Patch 5.4 patch notes
Virtual Realms feature revealed
The Proving Grounds are coming
The latest patch 5.4 newsWant to preload Cataclysm without pre-ordering? Here's how
by Michael Sacco 
Oct 29th 2010 at 4:00PM
Pre-orders for the Cataclysm digital upgrade are officially open, and you can start downloading the remainder of the expansion's data the moment your purchase goes through. But what if you're awaiting a Collector's Edition or you don't have the money to upgrade online right now? You don't want to be left waiting for Cataclysm to download and install on launch night.
Thankfully, we've got you covered. There's an easy way to preload all the data you'll need to play Cataclysm the moment it goes live on midnight Dec. 7. Just follow these easy steps:
- Make sure World of Warcraft and/or the launcher and background downloader are completely closed.
- Open up your World of Warcraft folder.
- Open Launcher.wtf in Notepad and change the "accountType" line from LK to CT.
- Open Config.wtf in Notepad and change the "accountType" line from LK to CT.
Remember: This will only give you the necessary files to play Cataclysm. It will not upgrade your account and you will not be able to access Cataclysm features. You still need to buy the game if you want to play on launch day.
Thanks to Lemon King for the tip!
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will destroy Azeroth as we know it; nothing will be the same! In WoW Insider's Guide to Cataclysm, you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion (available Dec. 7, 2010), from brand new races to revamped quests and zones. Visit our Cataclysm news category for the most recent posts having to do with the Cataclysm expansion.Filed under: Cataclysm
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 10)
Alison Cousland Oct 29th 2010 4:03PM
Thanks for the help, sackboy. :D
Kantenbauer Oct 29th 2010 4:04PM
And this is "legal" ?
jackfinished Oct 29th 2010 4:32PM
I will MAKE it legal...
Tim {the other Tim} Oct 29th 2010 4:43PM
I AM the LAW!
-Sly
Ice Oct 29th 2010 5:13PM
I dont see why it wouldn't be, your account wont basically change to cata account you will still have to pay for it. All you do here is just DL "cata patch" early but with paying online you can play day 1... I mean minute/hour 1.
Also which reminds me of story.. *puts on glasses*
Our realms first 80 downloaded pirate copy of wrath, had friend of hes go to midnight launch (that are pretty rare on europe in non-capital cities on most countries) and text him the code so he could play on the very minute it came on when noone had wrath even installed or even WENT HOME from launch. Since there was no midnight launch on most cities other people got the game NINE hours after so the guy got 9 hours of leveling time. Glad extreme things like these wont be needed anymore by digital copy legally, cos that was just lame.
Task Oct 29th 2010 4:04PM
Oooohhhh... very sneaky...
Must edit files....
Rathwirt Oct 29th 2010 4:04PM
Blizzard isn't going to freak out and ban us if this flag is sent to Blizzard at login and they see your account doesn't actually have the pre-order, will they?
Lightblood Oct 29th 2010 4:05PM
Seems Shady...
AltairAntares Oct 29th 2010 4:10PM
It's not like you're actually flagging your account as upgraded to Cataclysm (that information is only on blizzard's servers, you'd have to do far worse to do that), all you're doing is telling the client that you're supposed to download the cataclysm client, it'll probably happen anyway if you try to log in on Dec 7th, just now you're doing it ahead of time.
Rathwirt Oct 29th 2010 4:12PM
Found an answer to my own question:
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27495540292&sid=1&pageNo=1#15
Blue response from Customer Service gives this same advice and says it is okay even if you're buying the game at retail.
Snuzzle Oct 29th 2010 4:56PM
Sorry, I must have missed it. Where did he say "even if you're buying retail"?
Snuzzle Oct 29th 2010 4:58PM
Never mind, I found it. Skimming ftl.
Teut Oct 29th 2010 4:05PM
I plan on waiting until the next day to start playing after the expansion but it will still be great getting it all downloaded weeks in advance. Thanks!
russianmana Oct 29th 2010 4:05PM
Simply sublime :P
Michael Oct 29th 2010 4:05PM
where's the launcher.wtf file?
Stoop Oct 29th 2010 4:08PM
all wtf files are in the wtf folder.
I know, wtf were they thinking!?
Kaylin Oct 29th 2010 4:11PM
World of Warcraft\WTF
WTF folder inside the WoW folder.
Michael Oct 29th 2010 4:13PM
I only have the Config.wtf in the WTF folder, is it because I haven't played recently?
Shane Oct 29th 2010 4:48PM
WTF is the deal with the .wtf extension?
Chris M Oct 29th 2010 6:05PM
I don't recall precisely, but I remember reading somewhere it stood for 'Warcraft Technical File(s)', I believe.
Don't quote me on that.