LSH 2020: install looking for existing copy SH3.EXE issue

[Convoi_PQ17]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, guys, but the newest LSH-2020 violates the Subsim copyright rules!

It was always forbidden and considered piracy to include the SH3.exe into a mod.
This is the case with LSH 2020, it includes a complete SH3.exe file.
It has always been the guys from CCOM and LSH who publicly torpedoed other modders with this argument,
so I can't understand why this is now done by themselves! It's clearly a deliberate action.

Stiebler wrote about his patch:
I have now uploaded a typical addon folder (GWX3_Stiebler4B_Addon_for_V16B1) for GWX3.0 Gold, which I have tested to ensure that it functions correctly.

However, for copyright reasons, it does NOT contain the patched SH3.exe required in order to operate. You must create this yourself.

This rule has been applied during all the past years.
Does this rule not or no longer apply for the LSH guys since Rowi is dead?

[blackswan40]

Hi Convoi_17 Re LSH 2020 IS A CRACK, IT'S GOT A PIRATE COPY OF SH3.EXE

I think your Mistaken LSH2020 asks you where your SH3 is installed so you have to have a legitimate SH3 Dvd or Download from steam.
The LSH2020 Super Mod does not have SH3 built in if LSH2020 violated copyright dont you think Onkel Neal and Moderators would have taken action if this was the case.
Screenie below of my install the SH3 folder is my fresh DVD install copied n pasted to the BLK40 folder then when i launch the LSH2020 it asks me where my SH3 exe is

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1339&pictureid=11701

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

:D
The underwater simulation has already struggled to evolve is you spoiling....:ping:

c est pour ca peut etre que ca n avance pas...:Kaleun_Applaud:

[derstosstrupp]

Hi Convoi_17 Re LSH 2020 IS A CRACK, IT'S GOT A PIRATE COPY OF SH3.EXE

I think your Mistaken LSH2020 asks you where your SH3 is installed so you have to have a legitimate SH3 Dvd or Download from steam.
The LSH2020 Super Mod does not have SH3 built in if LSH2020 violated copyright dont you think Onkel Neal and Moderators would have taken action if this was the case.
Screenie below of my install the SH3 folder is my fresh DVD install copied n pasted to the BLK folder then when i launch the LSH2020 it asks me where my SH3 exe is

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1339&pictureid=11701

I think he’s saying it’s included in the h.sie or Stiebler patches. For patching, you place your own copy of SH3.exe into the patch folder and patch yourself. This is after the initial installation, which asks where your game is installed. I’m not home where my desktop is to check the patch folders, but this could be what OP means - that a patched SH3.exe has been provided to the player already, which is problematic (vs the player using his own copy of SH3.exe).

[Jeff-Groves]

Explain to me WHY I have a new SH3.exe in a folder where no SH3.exe was before.
Would you like to see the example files?

I support this claim of wrong doing. And I'm not am amateur to be fooled unless it is explained to me in detail.

[derstosstrupp]

Explain to me WHY I have a new SH3.exe in a folder where no SH3.exe was before.
Would you like to see the example files?

I support this claim of wrong doing. And I'm not am amateur to be fooled unless it is explained to me in detail.

Exactly. If when unpacking LSH, there’s an exe there already patched, big no-no. This needs to get fixed if true.

[Jeff-Groves]

I will respect any Mod Team that plays by the rules and support them.
This issue needs to be resolved to my standards before I further support LSH.
I will NOT expose any code I can examine that proves to me LSH install modified files based on what I pointed it to.
Other then that? I say this is wrong!

[Jeff-Groves]

I will respect any Mod Team that plays by the rules and support them.
This issue needs to be resolved to my standards before I further support LSH.
I will NOT expose any code I can examine that proves to me LSH install modified files based on what I pointed it to.
Other then that? I say this is wrong!
There is a possibility the SH3.exe is patched and copied on the fly during install. But That has to be proven to me.

[Mad Mardigan]

I've looked into the folder where I got LSH3-2020, installed... after running the install.exe itself.

In the install.exe folder... there is NO sh3.exe located in that folder.

Proceeded to check the folder where the installer after asking where I had a legit copy of SH3 installed/located at..(which I have legit access via both Steam & Ubi, & have the main, unmodded copy saved to My 2nd HD, (I use a 2 HD set up on My computer... C:\ is where I run games from, windows from, games & games libraries for all game launchers are in a folder NOT in either Program files or Program files (x86)... in NO way... as it goes, the 2nd HD.. holds My mods repository, Origin, Steam, Ubi... etc. game launchers are located here.) proceeded to create in C:\Games\SH3 the folder tagged as: LSH3-2020

Upon checking the LSH3-2020 folder (created 12/23/2020)... in the MODS folder, located in the _LSH3-2020___Patch_HSIE-V16B1 folder, there is an sh3.exe there & it has the date of:

12/23/2020, when you mouse over it, but... in the modified by date it reads, as follows:

03/05/2020

So, I have to ask... just what is up with the discrepancy in dates here..???

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[Jeff-Groves]

Tried deleting the LSH folder I installed to and it will not allow.
Very suspicious to me.

[Jeff-Groves]

Also. Since i edited files?
Why do the same files show in the LSH folder at a greater size and the Game runs?
:hmmm:
My edits, if files were just copied, would crash on start.

[Texas Red]

Also. Since i edited files?
Why do the same files show in the LSH folder at a greater size and the Game runs?
:hmmm:
My edits, if files were just copied, would crash on start.

What are you suggesting? Malware? Or is this supporting the fact that the LSH mod pirated the game? :hmmm:

[Jeff-Groves]

LSH can be fooled to install a COMPLETE version of SH3 in a folder.
You don't NEED a true copy of SH3 installed!

And this has been backed up by others doing just that!

That's what I'm saying.
The install directory also includes sh3.dll
Open that with any hex editor and search for StarForce.
Tell me what you see!

You know what? I could probably go Viral on YouTube with this!!!

[Jeff-Groves]

So, I have to ask... just what is up with the discrepancy in dates here..???

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:
I can tell you what is going on.
When one takes an early version of 1.4b then patches it with the Reloaded Crack? It leaves traces.
Now any AMATEUR Hex editing can change the names to try to hide this fact.
What you CAN NOT HIDE is the actual code changes when seen in Hex.
(And I'm pretty damned good in hex!)
BUT! I don't even have to go that deep!
Open sh3.dll in ANY hex editor and do a search for StarForce!
For Gods Sake! If you want to try to fool me?
You had better learn to get A LOT better!

[Jimbuna]

I'd be interested in seeing some form of response from the LSH team but in the meantime, matters will be looked into in an effort to get some kind of clarity.

[Urmel]

Dear SH3 friends, take it easy

"Convoi_PQ17" and "Jeff-Groves", I don't know what's driving you to badmouth "LSH3 Edition 2020" so massively here.
Are you fundamentally against SH3? Or are you just "ignorant"?

Regarding the use of UBI SH3.EXE, there are facts:

1. as a starting point for V20 we use an original SH3.EXE (v.1.4b) which UBISOFT has published on UBI servers itself for about 12 years, free of charge and available worldwide.
This fact alone shows that this SH3.EXE was released by UBI "for free disposal for all".
(Unfortunately, after the big UBI website rebuild, the direct link can no longer be found today).

These original UBI files have been freely available since 2006 and are still available today at GameCopyWorld https://gamecopyworld.com/games/pc_silent_hunter_3.shtml.
The fact that UBISOFT has not taken any action against the distribution of these files (under GCW) proves that there is probably no legal basis for this, because they are original UBI files released by UBI itself.
The use of these files therefore does not in principle violate any application of these files.

These are all facts and should first be taken note of by "Convoi_PQ17" and "Jeff-Groves"!

2. with V2020 installation this SH3.EXE is patched by HSIE/STIEBLER and then TYCHO.
As far as I know, these patches are also freeware and are available for free use.

The LSH3 Installation Edition 2020 simply uses all the possibilities to legally use the official UBI SH3.EXE.
The free supermod version "LSH3 Edition 2020" is definitely legal and does not violate any restrictions or copyrights, neither by UBI nor by SUBSIM!

Tell me what you think about it!

Kind regards, Urmel


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Jeff-Groves]

IF the files are free else where? Then I have no complaints.
It WOULD have been easier to copy the basic files from an installed clean version and reduced down load sizes.
Your version also includes StarForce files which are proven to cause issues.

I have no issues with the LSH Team.
And do wish all of you the best but you should warn people that this IS a Full install that does NOT need a legal SH3 installed.
I can provide proof of this fact if need be.

You need a better programmer for installs.
You should also get away from anything StarForce and or cracked for stable Game play!
I still question WHY it was attempted to hide the fact it IS a cracked version of SH3?

[Urmel]

Thanks Jeff

But you still don't understand the facts.

It does not need SH3.EXE (with or without Starforce) to install V2020. So all your criticism here is not true!

Please contact me by Skype Ariel_Urech if you want to know more


Kind regards Urmel

[Jeff-Groves]

We have a misunderstanding of sorts here that I hope You and I clear up through E-Mail.
You have been sent a message and I await your response.

Maybe the facts as I can see them do not match your intent.
That is what I hope We can talk about in a friendly way.

[Anvar1061]

I also believe that corrected sh3.exe does not violate the requirements and restrictions . But the game should not be started without vanilla SH3 installed.

[Urmel]

Dear Jeff

You are as right to me as any other SH3 friend, for 15 years.

Every statement is important and I take everything personally!

We are all working to keep Silent Hunter III alive for a few more years.

SH3.EXE or not! Who is still discussing the old topic after 15 years?

Let's all concentrate better on the preservation and expansion of our game!

Greetings, A

[Jeff-Groves]

Maybe a corrected SH3.exe and a few files.
But I installed the COMPLETE Game with NO Legal SH3 install whatsoever.
Now maybe Ubi don't care about a couple files released.
BUT send them a notice about this?
I'm not so sure the French would surrender this time!

[Jeff-Groves]

Back when GWX 3.0 was released. Like 2008?
We had a BIG talk about doing a copy install. You may remember systems were slow and HDD space was limited back then.
Today I'd write an install that copied what I wanted from a legal install and be done with it! And the Download would be smaller and I'd not even come under suspicion.
I'd not be putting core files that anyone could just get the whole Game for free.

[Jeff-Groves]

Romania UBISOFT

Romania was the Studio.
UbiSoft was and as far as I know? Still French owned and controlled.
UbiSoft is a French video game company headquartered in Montreuil with several development studios across the world.
And I still know people that work for them to this day.

Others I know have left.

[Urmel]

Anvar, the first part of your statement is true, the second part is nonsense.

The game should be able to be started as it needs to be so that no game crashes happen.

LSH3 2020 mods for all SH3 players, not just modding pros.

Help us first to get one of your mods LSH3 ready.
We will help you with that. After that we'll talk more.

Greetings, U

[Urmel]

Do not be sad!

I am also since 2006.

And many friends are no longer there.

Be proud of everything we all have achieved until today!

Therefore, stop talking about SH3.EXE here - it's ridiculous!

Urmel

[Jeff-Groves]

Urmel,

I have offered my help to create an installer that DOES NOT include the complete SH3 base folder and files included in said folder.
Doing that would remove any threat to you and the Team.

I offer my help in Memory of a very Good friend.

[Anvar1061]

I don't want to be complicit in this scandal.

[Jeff-Groves]

I don't want to be complicit in this scandal.
At some point you should just stfu.
You don't want me going off on your screw ups and ripoffs to make a name for yourself.
So find the exit door and see your way out of this thread.

[Urmel]

Jeff

We will gladly accept your offer of cooperation!

Let's talk about SKYPE (Ariel_Uech).

A

[Jeff-Groves]

I will see about Skype.
Never tried it before to be honest.
I WILL not stand by and see Amateurs that just steal and rip off others works
run their keyboards as if they are Experts!
Then comment as if they even knew what is going on!
"I don't want to be complicit"
WTF ask you to be?
Spend your time fixing your stuff before you offer your Oh so Holy comments.
You DO NOT want me looking at your stuff! Trust me!

[Eremit]

Hi there
The SH3 version, available free of charge from STEAM Unlocked, is a complete UBI SH3 version with integrated MOD GWX Gold. You hypocritical Americans have no objection to this. That is quite strange behavior.

[J0313]

Who asked you anything. Nobody, so cram it!

[Eremit]

Americans have the right to be born without intelligence and to stand above all laws worldwide

[Jimbuna]

Americans have the right to be born without intelligence and to stand above all laws worldwide

Now that quite frankly is enough.

State your opinions if you believe them to be of help in resolving what is being discussed here but do not resort to blanket/generic insults.

[blackswan40]

I have been watching the LSH2020 debate with great interest seeing Jeff and Ariel agreeing to work together to resolve the SH3.exe issue.
I went to bed last night with a warm feeling and i bet i im not the only one so i ask all not to post anymore uncalled for comments.
Lets all move forward working together to get LSH2020 squared away and make a lot of people very happy they say many hands make light work.

[les green01]

Hi there
The SH3 version, available free of charge from STEAM Unlocked, is a complete UBI SH3 version with integrated MOD GWX Gold. You hypocritical Americans have no objection to this. That is quite strange behavior.

Steam Unlocked allows you to download your favorite games pre-installed on steam without the cost. so can be consider a pirate i know for a fact that on steam you still got to buy sh3 which is 4 dollars now the question is if the exe been posted on ubi or whatever if it would be consider abandonware or not But i'll leave it up to Neal,Jim and the rest of the mods to figure out

[John Pancoast]

Per the op, I thought the issue was a question of violation of Subsim's policies ?
Thread seems to have become twisted into a question of legality outside of those ?

Anyway, best of luck to all involved for a positive outcome.

[pitti]

Americans have the right to be born without
intelligence and to stand above all laws worldwide


Your last posts are totally unacceptable. They are stupid slogans. In our country, there is a party on the far right wing that would be happy about that.

[Onkel Neal]

My question is: if I do not own a legit copy of SH3, whether CD or Steam, will I be able to play SH3 if all I do is download and install the mod?

[Mad Mardigan]

My question is: if I do not own a legit copy of SH3, whether CD or Steam, will I be able to play SH3 if all I do is download and install the mod?

No idea.

I have access to SH3 through both Steam & Ubi.

Already did with Ubi, with SH3... I grabbed a 3-n-1 sale deal for getting SH3, 4 & 5 through Steam.

The only 1 of those 3, that I don't have access to through both Steam & Ubi, is 5...

I did up a folder, titled ''SilentHunter3'' (BUT... No copy of the game installed there...), pointed the LSH3-2020 installer at that exact folder.. &... it declared it was ready to install, having 'found' a valid, original, install... of SH3.

Continued, to check if it would 'install' or not... & told it to do the install in the folder named... 'LSH3-TestBed-2020'.

After all said & done... there is now a copy of SH3, modded out for LSH3-2020 in that self named folder, 'LSH3-TestBed-2020'... & it started up, right after I selected 'start game now'.

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[d@rk51d3]

My question is: if I do not own a legit copy of SH3, whether CD or Steam, will I be able to play SH3 if all I do is download and install the mod?

Will give it a try on my new rig. :up:

[Onkel Neal]

Excellent, thanks. The mod should not install a copy of the full game if there was no game present. Does that makes sense?

[Onkel Neal]

I have been watching the LSH2020 debate with great interest seeing Jeff and Ariel agreeing to work together to resolve the SH3.exe issue.
I went to bed last night with a warm feeling and i bet i im not the only one so i ask all not to post anymore uncalled for comments.
Lets all move forward working together to get LSH2020 squared away and make a lot of people very happy they say many hands make light work.

I agree with your sentiments. Let's see what we need to do to make this work. :Kaleun_Salute:

[d@rk51d3]

Excellent, thanks. The mod should not install a copy of the full game if there was no game present. Does that makes sense?

Yup.

I don't have a steam copy, and this new rig has no optical drive.
FWIW, I cant find it hosted here on SUBSIM.
Downloading direct from LSH3.com as we speak.

[Onkel Neal]

FWIW, I cant find it hosted here on SUBSIM.
.

Can't find what? LSH? I think he has it stored on his own site. He's never asked to store it here or we would gladly.

[d@rk51d3]

Can't find what? LSH? I think he has it stored on his own site. He's never asked to store it here or we would gladly.

AH, that's what I thought the whole stink was about.

If it's not being hosted here, then why the tears.

I must have missed something. :doh:

[Mad Mardigan]

Excellent, thanks. The mod should not install a copy of the full game if there was no game present. Does that makes sense?

With that, it shouldn't, I would think. With V15 or LSH3-2015, there was no problem, that I recall of...

Can't help but think, with LSH3-2020 being released, if there wasn't a slip up of the .exe being inadvertently left in the installer... before it was zipped up & shoved out the door.

I have a 2 HD set up on this tired ol' rig. It's a Dell Optiplex 980, majority of it with what came in it when it left the factory... the only change I know of, is My adding in a nVidia GForce GT 720 graphics card.

I have the main copies of SH3, stored away on the 2nd HD & it includes any & all game launchers in addition to My mods repository covering from SH3 to SH5.

When I set up v15, I took a copy of SH3 from it & installed that into the main drive, which houses the opsys which is now, Win 10.

I created a complete folder, stepped away from either Program files or Program files (x86), named 'Games'. It is in this folder that I have the launchers games library located, as well as any other games for that matter.

I set up for v15 to be added to SH3 by dropping that unmodded copy of SH3 into the following:

C:\\Games\SH3\LSH3-2015

After doing that, I then ran the installer... with none of the issues that 2020 has had, up to this point.

So... shrugs

M. M.

:Kaleun_Salute:

[d@rk51d3]

Can confirm, from a new PC with NO installs of SH3....

This mod WILL install a modded, but fully functioning copy of SH3.

It will search for an existing SH3.exe, and if it can't find one will error out...... a few times. But creating a new empty folder named "silent huinter 3" will cause it to think that a previous install is there, even if there isn't, and proceed do a full, complete install.

Game boots up,
Museum boots,
Exams run fine,
Career appears to run fine.

As Priva...... errr, Jeff suggests, the installer needs work to prevent outright piracy.

[Texas Red]

Could it also be possible that LSH3-2015 also contains a cracked SH3?

This is a massive disappointment that I am gonna express in a positive and productive tone and not what I truly want to say.

Firstly, I see no changes from the LSH3-2015 screenshots in the current LSH3-2020. The lack of a changelog- which is, in my opinion, a totally unacceptable thing for a mod team so accomplished and experienced as the LSH team- also makes me question if this should even be called "LSH3-2020", since I see no changes from LSH3-2015.

Secondly, the accusation of LSH3-2020 having pirated SH3 and there is proof of this being true makes me question the integrity and true intent of the modders, whether the piracy was intentional or not. Have we been deceived since the annocunemt of LSH3-2015? Has LSH3-2015 also pirated SH3 and we did not detect it? If the latter is true, that would say that the piracy of SH3 in LSH3-2020 is intentional.

I'm watching this thread with great interest.

[d@rk51d3]

I assumed that it's a cracked .exe, but could be a later version without DRM. (Jeffs posts indicate to me that it's a modded cracked .exe)

Not that I have a problem with that. After all, UBI themselves recommended using a cracked exe to bypass Starforce back in the day.

But to supply the whole game along with it, seems to be an oversight.

[Onkel Neal]

Yes, that's what I am thinking, the installer does say that SH3 must exist on the PC before it will install, it just does not seem to do a good job at verifying that. I've sent a PM to Urmel asking for help.

[Jeff-Groves]

I have offered my help. Even installed Skype and attempted contact.
Sent my personal E-mail address and other then a quick reply to ask to install Skype?
Nothing so far.

I can post a video of how to install with NO SH3 install if need be.
Granted they do not Host at SubSim? It still violates rules about Pirate Software links I believe?

"SUBSIM Review has a longstanding policy against software piracy.
We do NOT allow discussion or even mention of game piracy, warez, peer-to-peer game swapping, game cracks, illegal download sites, or illegal file-sharing. Nothing will get you banned faster than pointing people to illegal software distribution sites. Don't ask for serial numbers, manuals, or cracks. Any admission that you have in your possession illegal software can and usually will result in revocation of your Radio Room forum account and permanent ban. We do not care what you do on your computer in your home, but do not discuss it here.Support computer game programmers buy legally purchasing their work. They have to eat too, you know.

Discussion of torrents is also not allowed on this site. Please don't post links to torrents in our forum.

Abandonware: games that are 8~10+ years old and are no longer available for sale commercially by the IP owner will be exempted on a case by case basis. An inquiry may be made about the status of a particular game in the Classic Subsims forum. Subsim will make a good faith effort to clear the use of the game with the last known copyright holders. If we were to receive an objection or legal challenge, we would reverse our position is regards to the game in question."

A better way would be to COPY the base folder from a LEGAL install and then add the other files.
Today, our systems can do that in a heart beat.

GWX 3 considered that approach in 2008 but systems were way slower and had less HD space back then so it was not done even though tested.

I am NOT out to prevent the LSH from doing their work.
It's my intent to see any Modder succeed!

I am not questioning their integrity. I'm questioning their choice of installation.
I see no reason that one needs to send a complete version of SH3 on an install of a mod!

[Onkel Neal]

I've renamed this thread to a less inflammatory choice of words. I appreciate the OP bringing attention to this and the LSH team are working to improve this process.

[Jeff-Groves]

Very Wise decision Neal.
:salute:

I Am here to assist the LSH Team should they ask me to do so.

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

Me I think we must stop the controversy ... with that Urmel was very explicit I think in the pdf installed
To install the free supermod "LSH3-Edition-2020", a valid license from Ubisoft© for the original game
"Silent Hunter III ©" is mandatory!
The LSH3 team distances itself explicitly from illegally acquired game licenses and/or pirated copies!
Maybe Urmel plays the silent hunter because he was explicit enough ... :ping:
Now I do not support piracy but most of the players here we have already bought the game 1 or more times ... whether its Sh 2,3,4,5..as I already said Ubi lived well with that .... now we have to let the modders do what they didn't want to do ... there was a time when he was happy to find us the PC players ... now the console is Wall Street is better .... I said an effort should be made on their part for Sh3 because I do not see where the problem is, it still sells good that said.
I wish Happy New Year to "Taulier" Onkel Neal and to you Jeff-Groves thank you for the work here..:Kaleun_Salute:

[Onkel Neal]

First, I want to thank you all for your patience.

It's the age-old dilemma, how to handle the copyright and IP rights of an old game that the parent company probably forgot they owned.

I want to emphasize: the SUBSIM rules were created by me, I do not pretend they were brought here by Moses. The SUBSIM rules are there to discourage people from pirating games and hurting the game developers and producers. Thankfully, most players agree: pirating submarine games is unfair and wrong.

That said, when a game is considered "abandonware" by most people, when a game is 10+ years old and no longer being sold, then it's more of a gray area.

SH3 is actually "sold" on Ubisoft and Steam, albeit for a mere $2.49.

As several people have pointed out, there are numerous places online where one can get a copy of SH3 free, as usual, all one must do is Google it (https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sxsrf=ALeKk01ADJ-0_NQoZZI8GYTFgV0JLQu1Mg%3A1609863899767&source=hp&ei=25L0X6unLIPatQWS8LzQCQ&q=silent+hunter+iii+download&oq=silent+hunter+iii&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQARgDMggILhDJAxCTAjICCAAyAggAMgI IADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADoECCMQJzoFCAAQk QI6CAgAELEDEIMBOgsILhCxAxDHARCjAjoICC4QxwEQowI6CAg AEMkDEJECOgUILhCxAzoFCAAQsQM6CAguELEDEIMBOggILhDHA RCvAToCCC46CgguELEDEBQQhwI6BwguEBQQhwI6CwguEMkDEJE CEJMCUPwNWLAoYN8_aABwAHgAgAFdiAGTCZIBAjE3mAEAoAEBq gEHZ3dzLXdpeg&sclient=psy-ab).

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Google is not losing sleep over links to these sites showing up on their website.

What is the best solution? I would argue that having the installer check for any version of sh3.exe before proceeding is the best solution and the most admirable one. If it can be done.

Neal

[ThePrody]

I know there are legal platforms like OCTGN or VASSAL that we can use to play digital version of board games and they are saying " hey, you need to own a physical version of the game, this is just something to make it easier for you if you want to play the game without setting up de physical game, we're not selling this to you, it's free, it's your responsibility if you're using it without owning the game"
I dont see why this is different, they are saying we need to own a legal copy of sh3 and they are not selling the supermod, it's just something fan-made , it's our responsibility to legally own the game in the first place.
If the Gestapo knocks at my door and asks if i own that game that i play on my computer , i need to prove that i own a legal copy of sh3 (i'll show them that it's in my Steam library), it doesnt matter what supermod i'm playing at that moment , at least that's how i see it .

[Onkel Neal]

That is a reasonable point of view.

[elanaiba]

Hello Subsim people ^^

Just wanted to drop by and say hi to my friends.

Take it easy. I haven't worked @ Ubi or Silent Hunter for a while, and almost no one of the old SH teams still works there. I doubt anyone reads Subsim or cares there (sadly).

Most of you have probably bought SH3 a few times on various platforms, so the question is whether a new person that just gets in the hobby and learns about LSH would find out he doesn't actually need the game installed/purchased? Well, at that point he could also really download a cracked SH3 anyway so ...

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, Dan. I sent a message to Ubisoft's Intnl. Marketing Director to see if they object.

[elanaiba]

To Ronald? He's a good guy :)

[Jimbuna]

Hi Dan, long time no see.

Appreciate the input my friend and those two girls are coming along nicely :up:

[Jeff-Groves]

What is the best solution? I would argue that having the installer check for any version of sh3.exe before proceeding is the best solution and the most admirable one. If it can be done.

Neal
Agree.
AND checking for an SH3.exe can and has been done.
GWX 3.0 does just that.
Can We detect a Pirated version? No.

Now We could do an installer that will not work if the Reloaded crack is installed or it still contains StarFarce or is in anyway different from say the later releases without StarFarce.

Now having said that? IF Neal gets a reply that says Ubi don't give a darn on this question?
I'm wondering if they would be open to the original Dev's being released from NDA's to open up on things?

[Eremit]

The RELOADED crack mentioned here is recommended by UBIOFT!
See the link in this post.

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2430081&postcount=1

[Jeff-Groves]

Yes they recommend it but show me where they say Pirate the base files.

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

Agree.
AND checking for an SH3.exe can and has been done.
GWX 3.0 does just that.
Can We detect a Pirated version? No.

Now We could do an installer that will not work if the Reloaded crack is installed or it still contains StarFarce or is in anyway different from say the later releases without StarFarce.

Now having said that? IF Neal gets a reply that says Ubi don't give a darn on this question?
I'm wondering if they would be open to the original Dev's being released from NDA's to open up on things?

yes Jeff you are right ... yes tell me big "Guru" Neal I think you should exercise your magic power Here ... maybe you would know how to charm you Ubi everyone here believes in your power No? (Liberer code source SvP..)
:subsim:
Eremit to reason I have already seen this in the past ...

[Urmel]

Hello esteemed submarine friends

Thank you for this refreshingly open debate and the many constructive opinions from all camps!

For the last remaining SH3 fans - but also for many new SH3 players - this discussion and subsequent decisions are elementarily important.

I think it is important for all SH3 programmers, modders and designers to know that it still makes sense to invest valuable private time in SH3 in 2021 to keep our valuable game alive.

Topic SH3.EXE / Copyrights:

The last "officially valid original SH3.EXE - Version 1.4b - without Starforce protection!" file was published by UBI itself already in September 2005.
It is part of the last recommended UBI SH3 update packages "EMEA-DVD", "EMEA-DL", "US-DVD", "US-DL".
These original UBI files can still be downloaded today at: https://www.silenthunteriii.com/uk/updates.php.
Further information from UBI Forum Manager "kleaneasy" here: https://forums.ubisoft.com/showthread.php/442645-How-to-play-Silent-Hunter-III-without-the-DVD-in-the-DVD-Drive-Forums

From this update package only five files (Sh3.exe, MISSIONENGINE.DLL, SIMDATA.DLL, UTILS.DLL & STATEMACHINE.DLL) are relevant for the game to work.
These five files were also published separately under the name "Silent Hunter 3 v1.4b [ENGLISH] No-DVD/Fixed EXE - RELOADED" - "tolerated" by UBI until today - at GameCopyWorld

Conclusion: There is no doubt about the free availability and worldwide legal use of these files for free SH3 modding projects today - objectively seen = THE USE IS LEGAL - already since 2006!

I repeat here our LSH3-Statement Edition 2020 on the subject of UBI:

To install the free supermod "LSH3-Edition-2020", a valid license from Ubisoft© for the original game "Silent Hunter III ©" is mandatory!
The LSH3 team distances itself explicitly from illegally acquired game licenses and/or pirated copies!

This is a small excerpt from our "LSH3-EDITION-2020-INSTALLATION_EN.PDF".
https://www.lsh3.com/v20/dl/LSH3-EDITION-2020-INSTALLATION_EN.pdf

I recommend all SH3 professionals to also read the following pages here:

- Pages 3 and 4 "Preface - information to better understand the "old" game today".
- Page 18 "Contacts - list of SH3 contacts still available today".
- Page 19 "Epilogue - Acknowledgements to the SH3 Community".

For me personally it is very important that also here in SUBSIM the vision and ideology of LSH3 can be understood and hopefully accepted.


Topic Hosting at SUBSIM:

Since 2007 we/LSH3 have been hosting our free original LSH3 files ourselves.
This way we ensure that our original LSH3 files always remain "free" - freely available to the whole world.
This way we also keep control that there will only be genuine and verified LSH3 files available at www.lsh3.com (http://www.lsh3.com).
(My LSH3 server is located in Europe>Switzerland>Basel. We are not subject to US or EU DRM for the time being).

Friends, long story short:

Let's finally end the tiresome topic of "SH3.EXE" after 15 years!
Neal, I am looking forward to your answer from UBI and especially to your final decision regarding SUBSIM.

Even if we/the LSH3 team are still relatively unknown at SUBSIM:
Let's become friends and let's work together - because we are the last SH3 gurus worldwide.
Also our SH3 winter is approaching!

With love and respect
LSH3-Urmel / Ariel




Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (http://www.DeepL.com/Translator) (free version)

[Jeff-Groves]

Ariel,

The SH3.exe is not the issue.
The issue is that LSH contains all the basic files to run SH3.
No other install is needed.

I understand we have a translation problem and I regret that.
Hopefully someone can assist us with the translation problem.

Regards Mate!
:salute:

[Urmel]

Hello submarine friends

Thank you very much for your interest in Supermod "LSH3 Edition 2020". The German and Swiss LSH3 team is overwhelmed by your interest.

Here is the "LSH3-2020 Changelog" (by BLUEDUCK, 2020.01.11)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


LSH3-2020 Changelog

Outgame - Installation
Completely redesigned installer for a user-friendly installation of LSH3-2020
LSH3-2020 MODARCHIVE MANAGER developed to copy archived mods to the MODS folder and start JSGME
Installation manual redesigned with detailed instructions for setting up the graphics cards (NVIDIA/AMD)

Ingame
TychoSh3Patch_v3 the WS-MAP-MOD by Tycho
Hands look better by Anvart
Dazzle-Fix for the interior of the Type VII and 18 ships - double bug fixed
Australia-Fix implemented (Perth, Freemantle at correct position, starting point of RandomConvoys relocated)
More wounded less dead by h.sie integrated into the _LSH3-2020___Patch_HSIE-V16B1

Reconstruction of the OLC-GUI here moving the TDC and many small changes to the GUIs
Changes to messages_xx.txt, basic.cfg, conning_barracks_xx.cfg because of snorkel and exchange of two towers
Lighthouse Holtenau rotated and repositioned, swing bridge Rendsburg moved to historically correct position
Sonar fix for type VIIC/42 and type IXD2 installed (message sonar destroyed after loading in the comamnd room)
Missing LOG-files for 4 submarines in the museum created, all AI-boats in the museum highlighted with red font
Roster for small nations extended to have a larger selection of ships for historically correct single and multiplayer missions

Complete overhaul of single and multiplayer missions especially in English completely retranslated

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We will continue to work for SH3!

Urmel

[Urmel]

Dear Jeff

Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet live in SKYPE until today.
But we will make up for it.

I think the whole topic here around SH3.EXE is obsolete.

As mentioned, the SH3.EXE is since 2006 by UBI "given free", for any application, so also for modding.

We should concentrate here on the ingenious work of HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO.

From my point of view it is about patching the SH3.EXE one more time.

The old SH3 limit of SH3.EXE (window mode>normal mode) should be patched again to 1920 pixels +X!

This would possibly solve all SH3 GUI problems under W10!

Who is here able to take the SH3.EXE apart, edit it, and compile it again?

Greetings, U

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[ericlea]

:Kaleun_Cheers::Kaleun_Thumbs_Up::Kaleun_Applaud:

[Urmel]

Dear Jeff/Privateer

A good live conversation via SKYPE about a future cooperation would be great.

Until then, I have to report on the following points on the subject of "SH3.EXE" which may still be misunderstood here.

1. the free use of the file "SH3.EXE v.1.4b without SF" (or the file package) has been permitted worldwide since December 2005 and accepted by UBI.
2. since then, the use of the files for SH3 modding is free as well
3. the ingenious freeware patches from HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO are all based on the "SH3.EXE v.1.4b without SF".
4. ALL SH3 patches from HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO available today are therefore legal, even for further use!

It seems important to me that here in SUBSIM ALL users can now understand and accept these facts about "SH3.EXE" and further usage

The use of "SH3.EXE" by SH3 modders to further patch it has never been wrong or even punishable.

So let's solve the last big SH3 issue "SH3.EXE > 1920x1200px" together by means of a patch!

Who can contribute something to this?

Thank you Sir and best regards from Basel :Kaleun_Salute:


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (http://www.DeepL.com/Translator) (free version)

[ericlea]

:Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Applaud::Kaleun_Applaud:

[John Pancoast]

Dear Jeff/Privateer

A good live conversation via SKYPE about a future cooperation would be great.

Until then, I have to report on the following points on the subject of "SH3.EXE" which may still be misunderstood here.

1. the free use of the file "SH3.EXE v.1.4b without SF" (or the file package) has been permitted worldwide since December 2005 and accepted by UBI.
2. since then, the use of the files for SH3 modding is free as well
3. the ingenious freeware patches from HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO are all based on the "SH3.EXE v.1.4b without SF".
4. ALL SH3 patches from HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO available today are therefore legal, even for further use!

It seems important to me that here in SUBSIM ALL users can now understand and accept these facts about "SH3.EXE" and further usage

The use of "SH3.EXE" by SH3 modders to further patch it has never been wrong or even punishable.

So let's solve the last big SH3 issue "SH3.EXE > 1920x1200px" together by means of a patch!

Who can contribute something to this?

Thank you Sir and best regards from Basel :Kaleun_Salute:


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (http://www.DeepL.com/Translator) (free version)

Fwiw regarding the H.sie/Stiebler/Tycho patches true, but as is known they don't provide the .exe file itself. The user must provide that.
Anyway, best of luck with a successful outcome !:salute:

[blackswan40]

LSH2020 in 1920x1200 i'll drink to that :Kaleun_Salute: :Kaleun_Cheers: :Kaleun_Salute:

[Urmel]

Thank you John Pancoast

Thank you for your testimony.
The point is that we modders can always use SH3.EXE.
HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO did it with massive programming effort!

Today is the time to be able to install SH3+Supermod with a few clicks.
Today the normal SH3 user should not do or know anything by himself!
LSH3 moddet for young and new submarine players, not for old SH3 professionals!

One click one play is the only future solution for a Supermod Edition 2020 installation.

This type of installation will be the reason that L/SH3 will still be loaded in the future!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[John Pancoast]

Thank you John Pancoast

Thank you for your testimony.
The point is that we modders can always use SH3.EXE.
HSIE/STIEBLER/TYCHO did it with massive programming effort!

Today is the time to be able to install SH3+Supermod with a few clicks.
Today the normal SH3 user should not do or know anything by himself!
LSH3 moddet for young and new submarine players, not for old SH3 professionals!

One click one play is the only future solution for a Supermod Edition 2020 installation.

This type of installation will be the reason that L/SH3 will still be loaded in the future!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

:up:

[Convoi_PQ17]

These five files were also published separately under the name "Silent Hunter 3 v1.4b [ENGLISH] No-DVD/Fixed EXE - RELOADED" - "tolerated" by UBI until today - at GameCopyWorld on


Now this makes things yet worse! if posting links to cracks isn't a violation of rules (even if a paying member does it!), what is it then??? In the past members were even banned for doing so!

Again I ask: Why is that rule not applied to this modder like to all others in the past?

[hauangua]

Now this makes things yet worse! if posting links to cracks isn't a violation of rules (even if a paying member does it!), what is it then??? In the past members were even banned for doing so!

Again I ask: Why is that rule not applied to this modder like to all others in the past?

but stop what violation? of a game sold for € 3.50 that Ubisoft doesn't even remember having it? who among us in the forum does not have at least 1 original copy ????

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

Really there is enough with that .... the policy of copyright we must stop the ridiculous media coverage of the genre "fake new":timeout: it does not advance the subject here stop with that. !!! means are made available here .. so that everyone works with: - patience, -reading, -concentration and help from users and moderator who frequent this forum so now at work ... no blabla :har:

[hauangua]

Really there is enough with that .... the policy of copyright we must stop the ridiculous media coverage of the genre "fake new":timeout: it does not advance the subject here stop with that. !!! means are made available here .. so that everyone works with: - patience, -reading, -concentration and help from users and moderator who frequent this forum so now at work ... no blabla :har:

Hmmm i understand copyright ..is right this!
But i don't understand this obstinacy i think there is "hate" towards the lsh team da parte di "someone"... i can't find any other explanation

[Onkel Neal]

This is under review.

All the factors are being considered:


This game is 15+ years old
It is still commercially available for sale
The sale price a mere $2.49
Many of the users of the mods have bought the game at least once, many multiple times through DVD and Steam
The game is very commonly distributed illegally from many sources
The mod does not seek to supply a user with a copy of the game per se, instead it tries to provide a modded version of the game (admittedly, the same thing)
The mod makes an attempt (a feeble attempt) to verify the existence of the SH3 executable before installing.
The mod does not have a way to verify the legitimacy of any SH3 exe it finds.



I have contacted Ubisoft and their response indicates they are not interested or concerned about this situation.

For now, status quo remains.

[blackswan40]

Thankyou Onkel Neal for sharing the info on your contact with Ubisoft and their response most welcome


Message to the LSH2020 Kapitans man your boats your assignment is strategic Get Some Tonage and be more Aggresive in the Atlantic


Happy Hunting Salute :Kaleun_Salute:

[hauangua]

This is under review.

All the factors are being considered:


This game is 15+ years old
It is still commercially available for sale
The sale price a mere $2.49
Many of the users of the mods have bought the game at least once, many multiple times through DVD and Steam
The game is very commonly distributed illegally from many sources
The mod does not seek to supply a user with a copy of the game per se, instead it tries to provide a modded version of the game (admittedly, the same thing)
The mod makes an attempt (a feeble attempt) to verify the existence of the SH3 executable before installing.
The mod does not have a way to verify the legitimacy of any SH3 exe it finds.



I have contacted Ubisoft and their response indicates they are not interested or concerned about this situation.

For now, status quo remains.

Thanks Onkel Neal
For pointing this out, :) now let's put the misunderstandings aside and focus on a game SH3 Not SH4 or SH5 (more recent games and rightfully more protected by copyright)
Thanking Ubisoft for giving us "room to maneuver" (more freedom to mod sh3)

[Kal_Maximus_U669]

Thanks Onkel Neal
For pointing this out, :) now let's put the misunderstandings aside and focus on a game SH3 Not SH4 or SH5 (more recent games and rightfully more protected by copyright)
Thanking Ubisoft for giving us "room to maneuver" (more freedom to mod sh3)

I do not know where this freedom is .. when the maneuver remains limited .. without all the work of people here .. 15 years:/\\!! old I estimate that he could make an effort all of the same for the community moreover he would have all to gain because new adept says new game sold because when it is good people consume it seems to me ...

[Anvart]

Hello, everyone.
I already wrote about this ... but maybe someone is still interested.
I have been using this method already 15+ years.
1) Extract from the installation disk (InnoExtractor came up for my disk) the contents of the disk... useing setup.exe file.
2) The "{app}" folder, which is created by InnoExtractor and which contains all game folders and files, must be renamed to "SilentHunter III"
3) Delete all installer's folders and files outside the above folders.
4) Check the files in the "SilentHunter III" folder and, if any, delete duplicated files.
5) Install the update patch 1.4b if necessary.
6) If necessary, replace the 5 known files.
As a result, you will have a clean copy of the game and SF will not be present on your system.