DISCLAIMER:

This thread is my own complaint against UbiSoft and the way in which SecuROM code imbedded in the v1.5 Sh4 executable file behaves on my computer. While there are others who have also voiced some discontentment, I do not have the right to speak for them though they have voiced similar opinions and concerns.

My main complaint is that the SecuROM code does not act in the way it was described, as a "validation" process that checks to make sure the PC has a legitimate copy of SH4 installed. It launches a process that checks for certain other software processes to be running as well.

My other complaint is that the downloadable version has this issue, while I've been told the CD or DVD media release does not. In all fairness, I cannot confirm or deny this point as I don't have the "hard" media release.

As for others who may have read this thread and have some trepidation regarding the installation of the v1.5 downloadable add-on, you'll have to make up your own opinion. If you don't use some of the process tracking or dll dependancy software that SecuROM detects, and you don't mind having your computer processes scanned on the startup of SH4, then you'll probably never even know it's there.

I don't like anyone having the ability to scan processes or anything else for that matter on my computer without my knowledge. I'm not arguing against the copy-protection per se, I'm arguing against the manner in which it was implemented. How would you feel if everytime you started up your PC, Windows scanned your programs and wouldn't allow you to run one for fear of some form of "compromise potential"?

I use process scanners to insure that my PC stays free of malware and other nasties. It runs all the time EXCEPT for now, when I want to run SH4...

Possibly tater... OTOH, it would also be questionable in a legal sense too I think...

Either does anyone else but this is the nature of computers, being on the internet and downloading programs. Currently, you seem to be in the minority with not liking the ability to scan processes without your knowledge. Rockin Robbin is number two who has issues with it. Personally, I do not care myself. If it is not a virus, I do not care. This program does not start a nuclear reaction on your hard drive, it does not sell you house without your knowledge, it does not screw up your tax returns. So far, I think it shuts down Window Process according to Rocking Robbin. OK, fine by me. Do I need this process to play SH4? I don't think so. So currently it is scanning Fashion Barbie and Sponge Bob Underwater Adventures. Like I said, I see a install date of almost a year ago. It has done nothing but sit. Then the add on was done. It became active to see it was a legitimate download. Now it sits doing nothing. The disc should not have this program on it? I'm guess no.....because you paid for it a a local merchant. Does it come to your drive if you purchase from the internet? Yes, so the hackers who created this mess of stealing games do not get the game for free. If it bothers you, I understand there is a way to remove it. Might want to check your other games that use it also. They may not start when you are done removing SecuROM....so I'm told. I agree with your assessment that we should be told it is being loaded.

Ah, looking like hacking talk to me.....this seems to be the reason for SecuROM...am I wrong here?

That, as they say, is the crux of the argument... and it's about principal too IMO.

However, upon further reflection, there is reality, and then there is principal and I'm assuming at this juncture that reality will overcome principal to its detriment...

How would it be hacking? The 1.5 add-on is far more than the SH4 exe file.

Having the exe without the rest would not work. This is assuming that the DVD version doesn't have the hacked (be securom) exe file.

Unfortunately true, reality sometimes overcomes principal. I think you nailed it on the head here. You would have to ask yourself, "if I had seen the message that SecuROM or any other program that scans for legit downloads was about to be loaded, would I have cancelled the download"? I would not have cancelled because of lesson learned in the past concerning a different protection program used by UBI, I suspect that UBI would not repeat itself. From what I understand, protection programs are loaded onto your computer by other games developed by other companies. I can not say that I ever receive a message during loading off a DVD that a program for protection is being loading and do I want to continue. It seems to be the status quo concerning PC games. Therefore, we can not finger UBI as the sole provider of what some call "malware". It does not seem malicious to me in any form. It does not slow my computer(infact the game has never played better). It did not eat my homework(thats the dogs job). All you can do is express your unfavorable reaction to receiving a program like this without your knowledge. In Rockin Robbins post concerning this issue someone provided a list of games that had protectin programs on it. From what I remember, none of these games stated a program for protection is being loaded. I guess they are assuming you know this as you have a special code to enter for the download to begin or the game to load off a disc. So, express your dissatifaction for this loading without your knowledge. Not much else you can do if you want to play the game. We move on and enjoy the game.

I'm guessing it does not because you purchased the disc from a local vendor. Thereore, the game content was paid for. No need for protection. This is only a guess. Then again, other games from other companies load up protection devices even if the disc is purchased legit. SecuROM as far as I can tell does nothing. At least on my computer.