Advice requested re having two copies of TRS2004 on one computer.

ray_whiley

Active member
Following the sad demise of my built-in CD/DVD drive with my TRS2004 CD inside and unable to retrieve it - and consequently deprived of my daily dose of Trainz - I would like to know whether it is possible to install a second copy of the same version ie. TRS2004 on the same computer using, of course, an external CD drive. (This would be using a back-up which I bought as a safeguard after reading of someone having a cracked CD, so there would be a different serial number.) Would the original have to be uninstalled? Could the new one be installed on the same hard drive or would it be preferable to use an external hard drive? Would my custom content and downloads folders still be accessible if indeed a second installation was possible? Pending professional help and no doubt a new CD/DVD drive (and I will have the memory upgraded and a graphics card installed at the same time instead of using shared graphics memory) I would be grateul for advice from anyone who has experience of installing two copies of the same version.

Many thanks.

Ray
 
It is very easy to open a dead CD/DVD drive. There is a very tiny little hole on the front plate. Insert a straightened paper clip into it and gently press against the release. The door will pop open and you can get your CD.

EDIT: I also think that two copies of the same software would not work. When you install aomething, it will put entries in your registry (and other places) that point to the installed executable. When you put the second one on your system, it would obliterate the pointers in the registry to the original installation.

Bill
 
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Thanks for the advice, Bill. I knew about the paper-clip way of opening a dead CD drive and tried it, but it didn't work. There is actually no hole in the front plate like illustrations of this technique show, just a very tiny 'cutout' (I can't think of any other way to describe it) in the top edge slightly to the left of the opening button, and this is where I tried it. Pressing the opening button causes some activity inside as though the drive is trying to open, but nothing happens. A paper-clip just fits in this cutout, but meets with nothing inside. I'm wondering whether the CD has shattered?

Also thanks for the advice about having two copies. After thinking things over, I realise that it would probably not be possible to uninstall without access to the CD as my version of TRS2004 requires the CD to be in the drive in order to run. Trying to access it at present brings up the message that there is no CD in the drive.

Time to call in the experts I think.

Ray
 
Hi Ray,

Just a couple of thoughts...

1) You have a valid 2004 serial number (from the JustTrainz version) - and CD Key

2) All you need are the program discs - so you can buy a second-hand (used) copy of TRS 2004. You can't re-register this serial - but that's not a problem because you already have one!

Try e-Bay

3) If the internal CD/DVD drive is dead, then it's straightforward to remove it from the PC Case (open PC case - screws at back, remove the 2 or 4 screws holding the drive in place, remove the 2 cables - one ribbon, one power).

A new DVD writer drive (internal IDE isn't very expensive)

4) re-fit a new one (same process in reverse)

5) take the dead CD/DVD drive, and you can now open it (any way you like!) and remove the CD.

6) I believe it is possible to have 2 installs of the same software (e.g. TRS 2004) but I can't remember how....

HTH

Colin
 
You can have 23 installs of the same version of Trainz on your pc, if you so wish.

You also do not need to re-install.

Just create a new folder werever you wish to have it running, call the folder something unique, TRS2004-2 etc.

Then copy and paste all the files from the first install into that folder.

Run it from its own exe file and it will work perfectly well.

IKB.
 
Many thanks for the advice.

Colin - I already have a second copy of TRS2004 on CD, bought as a backup in case the first CD cracked or something, as I have read happened to someone else. Thanks for the instructions on installing a new drive - I suppose that in my eightieth year I am less confident than younger enthusiasts about delving into the depths of the computer case!

IKB - again, thank you. As far as I can see it, the problem of copying all the folders from the first install and running the TRS2004 second copy from there is that my version requires the CD to be in the drive, unless you are suggesting that having the alternative (bought) CD in a second drive would be accepted? It's a pity the CD had to be there - I believe some copies, depending on the supplier, do not require this.

Ray
 
The "other" copy of TRS2004 in your new drive should be detected just fine as long as the new drive picks up the same drive letter. (Don't have both drives connected)

If you really want a no copy protect version (personally I hate having the CD in the drive all the time - I have several programs that require this and I'm always swapping disks) I would suggest you buy a copy of "Trainz - The complete collection". This includes no copy protection versions of UTC, TRS2004, Paintshed , TRS2006, bonus 2004 content and Trainz Routes 1-4 (whatever they are - not installed mine).

Can't remember the exact price I paid for mine - bought because I was worried my disk might break also. These are (or were a few months back) available on ebay for I think about 7 or 8 pounds plus postage.
 
Oh right sorry Ray, thought you were refering to the Auran version of Trainz.

Not the JT crippled "disc in drive" version. ;)

Auran are quite happy for you to have as many versions as you like on one pc.

They do not add copy protection to their versions of the cd\dvd distribution method.

cheers,
Mike.
 
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