Inquiring about a StarCraft install disc (Piracy?)

[Smurvis]

Here is my question:

I need some form of a StarCraft disc... like an ISO image.

Here's my dilemna:

I bought both games a long time ago with the SC Battle Chest. Through all my moving stuff around, I can't find the original disc. I've still got my receipts from way back when I bought it (as I do with all my games), but I just can't find the DISC. I even have the case to StarCraft AND StarCraft: Brood War, and the Brood War disc.

I had all the files copied over when I formatted my computer, but it's missing the stuff that installing puts into RegEdit or whatever... so the files aren't good enough. It won't let me update to the latest version without reinstalling... which means I can't play without reinstalling.


So my question is... is it illegal to ask for the ISO to burn to a disc to install? Or ask for a place to find it? I'd always heard if you own the original then it's ok... but I've also heard that the only copy you are allowed to own is a direct copy that you made from your original game. Not sure which is which.

So if this is an illegal request, feel free to close the topic. If it's not... can anyway help?

[thetruecoolness]

Re: Inquiring about a StarCraft install disc (Piracy?)

Still pretty sure it's Illegal. Mainly because though it is legal to have one backup copy of some disc you own, it is illegal to bypass copyright protection. So the law on back up copies is very vauge there, favoring the corporations in this respect since you only own the disc not the content. So though it seems dumb since you did actually buy the game, it would probably still fall under illegal.

Basically the companies and government weren't ready for an age where copying of material is so easy to do so they did not have the time to really think through an effective law for copyright protection so both parties benefit.

So though it maybe legal chances are it is not techinically and therefore these boards would not be able to condone such action. I know Nintendo also spoke out about copying their games, even though you own them.

"Can I Download a Nintendo ROM from the Internet if I Already Own the Authentic Game?

There is a good deal of misinformation on the Internet regarding the backup/archival copy exception. It is not a "second copy" rule and is often mistakenly cited for the proposition that if you have one lawful copy of a copyrighted work, you are entitled to have a second copy of the copyrighted work even if that second copy is an infringing copy. The backup/archival copy exception is a very narrow limitation relating to a copy being made by the rightful owner of an authentic game to ensure he or she has one in the event of damage or destruction of the authentic. Therefore, whether you have an authentic game or not, or whether you have possession of a Nintendo ROM for a limited amount of time, i.e. 24 hours, it is illegal to download and play a Nintendo ROM from the Internet.

Are Game Copying Devices Illegal?

Yes. Game copiers enable users to illegally copy video game software onto floppy disks, writeable compact disks or the hard drive of a personal computer. They enable the user to make, play and distribute illegal copies of video game software which violates Nintendo's copyrights and trademarks. These devices also allow for the uploading and downloading of ROMs to and from the Internet. Based upon the functions of these devices, they are illegal. "

From http://www.nintendo.com/corp/legal.jsp

So even though they claim it is legal for you to make a backup copy of your game you own if you do it, it is also illegal to make such a product putting the consumer in a catch22. So essentially they say you can but do not give you the means to do so. Of course this has been in debate for a while, but in the end the company does not have to provide you with a way to make an archival copy just because the medium they use is subject to wear, in the same way a manufacturer of an actual product does not have to give you another item of the same type, or tell you how to make one, unless it's under warrenty. So while it may not seem "fair" many things aren't. Services like Direct to Drive are trying to change this, but if they go out of business or their server goes down you're still sunk.

So while you may argue they should do things like this for easily replicatable products like computer data, there is no law or statute that says they have to. Capitalism strikes again.

So, to make a long story short, yeah it's probably illegal.

[Smurvis]

Re: Inquiring about a StarCraft install disc (Piracy?)

Well I think that pretty much covers it up then.

You can lock this then Valk.

[d2king10]

Re: Inquiring about a StarCraft install disc (Piracy?)

Who cares? its not like you will be struck down by lightning if you do it...