How to run 'Sims 3' on a MBA using networked DVD drive?

[TheChillPill]

Hi Folks,

I bought my wife a MacBook Air (11") for xmas, and as she loves the 'Sims' games, she's trying to run it on the MBA (I will point out however that the Sims games are not my cup of tea!).

She has successfully installed the game by sharing the DVD drive on the iMac, and gone on to download any updates successfully.

However, she can't seem to get it to run. The game obviously requires the DVD in the drive to play, so she has again put that in the iMac and shared it. However, when she tries to play it gives a 'disc not authorised' error and asks to insert the 'World Expansions Game Disc' (she has tried with both the expansion disc and the original game disc, same error on both).

I've had a brief look at it myself, and I'm stumped. I've found a few threads suggesting others are doing it this way without a problem.

Any pointers much appreciated!

 

[mattydee87]

Hi Folks,

I bought my wife a MacBook Air (11") for xmas, and as she loves the 'Sims' games, she's trying to run it on the MBA (I will point out however that the Sims games are not my cup of tea!).

She has successfully installed the game by sharing the DVD drive on the iMac, and gone on to download any updates successfully.

However, she can't seem to get it to run. The game obviously requires the DVD in the drive to play, so she has again put that in the iMac and shared it. However, when she tries to play it gives a 'disc not authorised' error and asks to insert the 'World Expansions Game Disc' (she has tried with both the expansion disc and the original game disc, same error on both).

I've had a brief look at it myself, and I'm stumped. I've found a few threads suggesting others are doing it this way without a problem.

Any pointers much appreciated!

I don't see why it wouldn't work, especially since others have it working no problem. This is what annoys me about games like this, even with my MacBook Pro which has a built in optical drive.

I haven't got anything to suggest, however my MacBook Air should get delivered either next week and I will share the Sims 3 via my MacBook Pro and see how it goes for me and let you know if it works okay.

 

[TheChillPill]

Thanks for the reply (and PM, which I've replied to separately).

I agree with the frustration - and they wonder why people pirate stuff!

 

[ditzy]

The Sims are available for direct download legally. You don't need a DVD.

 

[mattydee87]

The Sims are available for direct download legally. You don't need a DVD.

True but if you've already got a DVD copy, why pay again for the digital version? Why should you have to pay twice?

 

[angrylawyer]

I may be mistaken, but I believe certain games on Steam are available for download for free if you have a serial key already.

Although you can always just find a no-cd crack for it, and you shouldn't feel bad about it since you legally purchased the game.

 

[fs454]

Just download a no-CD patch. google it.

 

[mattydee87]

Just download a no-CD patch. google it.

No good for getting updates though of or if you wanna get new items etc.

 

[mattydee87]

I may be mistaken, but I believe certain games on Steam are available for download for free if you have a serial key already.

Although you can always just find a no-cd crack for it, and you shouldn't feel bad about it since you legally purchased the game.

Yep you are very right, but generally every game I've tried to add (including the Sims 3) would not activate on Steam unfortunately

 

[sharvil]

Or you can try looking for a virtual CD/DVD drive emulator software for mac.
I am not aware of any - google (or your preferred search engine) is your best bet.

I don't think disk utility emulates a physical drive.

ETA: Last option, buy the external superdrive.