SHIII under Windows 7 is no problem.

[maillemaker]

There are at least a couple of threads here about SH3 running under Windows 7. I was very nervous buying my new computer that it would not work.

It works just fine.

I re-bought SH3 from Direct2Drive for $10. It was already patched to 1.4b, and does not have the StarForce DRM. Many of the problems people have reported stem from older copies of SH3 that have the StarForce DRM that is not compatible with Windows 7.

My setup:
Asus P6TSE motherboard
Intel i7-930
Nvidia GeForce 5500 GT 1GB
Windows 7 64bit Professional

When I installed SH3, I took the default install directory which is the x86 Program Files folder. I installed GWX 3 Gold on top of that, and it automatically detected the correct install directory.

I didn't do anything special, and it ran "out of the box".

Steve

[Snestorm]

Thanks for the good news.

[RConch]

For those of us that are computer challenged, the released version all patched and no starforce is a blessing. :D

[CybrSlydr]

And for those of us who preordered and bought the game full price when it first came out and got the DVD version, we're screwed.

It's bull****, plain and simple.

I should not be required to purchase a game AGAIN just so it will work.

And if you submit a ticket to Ubi, here's the great part, they give you some sort of bull**** about how it's not supported with Windows 7 and tell you to check your video and sound drivers.

Excuse me?? The problem is Star Force, not my video or sound drivers!!!

[KL-alfman]

have you tried to run a virtual CD/DVD-drive, copy your SH3-disc there and run the Starforce-removal tool?
after that you might be able to install ......

(can't try it myself because first my OS is still XP and second I have a Starforce-free DVD)

[maillemaker]

It's bull****, plain and simple.

Look, I also bought it years ago. The price tag on my box says $39.99.

Yeah, it sucks to have to pay again to buy a version without DRM.

But it's either that or jack around with some StarForce removal tool that might or might not screw up other games that use StarForce.

You can rage against the machine, or drop $10 and be done with it.

Steve

[RConch]

Look, I also bought it years ago. The price tag on my box says $39.99.

Yeah, it sucks to have to pay again to buy a version without DRM.

But it's either that or jack around with some StarForce removal tool that might or might not screw up other games that use StarForce.

You can rage against the machine, or drop $10 and be done with it.

Steve

So true, cough up $10 and be done with it.

[Fincuan]

Or save $10 and follow the stickied instructions on removing SF. If you're afraid of other games breaking only use the no-dvd part of the instructions and not the actual SF-removal tool. That way SH3 will work without needing a DVD and SF remains for games that need it.

edit: Actually if I remember correctly SF-enabled games automatically install, at least the "unpatched" SH3 does, the SF driver if it isn't already installed.

[maillemaker]

All I know is it was zero farting around just buying the $10 game from D2D.

That's half what I spend on a good sushi lunch.

Steve

[CybrSlydr]

You're completely missing the point guys.

It's the principle.

I'm not rebuying a game I already paid full price for. No way, no how, no sir.

There is no reason you should be forced to repurchase your game.

I also tried the SF removal in the above thread - I don't know why, but it didn't work. When I went to remove the Star Force protection, it told me there wasn't anything to remove.

So I installed the 1.4b patch for the US DVD and when I launched the game, it prompted me with the Star Force error.

[maillemaker]

You are right, CybrSlydr (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=213772). Good luck with your battle.

Steve

[Fincuan]

It prompts you with the error because you didn't follow the instructions until the end. If you don't use the no-DVD "patch" it'll just reinstall SF on launch.

[CybrSlydr]

1.4b is the removal of Star Force from the game.

With applying the 1.4b patch, Star Force should not prompt me to authenticate as 1.4b was supposed to remove it, correct?

I installed the game, installed 1.4b before launching and it still prompted me for the Star Force bit.

Using the no-dvd cracks did work (that's why I'm currently playing it).

I don't want to have to crack my game to get it to work. That's why I'm pushing this with Ubi.

I want my game to work without having to crack it.

[Fincuan]

I want my game to work without having to crack it.

Buying the non-SF version is your only option then. Ubi never removed the dvd-checks in their own patches, but the use of a crack is suggested even on their forums as the solution.

[maillemaker]

Ultimately what they are probably going to tell you is that the game is 5 years old and they no longer support it, or at least they won't support it for operating systems past Windows XP.

You might, if you are nice and can talk to the right person, get them to send you a free, new, copy of the software DVD.

If you email them a picture of your current box, manual, and DVD, proving that you do, in fact, own it, they might be more sympathetic.

If you are serious about this, I recommend, and yes, I am serious, a call or email directly to the CEO of Ubisoft. You are wasting your time talking to phone drones who are not empowered to do anything.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

28 Rue Armand Carrel
Montreuil-sous-Bois, Ile-de-France 93108

France

Phone: 33 1 48 18 50 00
Fax: 33 1 48 18 52 82


You might try guessing at his email address. Possible guesses:

yves.guillemot@ubisoftgroup.com
yves.guillemot@ubi.com
yguillemot@ubi.com
yguillemot@ubisoftgroup.com

My advice is to write a polite, professional letter. Explain that you own the software and, because of the StarForce copy protection, it will not run under Windows 7. Ask for a new copy of the software without the DRM.

It will probably help if you speak French or can get someone to write it for you in French.

Steve

[CybrSlydr]

If you email them a picture of your current box, manual, and DVD, proving that you do, in fact, own it, they might be more sympathetic.


Well, I did include pictures of the box, dvd and CD key in my submission to the Ubi support folks.

However, I'll see what I can do with your info - thanks!

[kylania]

Anyone got any hints for getting the Encore version (fully patched without Starforce) to install? I keep getting this error no matter where I install it to and no matter if I install from hard drive or DVD...

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1433/25566425.jpg

Erm, seems it'll install to Program Files, the default, just fine. I guess I'll just move it once it's installed. :P

[KL-alfman]

Well, I did include pictures of the box, dvd and CD key in my submission to the Ubi support folks.

However, I'll see what I can do with your info - thanks!


interesting new (?) feature:
lately I bought the so-called "Steel-Edition", including SH3 (liked to have an emergancy disk, in case my old one gets scratched) and SH4 (some day I will sail the Pacific too).
I was surprised when the package included only a cd-key for SH4 and none for SH3??!!

[maillemaker]

The SH3 I bought online from Direct2Drive a couple of weeks ago required no CD key.

Steve

[KL-alfman]

I see.
then there's actually no key needed for newer versions of the game.

[maillemaker]

No key was required for the version I bought 2 weeks ago.

Steve

[The Enigma]

I've bought my DRM free copy through subsim.com (with great help from Neal).

It's a bundle (SHII and SHIII) for $9.99

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41amntFJ8wL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

It's a win-win situation:
So you help SubSim and you get yourself a startforce free copy. :salute: