Securom causing major problems again!

[Blacklight]

Wasn't SecuROM™ the source of a successful lawsuit brought against it by a huge group of software users ? I remember some copy protection company that got sued because their copy protection was deemed "Spyware" and they lost the suit.

At least with Starforce, it doesn't require an internet connection and just requires the original installation CD. If the guys who make SecuROM™ go out of business, there will be no way to install the software as the program won't be able to contact it's assigned server to get the "All clear". SecuROM™ is the worst and most intrusive piece of garbage copy protection out there.

There's really no fool proof copy protection that can't potentially hamper the consumer unfortunately. This is unfortunately the case of.. the few pirates make the masses suffer.

Starforce: What if my CD gets scratched or damaged or I lose it ? Legally I am supposed to be able to make a single backup copy of any software I legally purchased. I am unable to do this with Starforce.
SecureRom: What if I decide to end my internet subcription ? What if they go out of business and the program has nothing to contact ? God.. this program is intrusive !
USB Dongle: My USB Dongle broke or fried somehow or I lost it !
Password Challenge: I lost my password list, or manual or whatever the passwords are in.

[peterloo]

I've personally once used virtual drives to backup some legally purchased games

However, I'm not sure whether it's legal to mention the method here, so...

I recommend all game companies to replace all broken / scratched discs for free (1 scratched disc --> 1 new working disc), or release some way to remove the protection mechanism once the product reaches its end of life

Finally, I must stress that all protection mechanisms, like Starforce, Securom, Tages, or Safedisk failed to meet their original goal (that is, prevent pirvacy and boost sales), that's why they should be abolished instead of strictly enforced.

[Blacklight]

I recommend all game companies to replace all broken / scratched discs for free (1 scratched disc --> 1 new working disc), or release some way to remove the protection mechanism once the product reaches its end of life

Ppppt.. like game companys will ever do this. It takes time and effort. They'd rather be working on putting out the next big thing than worry about coding a patch for software at the end of it's life. Unfortunately, the game industry is no longer about supporting it's current software. It's about pushing the next thing out the door as fast as possible.