WELCOME ABOARD!
You just explained a lot. It's my understanding that the newest versions of Windows really hate StarForce. Some say it refuses to work with it at all. You might try using the official StarForce removal tool.
You might also consider purchasing a newer version on disc. They are very cheap ($4) and cause no problems at all.
http://www.amazon.com/Encore-16560-S...ilent+hunter+3
And if you start with the link at the top right of this page Subsim will get a small cut at no extra cost to you.