Copy-proof CD’s not so copy-proof?

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on February 25, 2002). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

I just thought this was interesting. I found a thread on the HTF today (which has since been deleted) — apparently the new ‘copy proof’ CD’s can be copied with some old software. The copies may actually be better than the original CD’s, too! Here’s the info:

disclaimer: I’m posting this so others can make back-up copies of cds they legally own.

I picked up More Fast and the Furious mainly to see if I could crack the copy-proof measures the labels feel they must take. I first tried to playing it in my computer and dvd player to make sure it was copy-proof, and it was, it wouldn’t play in either. I then tried ripping the cd with Adaptec, and Exact Audio Copy (EAC), and each one errored out. I next tried ripping the cd with EAC’s error correction mode, and even this didn’t work, I was starting to believe these cds were copy-proof.

I decided to then try an old (from 1997) cd copier I had laying around, NTI (Newtech Infosystems) Cd-maker. It was so old I had to download a patch to get disc-at-once burning. Surprisingly it worked perfectly, even copying the cd-rom portion of the disc. It may even have applied some error correction to the copy I made because I was able to copy, and rip the “copy” in anything I tried after that.

So spread the word, copy-proof cds are anything but. I wonder, would it be ethical to now get my guaranteed refund? Only kidding.