Morrowind

[ShaMan]

Originally posted by SafeDisk v2
Yea, I am guessing the exe is in one of the two cab files but I cant find any way to open them.

Your best option is to make a good 1:1 backup copy. If, you're not able to do so, then obviously a simple option is to use cracks after installation.

If, you really want to have a working copy with SD2 protection in place and wish to replace the protected file(s) for unprotected ones, then you obviously need to pop open the CAB files and replace the original protected file(s) for cracked ones. This most of the time would defeat the purpose though since the protection won't be checked to begin with, but it could have its uses in certain circumstances.

The CAB files are InstallShield CABS. You need, at least, a version IS5.x tool to open and extract/add files to them.

Assuming, you can get the tool (it's available, if you know where to look) then you would:

1. Copy the original CAB file(s) to your HDD.
2. Replace the original protected file(s) in the CAB file for the
unwrapped/cracked file(s).
3. Make an image using CloneCD, using the appropriate settings
for SD2 and make sure to check the .CUE sheet option.
4. Use WinISO to open the image and delete the original CAB file
from the image, then import your fixed CAB file in its place.
5. Use CDRWin to burn the image using the .CUE sheet and use
the RAW mode option. If, you try to use CloneCD to burn, it
won't let you do it, since the IMG file will not match the SUBS
data, etc.

The potential problem with this procedure is, InstallShield does do crc checks on the installation files and the fixed CAB file(s) would quite probably fail the test, thereby, causing the installation program to terminate with an error. I haven't had the time to test this procedure with Marrowind, so I do not know for a fact it will fail or not.

I have tried this procedure in the past, without touching the CAB files though, to replace some damaged files from an image taken off a badly scratched original and the resulting backup has been good enough to pass the SD2 (v2.51.20) check on the disc.

I have also done this procedure touching the CAB files but with much older copies of InstallShield than the ones used in Marrowind, those did work.

This is something to try as a last resort, but it's an interesting procedure and I thought I would share it.

[Morglum007]

Replacing files into the .cab archives is a good option but not the best.I used it too far ago with old installshield version but newest (harry potter, fifa 2002 and so on)incorporates more crc checks and the main executable is no placed into the .cab files....it 's outside but with a crc check, so replacing it will give you a installation error.This will be bypassed without problem but the error will be still there for any time you wish to install the game.( and it is perhaps quite anoying)
Let's hope anyone could make a new ixcomp version that modify the installation data on .hdr file and bypassed this error.
by now, let's wait!

Good luck!

[ShaMan]

@Morglum007

Agreed, we're both basically saying the same thing.

However, unless, I'm missing something obvious here (correct me if I'm wrong) or we don't have the same copy of Morrowind, the Morrowind protected game exe is in the CAB file(s) with this particular title, if you take a close look at the Morrowind CD, you will see there is no protected game exe file(s) outside the CAB file(s).

[SafeDisk v2]

I am going to make a perfect 1:1 copy this weekend so its all good

[ShaMan]

@SafeDisk v2

Good luck!

[themis_t]

give us your results as soon as you finish and test the copy....

[SafeDisk v2]

Will try but I am going to lose the internet before I can make the copy.

[themis_t]

go to an internet cafe....i don't think it's gona cost so much.....