Netbook without a CD drive
 

I just bought a netbook without a CD drive. Is it possible for me to make the disk an .iso and mount it on the netbook with my registration code without it flagging me as a pirate for not actually having the disk in?

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Just install the game on PC, and copy game folder on your netbook via USB stick. Game doesn't require CD in drive to run.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

yeah WingedDog gave you the answer, I've done the same for my own lab top after installing regularly(with CD key) on my PC. copied the libraries onto a disk on key(USB) than into my lab top. had to do it twice because the 2 gigs of my disk on key weren't enough, too many maps and mods :P

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

I tried the technique of copying over the dominions3 folder. The game launched, but the framerate was 1.0 at the absolute lowest settings. I then patched the game to the 3.24 version (latest) and had the same experience.

A few things you should know:
- My installation was originally from the CD version I bought years ago.
- I am using this on a netbook (Dell Mini 1012) which has more than met the specs.

And most importantly, I downloaded the demo and ran that and found that my framerates on the demo were in the mid 20's. The demo version is marked as 3.0.

I cannot think of a reason why the framerate would be so messed up on the copy, unless there are registry entries that are not storing graphic preferences.

Any insight into this is greatly appreciated...
-cc

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

You don't need to go to all that trouble... The game doesn't require a CD to run or install.

Just put the CD in a nearby PC and do this (for Windows):

Start > Computer (possibly "My computer" or click "My Computer" on the desktop)

Right-click on the drive that has the CD in it and click "Share...".

Click "Advanced Sharing".

Check the box marked "Share this folder" and name the drive appropriately, we'll assume you've named it "D".

Click "Ok".

Now, assuming that PC that you are sharing the CD from is called "Fred"....

Go to your Netbook...

Start > Run...

Type "\\Fred\D\" and click Ok.

You may be prompted for a password if your desktop PC requires it. If you have a username and password type them like this:

Username: \\Fred\Username
Password: **********

If you use a blank administrator password (general login) on the Desktop, type:

Username: \\Fred\Administrator
Password: <<blank>>

Now run the install command from the folder. This is similar to how you'd have to move the .iso file, but skips the making of the .iso and saves both time and hard drive space.

Questions, let me know.

BTW these instructions are for Windows Vista.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Please please please use a condom.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

That games copy protection is tied into the serial. Just zip a copy of the game, put it on disc, then unzip it to the netbook. Then delete the "key" file and it will ask you to put in your own. Installing one of the 3 versions (Win, Mac, Linux) makes it much smalled than the CD

As to the framerate problem Id play with the command switches. I have seen posts that said the game didnt like certain graphic cards

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

@CautiousChaos: Have you checked the graphics settings the full version is using? You don't mention them in your post.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Thank you everyone for the help! I tried a few of the suggestions but didn't have much luck. So I put the CD into my laptop, copied it onto a USB stick, then plugged that into the netbook and launched the install.

I hadn't expected it to work, largely due to DMRish issues, but it did (thank you Shrapnel Games). It asked for my key, i put it in, and walla, it worked. And the framerates were in the mid 20's.

Strange that copying the installed dominions3 directory ran but at 1 FPS.

Anyways, I am so very happily up and running!!!!!

Thanks everyone for giving me a helping hand. Really love visiting here because of you folks...

cc

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

I used to run Dom2 on an ancient tablet PC in 640x480 with all settings turned to minimum. The pretty graphics are largely forgettable and you get used to not having them rather quickly.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Easiest way to do this is just copy the CD contents to a USB stick, put that in the netbook and install from there.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Err, a minor interruption if I may (I didn't want to start a new topic about it). I have finally decided to buy the game, so I'm wondering if there are any key differences between downloading it or having it shipped. Mainly: can the downloadable version be burned on a CD? I wouldn't want to take risks since my computer has been having some health issues recently... Plus, downloading it would save me the shipping costs.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

If you are in the US or anywhere that shipping does not have custom fees, Id recommend shipped.
You get a CD, a 300 page manual, and all 3 versions of the game (Win, Mac, Linux). I understand that it arrives quickly.

The download version seems to be one version only, no CD, and a pdf manual for the same price.

Im not sure if what you download is burnable. It probably is. The game itself definitely is once its installed.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Just ordered a copy. I thought if I'm buying it why not do it properly? :)

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

It does make sense to some. I cant believe what people in some countries have to put up with as far as lag time in delivery and added charges. But if you arent one of those, then I heartily agree, why not get the full package for the same price.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Well, I realise it may take a while for me to get the game, but since I've been playing it on and off since... 2008 I think, I can wait two weeks more. After that - finally time for MP, can't wait. :)

BTW, it shouldn't take more than two weeks for the package to come from the US to Central Europe... Or should it?

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Should take ~1 week, with a variance depending on excise.

Re: Netbook without a CD drive
 

Get in touch with Shrapnel supprot after you get your legitimate copy if you want back in here.

You've been posting on Dom3 forums since early 2007, so you don't really have an excuse.