How to download the Cataclysm files pre-launch

[Enya]

1. Close World of Warcraft and/or the launcher and background downloader.
2. Open your World of Warcraft folder, eg: C:\Games\World of Warcraft\WTF\
3. Edit Launcher.wtf and change the "accountType" line from LK to CT.
4. Edit Config.wtf and change the "accountType" line from LK to CT.

Also according to WoW-Insider show (podcast) this is totally legit even if you do not have the digital download thing.

 

[Chuchurocket]

Blizzards amazing U-turns on what they decide is legal or not makes me hesitantm that and the fact the first place i saw this was mmowned.

 

[Windzarko]

I'd like to point out that what's being downloaded there isn't "Cataclysm" per se, but more like patch 4.0.3a. There aren't separate game clients for non-expansion and expansion installs, it's always just a singular game client, with your access to areas and other expansion-specific content limited by the serial keys tied to your account.

Therefore, this IS legal in every sense as you are, in effect, just preloading the next major patch. It's the same as if you buy a boxed copy; the disc inside doesn't even need to ever see use, since you can patch the game ahead of time and then just whack the serial key into your account once account management will accept it.