fixed exe vs. fixed image

[Silver Phoenix]

I noticed that for many games there are available fixed exes (files you replace in install directory) and fixed images (files you mount) to play games without disks. I usually use exes because they are easier. Are there advantages for using either one?

[Joe Forster/STA]

Mini/maxi/full images usually last longer than the version they were created for: unless in a later version (in an official game update) the (copy protection) developers find a method to detect the difference between the image and the original CD/DVD, the image will continue to work. No-CD patches, on the other hand, need to be made for every single version (i.e. game update). This means much more work for the crackers...

Also, no-CD patches usually don't work online as they modify the main game executable and you're not allowed to login to official servers with such modifications (also because of the possibility of cheating - see Punkbuster). Images do work online.

[TippeX]

yup, no such thing as a fixed image... just mini/maxi/full (full you'll have to make yourself.. gcw wont host them for obvious reasons)
unless hmm, its like a tages image with the 'right' sectors injected

image generally means game works with the protection (because its emulated), however you might have an upward battle against blacklisting etc introduced in later versions of the game (patches etc..)

cracked exe generally implies the protection is removed (though some peoples definition of cracked varies... hugely)... a cracked exe is only as good as the cracker... if they missed a spot check, trigger, or other such things the crack will be bad and strange things might start happening in the game (turning into a bird for example.. having no ammo.. units exploding...and of course the game crashing)...

so for each option theres an upside and a downside

hope that (and what joe said) answers your question

oh yeah, another thing worth mentioning is that if you chose to use a cracked (aka fixed) exe, then please ALWAYS virus scan it before you execute it... and dont download them from 'dodgy' sources.. that, and backup the original file.. so that as/when/if an update happens you can rename the backup to the original and the patch will then upgrade... think thats mentioned in the faq though, so if you haven't read it you would be well advised to do so.

[Joe Forster/STA]

TippeX, could you, please, make up a nice little essay about this: short and simple but to the point, like entry III/8 in the forum FAQ? (Send me a PM and I'll give you a working E-mail address of mine.) Thanks!