HypersomniacLive: Ok, here we go:

If you're on Win7, you can create an iso file following the instructions here - I've never tried it though, I use ImgBurn. If you decide to use ImgBurn:

1. Download it and install it, watching out to decline any other offers you might get. If you trust yourself, you can just extract the installer with 7zip and get a fully-working portable version.
2. After you have ImgBurn up and running, follow the instructions given here (that's the official instructions with screenshots and all).
3. If everything goes well, you'll end up with TITLE.iso file, where TITLE is the name you chose.

Now you need an app that can mount virtual drives. I personally use WinCDEmu (the portable version).
-- Instructions on how to install WinCDEmu - here.
-- Instructions on how to mount and iso file with WinCDEmu - here.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Darvond: Now, with the chances that Microsoft would even cooperate with GOG being, let's be honest, low, is it Acceptable to discuss the matter of using a 'no cd patch' to remove that tiny annoyance, B, Valid to be pointed in the general direction of an unmalicious file, or C, possible within the files already contained and installed.

Darvond: Yes, but how am I supposed to use that file to fool the game into thinking that it's actually reading from a true CD?

HypersomniacLive: By mounting the iso file:
When you mount an iso file using a CD/DVD emulator (like WinCDEmu), a virtual drive is created (you can see it in your Windows Explorer, with a drive letter and label assigned to it). Since it acts like an actual drive, it allows you to access the contents of the iso file as if it was your actual CD/ DVD (you can install your game using the files from the virtual drive, i.e. essentially from within the iso file). You will be able to run the game without the actual CD in the tray so long as you keep the iso file mounted (i.e. so long as you keep that virtual drive up).

It's kind of fooling your PC into thinking that you're running the game with the actual CD in the tray.

Hope it's clearer now, yes? ... or not?

ChrisSD: If you bought and own the game it is absolutely ethical for you to do what ever the hell you want with it provided it's for you own personal use.

Break the DRM? Fine. Mod the game? Fine. Create your own virtual animal porn? Fine.

Darvond: Pretty crystal.

Spinorial: Published by Microsoft, circa 2001, you're probably looking at something like Safedisc as DRM. If mounting the iso doesn't work, there's ways to make a more-exact image, but it will take more effort and tries. You'd be better served just getting the crack. Before that, look for any patches or fan-patches - these might have the disc-check removed.