette which makes some pre-TSH skins unusable. It is an easy conversion and most currently available skins were made with TSH in mind anyway.

Recluse

I can understand why Joe Smith might want to play the original thorough, especially if he's confident he's going to be playing F/A-18 for a long time. I'm dong the same thing with Fighter's Anthology. Although I have a separate modded install, I want to first play the stock game for a while. It's hard to appreciate what all has been improved by modding if you've never played the original.

Although I believe it's an option with TSH, some game mods change the music, videos, GUI, etc. I can understand someone who's played the same game regularly for years wanting a change, but if you're new to it...

Play it through once and then gladly put it away forever in favor of a heavily modded version. If anything, you'll better understand how to fix a glitch, or even if you have a glitch (i.e. something not matching up with original documentation) by knowing what's been modded.

EDIT: TSH can be a little confusing when you add the F-15 terrain, I was scratching my head a couple of times in the training missions (i.e. a/c immediately exploding on landing exercise, something I didn't have right I'm sure).
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Mark