Ok... most of you nice people probably aren't going to believe a word I say, and I don't blame you one bit. But I'm going to post my question anyway because somebody might just answer it.

So here's the story: My computer was incredibly low on space, and I unistalled a lot of programs, which means that I didn't keep such great track of a lot of discs. Now that I have a new computer, I want to reinstall all of my old programs. But I cant. The disc that came with my printer is waaaaay too scratched to work, so now I need a new printer. And my Sims 2 disc 1 is just plain gone (I do have the serial code thingy and the other 3 discs, but what good do they do now?). So to make sure that this never happens again, I would like to make backups of all my software. The only problem is-- how?

Is it possible to just copy whole discs? Or do I need certain files? And would it be wrong to download files for the Sims and burn them, since I really did buy the game? If I did that, how would I burn them? :confused: :confused: :confused:

HI,
I do believe you, because more things can happen that no one would believe!; unless they have been around computers for awhile.
As you said, you can't reinstall a lot of your programs because the install CD's aren't available. If you have proof that you bought these CD's, you can try finding phone numbers or email addresses, for those. They might work with you on replacing them free, or for a lower fee. Just a thought.
As to the Sims 1, I would go to the Sims website, look for a phone number or email address, try that route for getting another Sims Disc 1.
Maybe your other Sims discs has some infor on them, to know who to call.
If any install CD's are copywrited, then you can't copy them to other CD's.
Also, in order to copy any CD, or program, you will need a burner drive.
I do wish you the very best.

The files for your printer are not a problem since 99% of all printer manufacters have their available for download from their website. As for your Sims 2 CD1 issue you could look for a friend that has the same CD and make a copy. That would be cool since you have your own key to use for it. Getting disk copies form the 'net or from p2p is dangerous because nefarious people can add files to the installation that can open security holes in your PC.

As Need said, you should be able to get the drivers from the printer mfg, so you won't need a new printer. You can make backup copies of most software disks without a problem. Software that you downloaded can also be written to disk in their original download form.

If you have commercial programs where you lost or damaged a CD, most vendors will replace them (assuming you registered) at a nominal fee.

I heard of a guy that copies all cds as soon as he gets them and uses the copy while the oiginal is in a main locked cabinet always

I do sort of the same thing I got a 300 gig external hd and I use nero to make imiges of all cds that are imoirtant emough so that I can bur them later. I save all my music pictures school word files and cd images onto this hd

Ok... most of you nice people probably arent going to believe a word i say, and i dont blame you one bit. But im going to post my question anyways because somebody might just answer it.

So heres the story: My computer was incredibly low on space, and i unistalled a lot of programs, which means that i didnt keep such great track of a lot of discs. Now that i have a new computer, i want to reinstall all of my old programs. But i cant. The disc that came with my printer is waaaaay too scratched to work, so now i need a new printer. And my Sims 2 disc 1 is just plain gone (i do have the serial code thingy and the other 3 discs, but what good do they do now?). So to make sure that this never happens again, i would like to make backups of all my software. The only problem is-- how??

Is it possible to just copy whole discs? Or do i need certain files? And would it be wrong to download files for the Sims and burn them, since i really did buy the game? If i did that, how would i burn them?? :confused: :confused: :confused:

As you said, we cannot rely on CDs as they can go scratched, break into pieces or even get misplaced/ stolen. The best option is to subscribe to a reputed online storage service, they keep our data securely in their data centers.

We can retrieve the data whenever required or even share them with our friends and partners. This is the online storage (http://www.ibackup.com) service I use for years, if you are interested then try it with the trail offer.