LOMAC v1.1 copy protection – good news/bad news

[Guest ruggbutt]

Seeing all the problems that came about from Lock On's copy protection the first time around, ED are heading in the wrong direction w/this.

 

As I stated, a hard copy of the game is a must for western users. Or no sale.

[schimmel]

EAGLE DYNAMICS!!! WE ARE SUPPORTING ANY UNBREAKABLE COPY PROTECTIO U WANT TO USE>>>>BUT PLEASE REMOVE THE 3 HARDWARE CHANGE LIMITS. PLEASE!!! THATS ALL WE ASK YA!!

 

make an extensive USER system or something..

 

 

what the hell..use steam if u guys want to :P INGAME...checks if the copy is legal....distribute patches trough steam...as hl2...

 

comeon....but not that kind of limits...thats very very disheartening. :( :(

 

Hardware based limits and Steam is basically the same. Will Steam still exist in 3 years? Not sure about that.

 

I'm not the kinda guy (as most Lock On players IMO) who buys a game and throws it in the dustbin after a month.

 

Let's say C&C Generals had an activation system. They just stopped all the support for that game (no patches but still bugs and exploits in the game) after just 1 1/2 years! Imagine that! Now I should trust ED that activation still works in 2 years?

 

And no offence, but the future of ED is pretty uncertain...

[coldcrew]

I dunno wtf everyone is complaining about? Have you had any problems with the demo and starforce? you didn't even know it was there. So it runs in ring0, like every other driver you can think of. Running in ring0 isn't a bad thing, except when the driver is buggy.

 

Bewarned though, starforce does not run on 64bit xp (not the demo anyways)

[Dmut]

1. If this software contains backdoors or is not so secure, there is the risk that it's used like a trojan. Very simple, go to HL server, contact all the IPs you see playing Lo:FC online, and you're sure that those are good targets. Then even if this wasn't the case I don't want any spyware or product I don't know in my pc. that's all.

You're wrong here, SF's vulnerability is not a kind of network backdoor, which allow someone to "spywaring" you.

[Nate--IRL--]

The best system i have seen for copy protection is used for the Game Live for Speed. It is similar to Lock on, in that it is a , internet distributed game, directly from the developers.

 

With LFS you get to Apply for re activation up to 3 times per month. Your old key is deleted and your new one is the only one that works.

 

I STRONGLY suggest ED check out the copy protection used by the guys at http://www.liveforspeed.com , it is BY FAR the easiest, most transparent and secure copy protection.

 

Nate

 

Edit:- from the LFS faq.

 

Answer to: How often can I unlock?:

Initially you will be granted 3 unlocks. In addition, you get an additional unlock available every first day of the month, provided you do not already have 2 unlocks available. So unless you are having severe problems with your computer, you should be fine and always able to unlock LFS again after a reinstallation of Windows for example, or when you buy new computer parts a a whole new computer.

 

 

Answer to: How can I unlock LFS S1?:

If you have purchased an S1 or S2 license, you can unlock LFS S1 (and S2 when it's released), doing the following:

Go to your license status page and click on 'Request unlock'.

Then start LFS and enter your username and GAMEpassword on the unlock page.

[enigma6584]

So we can only install it 3 times total, say I buy 3 different computers? I have to buy the game again? So it has only replayability of 3 years? (I upgrade every year) Does that mean I use one install when I install it on a dedicated server?

 

I suggest you make copies of the CD available to the west. If this is gonna be another POS system that makes it difficult like UBI had then I'd prefer a hard copy.

 

I don't even play online. The computer I use to run LOCKON is not connected to the Internet. So, how does that leave those of us who don't even have the computer running LOCKON connected to the Internet? I've got to assume I'm not the only one.

 

I sincerely hope the information posted at the beginning of this thread is wrong. :shock:

[S77th-RYKE]

ED is shooting itself in the foot with that copy protection BS

 

No copy protection ever prevent pirating, it just costs the developpers and therefore the consumer more money.

 

I will never buy a game that I cannot own for real and reinstall at my leisure.

 

I hope ED will decide to make CDs and mail them to the rest of the world too. I don't mind paying a little extra .

 

Come on wake up ED , we love you and appreciate the wonderfull work you do , and we want you to succeed and prosper, but you will not get a cent from me and most people if you go the starforce way.

 

People will just wait to get a pirated version cause it's less trouble then what you intend.

 

Thanks for listening

[enigma6584]

Seeing all the problems that came about from Lock On's copy protection the first time around, ED are heading in the wrong direction w/this.

 

As I stated, a hard copy of the game is a must for western users. Or no sale.

 

I agree. For my own personal situation, I will not buy LOCKON:FC if the security issue is indeed as explained in this thread.

[Dmut]

I don't even play online. The computer I use to run LOCKON is not connected to the Internet. So, how does that leave those of us who don't even have the computer running LOCKON connected to the Internet? I've got to assume I'm not the only one.

 

I sincerely hope the information posted at the beginning of this thread is wrong. :shock:

SF support various types of activation:

- automatic activation via the Internet, fast and easy;

- manual activation on the activation website;

- by e-mail;

- by phone or fax.

[Guest ruggbutt]

SF support various types of activation:

- automatic activation via the Internet, fast and easy;

- manual activation on the activation website;

- by e-mail;

- by phone or fax.

 

Howbout those of us that have Alcohol 120 or Nero installed? Is that gonna cause us problems (again)?

 

Is the phone or fax number toll free? Or do I get to pay for a phone call to the CIS?

[Bogun]

For those “computer-challenged”…

The “backdoor” in Starforce 3 Pro is not imagined one, but real, existing, confirmed. It allows any malicious software to use “CreateSystemProcess” function call to creat process running in highest privilege Ring 0 of x86 CPU, in which OS kernel runs. No OS level security apply to processes running in Ring 0 – it would be able to do anything malicious software designer would want to program – like remotely control your PC to perpetrate DOS attacks on others, distribute spam, get all your personal data, all without you knowing it…

Understand – not StarForce protection itself is the problem, but what it allow other malicious software to do.

 

Now, the question is – if the StarForce ProActive 1.1 contains the same “backdoor”?

 

If it is only Starforce 3 Pro distributed with the LOMAC v1.1 CD’s – only Russian LOCON users will be screwed.

If StarForce ProActive 1.1 has it – all of LOCON Western user’s PC’s are going to be potentially open for the attacks as well.

 

I would like to restate – after uninstalling v1.1 DEMO – StarForce driver remained installed and functioning on my PC.

 

If you have time – check it for yourself – just unzip and run the EXE from here:

http://www.wasm.ru/forum/files/_194194340__starforcemeat.zip

I am at work, can’t test it for myself.

 

Read the ReadMe – it is entertaining:

“...StarForce Professional 3.0 is a powerful multi-level CD-ROM, DVD-ROM copy protection system designed for hackers and virmakers who wish to grant their applications ultimate, most powerful ways against your security.

...Most modern copy protection systems today encrypt only the applications' executable files and then bind them in some way to the licensed discs. StarForce Professional 3.0 is the first system that offers a multi-level and fully-functional vulnerabilities, which granted access to your PC with any privileges (including Guests) to any user.

...With this product, you, the developer, have a unique ability to hack your potential victim as well!

...The research conducted by StarForce Technologies' specialists reveals that in most cases the pirate releases don't contain the protected executable files with that pretty access system.

 

Enjoy it today!

 

Sincerelly yours,

 

Protection Technologies”

[ShaK]

oh my god.... you guys

 

 

I just started a rumor that ED is not releaseing 1.1 at all now.

 

this cant be happening

 

oh my god (say it fast like a little girl though) oh my god

[ShaK]

so what if you would have to pay for EVERY INSTALL. I would. just for suport.

 

It will get us another game/ addon something.

 

See what happens if the addon is heavly pirated and sales do very poorly.

The end of lock-on!

[suntrace1]

I bought previously 2 games with SF protection and had only headaches with it. Sold them after a week or so and never bought another game since with SF protection.

 

I understand your consourn about piracy but i do belive that more harm will be done with SF protection. I for one, will not buy it or will purchase russian version, since i'm part Montenegro and understand cerrilic and a little russian.

 

But i urge you to reconsider your decision with the SF. There have to be other ways to get around this problem.

[yamangman]

Less than impressed with the new fetaures i've seen so far anyway. If it becomes a title which requires me to frustrate over to get it to work, it's not entertainment. I have various PC's I want it installed on, and I change configurations frequently. No such copy protection or I'm afraid I won't buy it.

[Drako_MDx]

This whole Copy Protection deal is a waste of time. There is no such thing as an unbreakable Protection. Not even Steam is perfect. All this will do is prolong the release date and cause incompatibilities with some systems. ED would have to have us connect to Central Server before playing online for this to even work and this would only work for online gaming. "ALL GAMES HAVE BEEN CRACKED,” when it comes to single player including Halflife2. Now is ED going to waste even more money than they might even make on this "ADDON" to setup a main SERVER (like UBI and EA) to check CD Keys or Generated Codes before someone can play online. That would also involve eliminating Direct IP connection. This is not a Huge FPS that millions of people will be buying and playing online. Hell, you're lucky if this game even breaks the thousands. Personally it's a waste of time and less money in there pocket but hey, "I'm no expert." I hope the US gets a chance to buy a CD Version or a CD image that one could burn into a CD after purchasing or I see few people outside of Russia buying this game.

[Dmut]

For those “computer-challenged”…

The “backdoor” in Starforce 3 Pro is not imagined one, but real, existing, confirmed. It allows any malicious software to use “CreateSystemProcess” function call to creat process running in highest privilege Ring 0 of x86 CPU, in which OS kernel runs. No OS level security apply to processes running in Ring 0 – it would be able to do anything malicious software designer would want to program – like remotely control your PC to perpetrate DOS attacks on others, distribute spam, get all your personal data, all without you knowing it…

SF don't allow DOS, or remote control, or something. it only allow locally strarted process to get a ring-0 privileges. only if you run a malware on your own computer, then malware might use SF vulnerability. But, it you run such programms on your PC, then they could do many bad things even without SF. I mean, your antivirus and firewall should protect you from getting running such malware things. SF is not helping you to catch a virus. If you already infected, then SF don't make any changes.

 

btw, still I don't know any malware that are using SF vulnarability, except for starforcemeat exploit, which is harmless.

[Guest ruggbutt]

...With this product, you, the developer, have a unique ability to hack your potential victim as well!

...The research conducted by StarForce Technologies' specialists reveals that in most cases the pirate releases don't contain the protected executable files with that pretty access system.

 

Enjoy it today!

 

Sincerelly yours,

 

Protection Technologies”

 

Hack your victim? Sounds a hell of a lot like an open backdoor to me.

[destroyex]

so what if you would have to pay for EVERY INSTALL. I would. just for suport.

 

It will get us another game/ addon something.

 

See what happens if the addon is heavly pirated and sales do very poorly.

The end of lock-on!

We shouldn't have to pay for every install. If it was 5 dollars for every install then I wouldn't mind but since it is 35 dollars(I think) I REFUSE to pay for it if I can only install it 3 times. They really need to find a different way to protect it from being pirated then this bullshit. I think I speak for alot of people when I say that I have other things to have to pay for then having to pay over and over again to play a game I already own. I am paying for a regular game not an MMORPG.

[Dmut]

Now is ED going to waste even more money than they might even make on this "ADDON" to setup a main SERVER (like UBI and EA) to check CD Keys or Generated Codes before someone can play online. That would also involve eliminating Direct IP connection. This is not a Huge FPS that millions of people will be buying and playing online.

Sorry, but this is BS! you just don't understand how it works. it has nothing with online-playing.

activation is happening on main starforce site, and takes 5 sec. You don't neeed to DL 30mb, like in case of Steam. And all this method is already works, it's not a ED's part to create an activation server, it's already provided by SF.

[ShaK]

We shouldn't have to pay for every install.

 

we wouldnt be and most of the post are ignorant to the fact that people DONT UNDERSTAND THAT and panties getting all bunched up about it. Read. Some post are rediculous!

 

 

OH MY GOD, IM NOT BUYING THIS, BECAUSE IM LEFT HANDED AND NOT RIGHT AND I CANT CLICK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOUSE WITH OUT FINGER CRAMPS AND ITS ALL ED'S FAULT. THEY JUST LOST A PAYING CUSTOMER AND PEOPLE I KNOW< WHO WANT IT BUT AFTER I TELL THEM ABOUT THIS FINGER CRAMP THING, THEY WONT BUY IT EITHER

[355th_Paulie]

O.k., tell me, this is all a joke, right?

[JG27_Arklight]

W

 

T

 

F

 

 

 

 

If a hacker wants a game what keeps them from just re-hacking the product after the 3rd upgrade?

 

It is nice to see the Russians don't have to deal with this crap but the LARGEST part of the customer base gets alienated.

 

Brilliant.

 

I think business classes are starting at my university in Fall....want me to get some class dates/times?

[DayGlow]

humm, where does it say after 3 installs you have to re-buy? I don't see it anywhere, so please use some common sense before you try setting off the rumor mill. It says after 3 activations on a key you need to go the the website and get a new key. Nothing, zero about having to buy that key.

________

CR450

Edited January 22, 2011 by DayGlow

[JG27_Arklight]

humm, where does it say after 3 installs you have to re-buy? I don't see it anywhere, so please use some common sense before you try setting off the rumor mill. It says after 3 activations on a key you need to go the the website and get a new key. Nothing, zero about having to buy that key.

 

I think the discussion is about the 3rd Upgrade. Not install.