Redump: Archive New [extra Quality]

The Redump project is a disc preservation initiative dedicated to creating a comprehensive, accurate database of optical media. For a new user looking to "archiving" (dumping) or downloading "archives," this guide covers both ends of the process. 1. Downloading Redump Archives (Archive.org)

Most Redump-verified sets are hosted on the Internet Archive.

Search Strategy: Use specific keywords like redump 2020 or system-specific queries like redump gamecube to find "assemblies" or full sets.

Login Required: You must be logged in to your Archive.org account to download large sets or ISO files. redump archive new

Preferred Formats: While Redump typically provides .iso or .bin/.cue images, many modern archives offer CHD (Compressed Hunks of Data) format. CHD files are significantly smaller (saving 40-50% space) and are supported by most modern emulators like RetroArch and PCSX2. 2. Archiving Your Own Discs (Redumping)

If you have a rare disc not in the database, follow these steps to contribute a "New Dump." Hardware & Tools

Compatible Drive: Use a drive that supports accurate reading. Redump maintainers keep a List of Compatible Drives for various media. Core Software: The Redump project is a disc preservation initiative

redumper: A modern CLI tool that automates the detection and dumping process.

DiscImageCreator (DIC): The standard tool for high-accuracy dumps.

MPF (Media Preservation Frontend): A user-friendly graphical interface for DIC. Submission Process for New Users Key Objectives:

Key Objectives:

Preservation: The primary goal is to preserve video games, especially those that are becoming obsolete due to aging hardware and the degradation of physical media.
Accuracy: Redump emphasizes the accuracy of the game data. This involves rigorous verification processes to ensure that the dumped game data is complete and free from corruption.
Cataloging: The project also involves cataloging and documenting game metadata, such as game titles, release dates, and regional variations.

4. The "New" Archive: Managing Growth and Variants

A significant aspect of Redump’s ongoing work involves the categorization and integration of "new" entries. The archive is not static; it expands daily through several vectors:

3.1 DIC (Disc Image Creator) and Drive Firmware

Redump relies on specialized software, most notably DIC (Disc Image Creator), developed specifically for the project. DIC communicates directly with the optical drive firmware to read sectors that standard operating system drivers ignore.

Subchannel Data: DIC extracts subchannel data (P-W channels) which often contains copy protection mechanisms (like SecuROM or LibCrypt) or hidden track information. Standard rippers often discard this data.
Error Handling: DIC can read and log C2 errors (uncorrectable read errors), allowing archivists to identify physical damage on the source disc rather than silently corrupting the image.

How to Update Your Collection to the "New" Standard

If you already have a Redump set from 2020, it is likely obsolete. Here is how to upgrade to the Redump Archive New:

Download a ROM Manager: Get ROMVault (Windows/Linux/Mac friendly). Do not use outdated tools like ROMCenter.
Get the New DATs: Go to Dat-o-Matic -> Redump -> [System] -> "Latest." Download the .dat file.
Rebuild: Point ROMVault at your old Redump folder. It will identify which files have changed CRCs.
Fill the gaps: You will see hundreds of "Missing" files. These are the new dumps. You will need to hunt these specifically via BitTorrent (search for "Redump [System] 2025 pack").