Andy [Ex-MSFT]
10/9/2007 7:14:00 PM
"Tessiero" <Tessiero@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:CA1FDC40-2E37-4B66-8AF5-DE1494A76916@microsoft.com...
> You've been an enourmous help! I've tried with EA games but they're
> locking
> threads, banning people and basically trying to sweep the whole thing
> under
> the rug. I would never allow SONY to have access to my computer (not after
> the whole FTC settlement re/Sony BMG where they installed stuff without
> consent or knowledge) You'd think they'd learn.
> Sounds like this might be on alot of games..........I hate Sony. (BMG,
> DACD
> whatever) All of 'em. I did find a removal method online so it's all gone
> now. *keeping fingers crossed that my Vista machine is okay*
> Thanks,
> Tess
>
>
> "Pikey Joe" wrote:
>
>> "Tessiero" <Tessiero@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:CB9B6361-C4CE-46CD-B1B8-9FF55F5FA71A@microsoft.com...
>> > Why is it behaving like a rootkit? Disabling drives, killing software
>> > programs that are legit and most unbelievable to me, NOT ALLOWING ME TO
>> > PLAY
>> > A LEGALLY PURCHASED GAME!!!! I bought this game!!! I paid for it!!! and
>> > it
>> > keeps telling me my CD version is not "the correct version" I'm beside
>> > mysef......then to find out that SecuROM can't be removed? (there are
>> > root
>> > keys inside my HKEY_USERS registry files that can't be removed) This is
>> > a
>> > brand new Dell w/Vista. I'm freaking out.
>> > I need to know if this is harmful in anyway to Vista.
>> > Thanks for your help,
>> > Tess
>>
>>
>> As I understand it, SecuROM won't run any software that it's supposed to
>> be
>> protecting if there is anything else running which it's designers thought
>> *may* be used for hacking. It also doesn't allow anything to run which
>> might allow you to see what it's doing (Process Explorer being the the
>> most
>> often quoted example). Maybe try rebooting your machine and closing any
>> services associated with Nero etc? Failing that I suggest the tech
>> support
>> site for The Sims.
>>
>> SecuROM will provide an uninstall tool if you demand one loudly enough,
>> but
>> this still won't remove the dodgy registry keys. I haven't used it
>> because
>> I still play the game occasionally (and can't be bothered to search for a
>> crack).
>>
>> My Vista system got it's SecuROM infection from F.E.A.R., but other than
>> managing to piss me off enormously by it's presence, it doesn't seem to
>> have
>> done any harm. It's a bit of a pain to have to reboot if I've had
>> Process
>> Explorer running though.
>>
>> Don't misunderstand me, I'm not defending SecuROM - in fact I think
>> anyone
>> who decides to use this kind of 'rootkit-like' software on a legitimate
>> buyer's PC should be smashed repeatedly in the face with a brick.
>>
>> Sorry I can't be more help.
>> --
>> Joe
I should add in hind-sight, I think some game makers are finally starting to
wise up. Oblivion never came with CD protection, though you had to keep the
CD inserted to play (even though it never reads off the CD during play), so
game developers are wising up, the problem is big publishers are publically
held companies and copy protection is, and has always been one way to prove
to the money holders that they are trying to combat a real problem.
Bittorrent isn't helping, but what can you do. Buy the good games, return
the ones that piss you off.
I don't think your Vista will be messed up, Your dell comes with a restore
CD anyways, if your system is really messed up, backup your files to a thumb
drive and do a restore.
-A.