Cannot run Red Alert 2 (different reasons: Insert a CD)

Try running the game in compatibility mode for Windows 7.

Right click the game executable and click properties, compatibility tab, tick the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for, choose Windows 7. Below that, tick Run as administrator also. Apply, Ok.

The default location of the file to modify is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Command and Conquer Red Alert II\game.exe

Hi, thanks for your reply. Unfortunately your solution didn't work, it keeps asking me to insert the CD. Tried compatibility mode as different OS like XP or 98 and still the same.

There may be some software running in Windows that is causing this behaviour.

Try a clean boot before starting the installation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

I checked for any running software that could potentially interfere with the game but couldn't find anything. I tried the clean boot and reinstalling and also didn't work. I guess that as it is, I couldn't play this game on Win 8.1. Also, Yuri Revenge doesn't work quite well, it is super slow, and trying any solution in the posts mentioned above make it unable to run again (freezes on menu) and need to reinstall for it to run again (slow). Don't know if there's anything I can do besides trying to get an older computer to run them. Thanks for trying to help me though, it is nice to see somebody interested in making things work out

I'm running win7 x64. Getting same error. Wants a CD. Have tried as admin no go. Did clean boot no go. DirectX is up to date.

Running geforce 650 graphics 2gb DDR5, 8gb ram, quad core 3.4ghz. A working solution would be appreciated. Thanks

Same problem, all this time later. Yuri's revenge (the only reason I bought the ultimate collection) is now asking for a CD to be inserted. Ummmm..answers please EA or money back c:

I am having the same issues as well.  Tried every fix I can find and nothing has worked.  I was able to play it when the ultimate collection was first released but there seems to have been some sort of change since then.  Would love a solution.  This has been driving me crazy.

1. Close origin
2. Delete the licence files in: C:\ProgramData\Electronic Arts\EA Services\License (mine was named 1001298.dlf) alternatively move them to another folder if you dont want to trust some random on the internet telling you to delete your licence file.
3. When you restart origin it will load the licences as you launch games. Start Red Alert 2

This fixed it for me.

I previously had an old install of Red Alert 2 prior to purchasing Command & Conquer: Ultimate Collection which may have caused the issue.

i tried every solution. even no cd patches. Nothing works. it always asks for the cd. So my solution was to install a VM with WinXP and install it there. not very performant as i dont understand much about vm's, but the only way i can play RA2. Yuri's revenge works without any problems. 
Quite frustrating issue. 

Which version of the game are you running? Origin of CD-ROM?