mafia disc 1 a2.dta file.....help please

[Randluin]

I got the game Mafia and in disc 1 during installation a2.dta file freezes and stops installing cdirom stops reading and after 15 minutes i'm pretty sure it's not gonna start reading again anyways its a cyclic redundancy error (disk scratch). the disk has minor scrathes (typical transfer from case to cd-rom, etc.) well can anyone help me get the file so i can try to bypass that and make sure it is just that file(a2.dta). Thanks :confused: :confused: :confused:

[apocalypse]

You may want to make an image of that disc using Nero, Alcohol 120%, CloneCD, or something like that.

In many instances the disc imaging software will read that error and be able to spend more time analyzing it that the normal install will. I have had two disc that this had happened to in the past and each time I was able to make an image of the original and then back up a copy.

The only other option I can think of is to buy one of the disc scratch removal tools. You'll find mixed reviews, but of course compare the cost of a new game and the scratch removal tool.

[Someone Stupid]

Mafia is cheap enough now that I'd just grab another copy instead of hoping one of those polishing tools will work. I've yet to find one which will work to any real degree at all and have given up long ago on one coming out that will work.

[Rabbitrunner51]

In additional response to a very good question about a problem we all could have some day.. I agree with just going out and getting another copy somewhere. It is cheap enough.. and to voice my strong opinion if I may...; This game is and will always be one of my all time favorite games. It is that good. Shelling out some more dough is a no brainer. It is worth more than what they are getting for it new now anyways STILL.

Previously in another post I had asked about something similar in that my game FarCry.., which is again in my top three all time great game list, has a unfixable scratch on the fifth disk. its really a shame, but i can get the game for about $12.00 new or used ( whichever), and just may have to do that if any of the tools described here or elsewhere do not work.

Its been said many times by others that what we all should do is backup our disks in case these things happen..but I find that to be too mundane for me as that would take forever with all the games I have..and I am not inclined to do so anyway.

If indeed you got a new game or even a used game that does not load properly, or has scratches or defects..then I would myself return the merchandise to the sender and demand a refund or at least try and get a replacement if possible. ;)

[Rabbitrunner51]

Randluin... haven't theard back from you about whether you fixed our problem or just bought another copy...but check this out.

remember in my first replay above I said my fifth disk was scratched beyond repair for the game Far Cry??? well read on...

My friend upstairs where I live took it upon himself to find out some answers and I guess there is a program or method of finding just the files on that disk and doing a backup copy. of course this requires going to a certain site ( I can give you the details later if you want ) ,and he did mine and it came out exactly the same as the origianal. Now the hardest part of this is that if the game maker has a portection thing on the disk ( and they most do nowadays ) , then i'm sure it still can be done.

let me know how it all went OK?