How to make a software not to run without a cd

[intern3t]

Good day, is there a way to make a software in a CD not to run without inserting the CD in the CD rom? like for example, you have a software in a cd, which can only be run when the cd is inserted.

[ayu]

Well, an easy way would be to have the software detect the default CD/DVD drive, and then check for a certain file there needed to run the program.

[reparto]

SecuROM supposedly works by having some kind of signature applied to the disc during manufacturing and then using that signature to decrypt the encrypted executable code and then execute it (most likely from the stack).

Generally speaking DRM works in the following way:
Give the user a unique signature
When software is run, verify signature
If signature is associated with a licence then run software

DRM can be cracked in several ways, it can be possible to bypass the verification process, the actual code of the software can be extracted, it is also possible to find the algorithms behind generating signatures (keygens)
Currently, the strongest form of DRM involves commiting the user to require an internet connection, for example, Sim City 2013 has its save files stored on a remote server and so you cannot play offline without first connecting to a server. However, forcing an internet connection isn't considered "fair" amongst gamers even though most gamers have decent internet connections.

Finally, a few wise words from Gabe Newell: "Piracy is a distribution problem". People are more likely to pirate software when it is difficult for the consumer to use or purchase it, if the DRM solution makes purchasing or using software difficult then people are more likely to pirate it. E.g. Steam and maybe iTunes to an extent