Quoted from the Code of Conduct that you agreed to when you signed up.:

NOTE: Requesting files found in the Data folder is fine except in extreme circumstances.

EDIT: Add Mini-FAQ. It is written by Wartrain to address some recurring questions and head off certain posting patterns, and is referenced strictly in US Law & the posted HeavenGames policy. Take a moment to understand these basics before posting.

====================== Mini-FAQ of 8 Common Questions ============================

1. Can I *ask* HOW to make a backup of copy-protected game disks in any HeavenGames Forum?
No!

2. OK then, may I PM, Message, e-mail etc. any HG people about it?
No. Absolutely not.

3. How do I back up copy protected disks -- I live in the US, I legally own the game, and I just wish to exercise my federally-granted right to maintain a personal archival copy of software I legally own.
You rights are indeed spelled out in Title 17 (Primarily Title 117, Ch. 1, § 117 (c)), and balanced against the rights of the authors of the digital intellectual property (e.g., games), but HeavenGames is NOT the place to ask or discuss the hows. The Code of Conduct makes it clear. The HG CoC concerning this is printed at the top of this post, for easy reference.

4. Wait a minute. Activision itself posts a "Desktop Install". In it, they say to simply copy the files of all 3 disks into one folder, and I can fully install the game! So they give their consent!
A. The Activision install files themselves are able to be copied; this behavior is by design.
B. The CD#1 is Activision's federally-allowed way of protecting its intellectual property under the US Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA)... if you possess the legal, CD#1, special digital rights management (DRM) software will validate it, and allow the game to be played.
C. The Activision EULA did not consent to evading their DRM protection for illegal use (piracy).

5. But *my* use is LEGAL!
HeavenGames and the moderators are in no position to determine that. Moreover, the Forums are for discussion (not replication) of the games. Consult Activision or some other source (perhaps an Intellectual Property attorney) if your use is legal.

6. What is the DMCA (Public Law 105-304)?
Highlights Generally (source: The UCLA Online Institute for Cyberspace Law and Policy):
· Makes it a crime to circumvent anti-piracy measures built into most commercial software.
· Outlaws the manufacture, sale, or distribution of code-cracking devices used to illegally copy software.
· Provides exemptions from anti-circumvention provisions for nonprofit libraries, archives, and educational institutions under certain circumstances.
· In general, limits Internet service providers from copyright infringement liability for simply transmitting information over the Internet.
· States explicitly that "[n]othing in this section shall affect rights, remedies, limitations, or defenses to copyright infringement, including fair use..."

7. What does all that mean? I don't even comprehend your summary, much less the full DMCA law, Title 17, and current court rulings!!!
Hey! Simple answer... just follow the HG Code of Conduct!

8. But I still want to debate it.
Read the laws, both from your perspective as a legal game owner, and from Congress' perspective of protecting the intellectual property of the owners (like CA and Activion!). Then go to a OT Forum, like the baths... and don't violate the CoC when you discuss it.

[This message has been edited by Wartrain (edited 12-28-2005 @ 11:26 PM).]