noob with no cd question

[spamel]

I have just tried installing a no cd patch for Hidden and Dangerous Deluxe. I am off to Iraq soon, and in my spare time hope to play this awesome game, but I don't want to take my original disc as it may get scratched and ruined. Do I need a backup copy of the original disc to play the game, as I was under the illusion I wouldn't need a disk at all and it would play directly from the hard drive.

By the way, I should probably say hello to everyone, I hope to meet some interesting people on the forums, and yes, I am crap with computers!!!