Virtual CD

[rjs]

Given the lack of a built in optical drive, what is the best way to deal with software that requires a CD to be accessible during runtime?

[jdhurst]

One way is to map the CD of another machine to your current machine. I have used that method to install software that had to be installed off CD.
... JD Hurst

[bhtooefr]

A No-CD patch? It's technically legal if you really own the software.

Otherwise, rip an ISO of the CD, and use the Microsoft Virtual CDRom Control Panel (it's free, and it works. If you've got Nero, use ImageDrive, as it's a lot nicer.) It "requires" XP, but I use it on 2000

[schleptop]

Or try Daemon-Tools - do a google. It's free and very versatile. Very useful for something like a language learning CD-ROM when you have an X40 and don't want to carry extra baggage.