I don't know if this is allowed or not, but I was wondering how one would "backup" the client and keep it from updating to future revisions.
If I were to archive the client files, what exactly would I need to keep? I'm due for a reformat and do not want to go through the whole 19 hour downloading process again.
If this subject is unacceptable, feel free to delete it, please. I tried doing a search and nothing came up. I think it would be a good addition to a "FAQ" of some sort. For future reference of course.

To prevent the client from updateing past 4523L/4530L, don't run EQ2.exe. Its that simple. Use Everquest2.exe to run the game, and you will never enter the patcher.
As far as backing it up, personally, I was able to compress the EQ2 directory just enough to fit on a Dual Layer DVD (8.5 GB), so that is my backup of choice.

ZexisStryfe wrote:As far as backing it up, personally, I was able to compress the EQ2 directory just enough to fit on a Dual Layer DVD (8.5 GB), so that is my backup of choice.

What did you use to compress EQ2? When I did it with a RAR program, I barely got it below 9GB.

Oy... spilled soda on my desk and lost my post...
Anyway, I used WinRAR to zip it up, set on maximum compression. Before doing so I did some house-cleaning in my EQ2 directory, however. If you have a Test Server folder delete that, along with any of the character preference files (CHARACTERNAME_SERVER files)and custom UI folders (leaving only the Default UI folder) that you may have. If you still cannot get your file below 8.5GB, try using a secondary zip program such as WinACE to compress it further. You won't get a whole lot more compression, but every little bit helps.
PS- WinZIP is useless. ZIP files cannot be the size needed for the EQ2 directory.
Let me know if this helps.

What about KGB Archiver? or UHARC? There both free and legal to use and they compress a lot more than what winRar would do.

I think I may have worded it wrong, or you misinterpreted my question.
Although I already knew about running EverQuest2.exe, the problem lies in reinstalling the game and keeping it from updating to the current live client version - hence the comment about downloading for 19 hours in my second paragraph of the opening topic.
So basically, if I reformat my HDD and need a specific client build, are you saying I can just copy the whole EverQuest II directory and run EverQuest2.exe again without any worries, registry entries and all that?
I know I can just back up the .vpk files since it's the patch data for the EQ2 client, but if I were to install the game again from the free downloader, there's no way to "stop" it from getting the latest client.

So basically, if I reformat my HDD and need a specific client build, are you saying I can just copy the whole EverQuest II directory and run EverQuest2.exe again without any worries, registry entries and all that?

Yes, you can just copy the entire contents of the EverQuest II directory and run EverQuest2.exe and you are good to go for the emu.
The registry entries are for uninstalling EQ2 using the control panel Add/Remove programs applet.

Naturally, having adequate drive space (or even a spare HDD) goes a long way to re-installing everything. How I am setup is, my OS drive (C: drive) has my OS and Live games. Small 10,000rpm Raptor for speed. All my test/dev apps are installed on a D: drive, which is a raid0 sata II setup.
Everytime I nuke my OS (which is a ghost image of a completely installed WinXP patched/drivers), all I have to do is install EQ2 into it's Live dir on C:, and copy whatever I backed up onto my $99 500GB D: drive (hint: drives are cheap - buy many)
Of course, maybe this is all tip-toeing around getting someone to say "this-file, that-file" so you can package it up, distribute a compatible client, breaking software piracy laws... but I am sure that's not what you meant.

Thanks, Zcoretri! That's exactly what I needed to know.
And no, John, that's not what I meant. Heh. My idea is to have a working client I can enjoy the emulator with even if I chose to play live (which I'm contemplating on with some old guild friends from live EQ1 - being the main Cleric of your guild is such a busy task, lol). Basically to have something set up much like you do.
I just needed to know if I could back up the whole directory without any consequences to registry installation stuff and what not, when I copy the whole folder back over after I reformat.
Thanks guys! I'm sure someone might find this info handy later on down the line.