Bioshock demo .exe issues ? Anyone else?

[kalniel]

So if i want to install a game on my works PC (which i'm allowed to do) your saying that it shouldn't be allowed?

It depends on the EULA you agree to. A lot specify that you can only install it on one computer. If Bioshock is different then great, but if you agree to only install it on one computer then you should only install it on one computer

[redsky009]

I'd never do that redsky - doing so invites trojans and what not onto your computer, and helps other people get hold of the game illegally - if there was no demand for pirating games then there might be less of it. Not to mention it's still illegal even if you own the original.

I am aware of this: however Securerom is such a pain, increases load times etc. I am just against making life harder for people who actually pay for the game/music, when people who pirate the game/music can enjoy it, free of any of these crippleware "features"...

There is always this "why would you need to install it on more than one computer" etc etc debate, but just because you can't think of a reason doesn't mean there aren't any.

Say, for example, my computer crashes and I don't uninstall said game. When I get a new HDD, I install it back on my PC. That's two installs lost. Then, I want to play the game at a LAN party (I know Bioshock doesn't have MP, but that's not the issue) so I try install it on my laptop cos I don't want to lug my PC around with me. Oh wait, I can't, not even for a couple of hours of gaming.

However, if I got a torrented/cracked version I am happily free of all these restrictions.... Doesn't seem fair.

Don't get me wrong, I quite happily pay for my games and music - I just don't appreciated being treated like a criminal for the using those things I have paid for.....

[j.o.s.h.1408]

I am aware of this: however Securerom is such a pain, increases load times etc. I am just against making life harder for people who actually pay for the game/music, when people who pirate the game/music can enjoy it, free of any of these crippleware "features"...

There is always this "why would you need to install it on more than one computer" etc etc debate, but just because you can't think of a reason doesn't mean there aren't any.

Say, for example, my computer crashes and I don't uninstall said game. When I get a new HDD, I install it back on my PC. That's two installs lost. Then, I want to play the game at a LAN party (I know Bioshock doesn't have MP, but that's not the issue) so I try install it on my laptop cos I don't want to lug my PC around with me. Oh wait, I can't, not even for a couple of hours of gaming.

However, if I got a torrented/cracked version I am happily free of all these restrictions.... Doesn't seem fair.

Don't get me wrong, I quite happily pay for my games and music - I just don't appreciated being treated like a criminal for the using those things I have paid for.....

QTF

[notsobig]

not so keen about buying this for PC now - frustrating when all should work and doesn't with games.

CAL, did you say you're running XP or was it Vista? If you're on XP then I heard you must install dualcore optimiser otherwise the demo will crash. And that's why I believe they included optimiser with this demo. If you're on Vista, I'm sorry but I've no idea.

P.S. It seems AVG has now fixed this false detection in their latest definition file. It no longer picks up setup.exe.

[notsobig]

Comment from 2K
http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5527

first, let me say this. you DO NOT NEED TO USE THE INTERNET EVERY TIME YOU PLAY THIS GAME. it is only the first time.

second, you can uninstall and reinstall this game, and if, by chance, you have 2 computers you want to simultaneously play this game on, you also can do that.

if by some chance you are reinstalling this game without uninstalling it first, a lot, there is a chance you may have to call securom and get a key, or deactivate some older installations.

but if you upgrade your hardware next week, you'll still be able to play the game. if you revamp your system and need to reinstall bioshock, just uninstall it before you go through the overhaul, and then do your reinstall.

calling it "hardware fingerprinting" is a bit alarmist. we do not transmit any of your data to any companies.

really, the only people who will be concerned about any of these security measures are those who are rapidly putting bioshock on many pcs... if you use the game as you normally do, you won't notice this at

[Barkotron]

Well splash, if that bloke was right then you've nothing to fear - re-installs apparently aren't an issue, and resale shouldn't be either as long as you uninstall it first.

I know what you mean about securom, but I guess all the publishers need to do is release a patch and it'd avoid that problem should it occur.

The problem with having to uninstall it first is that it's often not possible. Motherboard/hard disk dies, need to reinstall Windows: oops, I can't uninstall.

This is so counterproductive on all kinds of levels. What they're doing is making the product they sell clearly inferior to a cracked version downloaded from some pirate site/torrent somewhere - that one, I could install any number of times and not have to tell Securom that I've done it. The only people they hurt are the legitimate buyers.

Well, frankly, screw them. I've cancelled my pre-order. Once I find out that this ridiculous customer punishment (more accurate than copy protection, at any rate...) scheme has been patched out, I'll buy it.

[kalniel]

Comment from 2K
http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5527

first, let me say this. you DO NOT NEED TO USE THE INTERNET EVERY TIME YOU PLAY THIS GAME. it is only the first time.

second, you can uninstall and reinstall this game, and if, by chance, you have 2 computers you want to simultaneously play this game on, you also can do that.

if by some chance you are reinstalling this game without uninstalling it first, a lot, there is a chance you may have to call securom and get a key, or deactivate some older installations.

but if you upgrade your hardware next week, you'll still be able to play the game. if you revamp your system and need to reinstall bioshock, just uninstall it before you go through the overhaul, and then do your reinstall.

calling it "hardware fingerprinting" is a bit alarmist. we do not transmit any of your data to any companies.

really, the only people who will be concerned about any of these security measures are those who are rapidly putting bioshock on many pcs... if you use the game as you normally do, you won't notice this at

josh already posted this on the previous page.

[notsobig]

Missed it! Sorry Josh

[kalniel]

The problem with having to uninstall it first is that it's often not possible. Motherboard/hard disk dies, need to reinstall Windows: oops, I can't uninstall.

Twice? Even then, just contact them direct and you're good to go again.

[noTHINGface]

... I can understand why people are moved towards the piratey ways you know...

[j.o.s.h.1408]

Twice? Even then, just contact them direct and you're good to go again.

well for example if i wanted to contact them as in NOW i dont think its posisble has there lines are only open from 9-5?.

i might be incorrect, at least i hope i am

i would literely pay a hacker to hack this game to get rid of this BS cd proection crap with a no cd crack rather then paying the developers for giving us such a headache and making this great game a complete mess

[notsobig]

What happenes if I backup the entire hdd image after first activation? Do I still have to reactivate "recovered" game install if I want to play this in the future?

[streetster]

This '2-activations' only sounds like crap, what a ridiculous idea to implement, especially given the fact that no-one uninstalls programs before they are going to format/reinstall...

I think it will be fairly easy to crack... I can only see two options for activation:

1. Some modification is made to the exe/dll files so that the install knows that its been activated (as you only need the internet connection once, not every time you play)

2. Some registry key is generated based upon a hash of your cd-key (or similar)


Solution to problem 1:

distribute the 'activated' exe/dll files

Solution to problem 2:

either a) distribute a .reg file to add the details to the registry
or b) work out the hash and then people can re-add the entry/entries themselves.


How else can they implement it?

[noTHINGface]

.. The whole thing is crap and its getting worse. I'm in my mid-thirties now, and I've been playing with computers since the 80s and only since my PC renaissance have I just got so fed up with jumping through damn hoops just to gain access to content that I hand over my cash for. This will be cracked of course and a little tiny part of me is cheering this time...

EDIT - but then again if all you have to do is uninstall before re-installing, then not that bad. But a crack that removed the necessity would be attractive.

[Odc]

.. The whole thing is crap and its getting worse. I'm in my mid-thirties now, and I've been playing with computers since the 80s and only since my PC renaissance have I just got so fed up with jumping through damn hoops just to gain access to content that I hand over my cash for. This will be cracked of course and a little tiny part of me is cheering this time...

You're a bad man

[kalniel]

Is it seriously that bad??

Come on, this sounds like people just moaning for the sake of it. It's not going to affect your enjoyment of the game. If it does, 2K are likely to sort it with the minimum of hassle. Let's not blow this out of proportion.