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Simmers' Paradise => General Sims 2 Discussion => Topic started by: Captain_Shepard on October 04, 2007, 03:53:38 pm



Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 04, 2007, 03:53:38 pm
So I've decide to organize some info for those who haven't heard about this issue and I hope other members help as well.

You may also '' flame '' Maxis for their poor work and the lack of skill in a critical time.

   :blob6:  May the flaming begin!   :blob6:

Thanks to Maniac to provide us a bit of information on this.

http://www.insimenator.org/showthread.php?t=61410

http://www.insimenator.org/showthread.php?t=61800


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Check here  (http://s95147669.onlinehome.us/beosboxboy/)if you want to read about the EA evilish history and why they should be burned

By BeosBoxBoy - Read this if you want to hear the logical and truthfull explanation

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How to know if you have this piece of sh*t on your pc?

Start
-----------
Execute  ( type regedit) and press enter
--------------------------------------
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
--------------------------------------
SecuROM

--------------------------------------
What is SecuROM? ( Thanks to Celesta92059 a fighting the oppresion member of Sims 2 BBS )

SecuROM INFORMATION

If you have installed Sims 2 Deluxe, H&M Stuff Pack, or Sims 2 Bon Voyage, you have SecuROM copy protection installed on your computer. EA doesn't warn you that this potentially harmful software is being used. The SecuROM copy protection is distributed by Sony Electronics Inc., Headquarters in New York & California.

What is SecuROM

This is what MaxoidSam says it is

SecuROM is an anti-piracy program that is designed to keep people from unlawfully copying software, in theory for the purpose of re-selling illegally. It's also designed to ensure that the game you are playing is a legitimate copy of the game.

EA products (The Sims 2 included) had previously been using a program called SafeDisc for copy protection up until about April of 2007. At this point EA switched to SecuROM. So far, SecuROM has been used for The Sims 2 Deluxe Edition, H&M Stuff, and Bon Voyage. We are using Version 7 of SecuROM.

This is how beosboxboy (from a Sims 2 website we can not talk about here) defines SecuROM

SecuROM is a CD/DVD copy protection program that is intended to prevent software, music, and video piracy developed by Sony. SecuROM is is known to cause more issues than any other copy protection software, a simple Google search will provide you with all you need to know about this. Prior to Bon Voyage and (maybe) H&M Fashion Stuff, EA was using SafeDisc. Other games may have installed this, but if you have only Sims 2 games on your computer, it is likely that it was only installed when you installed Bon Voyage expansion pack or maybe H&M Fashion Stuff. Maxoid Sam did not authoratively say when EA started using SecuRom with The Sims 2 franchise.

SafeDisc CD/DVD copy protection program for Windows applications and games, developed by Macrovision Corporation; though SafeDisc protection effectively prevents regular home users from creating functional copies of CDs or DVDs, it is quite easy for skilled software crackers to bypass. The reason for EA's switch to SecuROM is pretty obvious.

SecuROM is highly controversial. It may interfere with the performance of Windows on any number of levels and is regarded by most security software firms (Symantec, CA, McAfees, etc) as "risky" or "dangerous". It has been known to interfere in the playability of games even when you have a legally purchased copy of the game. Additionally, SecuROM has not been very effective at preventing people from using illegally copied software, for example the copy protection on the game BioShock was cracked within ten days of release, the on-line activation measure that shipped with BioShock also seems to be mainly aimed at preventing lending and rental of the game. In the case of The Sims 2 Bon Voyage Expansion Pack, the cracked version was available the same day as release... go figure.

[End of Quoting]

Sony is being sued in a number of States, and there is a class action suite against them. Many of Sony's customers are sueing them in their local small claims courts. The lawsuits are regarding Sony's rootkit technology that is included in most if not all software Sony distributes.

Microsoft's Mark Russinovich's blog entry's regarding Sony
http://blogs.technet.com/markrussinovich/search.aspx?q=Sony&p=1
http://blogs.technet.com/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/31/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights-management-gone-too-far.aspx

Other links about Sony
http://www.sonysuit.com/
Sony's back for more, running BioShock DRM with a rootkit
http://swik.net/User:stinkyworld/Engadget+feeds/Sony%27s+back+for+more%2C+running+BioShock+DRM+with+a+rootkit/bkf49

http://www.engadget.com/tag/rootkit/

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2BSony+%2BLawsuits
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What is a Rootkit?

Some of you have tried to find SecuROM on your system and can not find it. I promise you, if you installed Sims 2 Deluxe, H&M Stuff Pack, or Sims 2 Bon Voyage on your computer you do have it, but that's what a rootkit does, it hides itself from you making it difficult for you to find it and to prevent you from uninstalling it.

Rootkit? What? What is a rootkit? Do I have a rootkit?

Microsoft's definition and a program at Microsoft to find out if you have one:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/RootkitRevealer.mspx

Here is a picture of SecuROM's rootkit on my computer
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i306/celesta920/SecuROM.jpg
Notice where it screams "!CAUTION! NEVER DELETE" that file is a rootkit. All the other SecuROM files on your computer you can easily delete by highlighting and pressing the delete button, except that one. It screams only to scare you. Truth is if you can find a way to delete it (which is the hard part), it would be harmless. In fact it would be beneficial to you and your computer to delete it.

What does a rootkit do?

Sony or MaxoidSam have not denied SecuROM installs a rootkit on our computers (probably so they couldn't be accused of lying to us). In their statements they fail to even mention the word "rootkit". They only deny that what they install is malware or spyware.

In MaxoidSam's statement he avoids directly denying SecuROM installs a rootkit, but instead he says
"SecuROM claims is it not spyware, malware, or any other kind of 'ware that would extract personal information from your PC. You can read all about what Sony says about SecuROM at their website." [ http://tinyurl.com/2s4gwf ]

[end of quotes]

A rootkit itself is not malware, but a rootkit allows someone, either legitimate (as in the case of Sony and EA's use of it in the Sims games) or malicious (as in Internet attackers), to maintain command and control over a computer system, without the computer system user knowing about it. This means that the owner of the rootkit is capable of executing files and changing system configurations on the target machine, as well as accessing log files or monitoring activity to covertly spy on the user's computer usage.

What a rootkit does in laymen's terms:
A rootkit is a group of software tools that a hacker can exploit to obtain root (top-level) privileges to a computer. Once this top level privilege is obtained, the hacker can perform unauthorized activity on a computer and hide all traces of existence so it can continue to exploit the computer.

http://netsecurity.about.com/b/a/220992.htm
Many many more explanations:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2B%22what+is+a+rootkit%22&btnG=Google+Search


I myself I'll wait until Pescado, the creator of the fix for the spawning tour guides, gives a green signal for installing any patches. This may never be. Don't forget, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. As a final word : Fight the Oppresion, down with EAxis!


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: phoenix_risin on October 05, 2007, 12:52:02 am
I believe I have found the way Eaxis handles their issues and bugs.

How to debug a "C" program


1] If at all possible, don't. Let someone else do it.
2] Change majors.
3] Insert/remove blank lines at random spots, re-compile, and excecute.
4] Throw holy water on the terminal.
5] Dial 911 and scream.
6] There is rumour that "printf" is useful, but this is probably unfounded.
7] Port everything to CP/M.
8] If it still doesn't work, re-write it in assembler. This won't fix the bug, but it will make sure no one else finds it and makes you look bad


LOL Sorry it just seemed to be appropriate considering the replies we get from that company.


On topic though I just wish they would grow some chest hair and come out with a real statement that they plan on standing behind.
 I mean other games have had issues with it. Obviously they knew this they do not after all live in caves.
They did not care and now do not care to admit they messed up.

Just once I would Love to see them take a stand on anything they have to deal with.
They have yet to do that on any issue that they have been faced with. They have him hawed on everything from this SecuRom to bugs, to testing, or lack of it, to file sharing, and the whole pay fiasco.

It really makes me wonder what kind of people are in charge over there.
Whatever type it is I am seriously getting a tad fed up.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: MaryH on October 05, 2007, 06:41:05 am
Maxis/EA is in the business of making money. They don't care if your computer blows up, eats hard drives or takes over the world. They want their money. They want to make a lot of it. After 7 years of having one of the hottest franchises going, they're used to a lot of money. They're also getting very sloppy on their work, and have made some colossal mistakes in releasing games that are so buggy that people have to buy new computers just to play them.
The best way to pay them back is to boycott /or sue them until they start getting a conscience-however, tell that to the millions of poor kids who don't know how to program one line of computer language-let alone theirs.
It worked for the car companies-Ford, GM and Chrysler are all going down the tubes because they did not produce a product that people wanted-Toyota, on the other hand, is doing just fine. Why? Because they responded to the people who buy their cars with quality.
Maxis could do the same, but I doubt if they care that much. It's only a game, you know.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Tenshii~Akari on October 05, 2007, 06:42:45 am
Don't you just love how they've become even bigger liars about this whole thing lately? Sheesh... :angry7:

Well, seeing as I don't have Bon Voyage yet, I'm still pretty pissed off at this whole ordeal.  I was really hoping to have this EP without too much worrying other than hard drive space, and maybe the occasional graphics glitch-up.  Now that I hear they've changed the way the disks work with "Secu-CRAP", I know I'm probably not going to get it.  I already have enough problems with this laptop, and believe me, I get to the point where I just want to throw this thing out the window sometimes.  The last thing I need is that program fudging up my CD/DVD-WR drive and corresponding programs, nor do I want the extra frustrations that other people have been having with it as of late.  Yes, there are ways to finally get around it, but I'm still not going to give my financial support to EA if they insist on sending out stuff that affects how the legal customers play the game, or even use their own computers.  And even if Sims 3 has that shoddy mess up there with it, then... (God, it'd probably kill me to say this next year)... well... I think I may have to pass buying it, too.  :bawl:


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 05, 2007, 09:15:53 am
As much as I love the look of the extra features, not to mention having a swimmable ocean (boy did I miss that when taking recent story pics!), I'm actually pretty scared to get this now. I know there's a "no problems" thread, and thankfully (from what I've heard) this SecurRom isn't on European copies, but still...

Funnily enough I'm on a game design course, just started my 2nd year. All this business with EAxis's idea of production and customer care is teaching me a lot - namely how not to go about things! :lol: Gotta laugh, huh?


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: tallsimsfan77 on October 05, 2007, 09:41:21 pm
Note to self: Don't buy Sims 3.

Well- assuming that Maxis doesn't clean up their act.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 08, 2007, 08:02:06 am
Sadie79 Securom is on European copies too! I got my sims 2 bon voyage in Spain and it does have it too.

I've updated the first thread for more information!


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 08, 2007, 10:05:57 am
Well damn! Sheesh... in that case I'm especially glad I haven't bought it. Tell you what though, to quote (not guaranteeing accuracy) a siggy on the BBS:

EAxis: Encouraging piracy one legit user at a time

Ironic isn't it? A little note here - if I could be guaranteed that this crap wasn't gonna sneakily install itself on my computer, hell, if they could even offer a decent service (their attitude of sweeping critical things like this under the rug disgusts me, TBH), I wouldn't be so hesitant in continuing my support. I was gonna pay out money for this EP, just as I have all the other major EPs that I own. They don't realise how much money they're actually losing through their deal with Sony. They should have researched it better, if they had they'd know Sony was being sued because of it, and therefore hopefully made the decision to steer clear.

Moot point now anyway :dontknow:


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sleepycat on October 08, 2007, 12:35:29 pm
people are getting banned (for a week at this point) left and right on the BBS for trying to get the real facts out. Threads are being locked and/or deleted.

They(the SMs and maybe EA) are trying to get everyone to shut up about it so their sheep will forget about SecuROM.

According to one SM, only she knows the real 'facts' and everyone else posting about SecuROM dosen't know what they are talking about because the information they are posting is about a different version of SecuROM.

The BBS has gotten rather interesting lately :lol:


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 08, 2007, 01:23:47 pm
So the problems that people had were just coincidence? I don't believe! I'm not only mad about this , there's also the bugs which I do think it's EAxis responsibility to act quickly to develop a patch since it seems they don't test their games for bugs unfortunely I've read from a SiMaster post that the patch will arrive at the end of this month.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Tenshii~Akari on October 08, 2007, 06:06:32 pm
It's babbling time!  :rant:

SM Burpie is a "funny" one, that's for sure... The fact that they're trying to tell us what's not happening on our own computers just amuses me.  :rofl:  :neutral: I could care less about her role on the BBS, but just because you have a "title" doesn't mean you know everything... and just because other people ("armchair lawyers and tech experts" as quoted (http://bbs.thesims2.ea.com/community/bbs/messages.php?threadID=1cdc4ef8d0874e8bfd8b82ab11fd36aa&directoryID=211&startRow=1&openItemID=item.211,root.1,item.61,item.104,item.41,item.127,item.23)) question your actions and responses, it doesn't make them any less knowledgeable about computer tech info than you are.  Besides, how can you tell who works where?  Some people are honest about it, and KNOW what they're talking about.  You can't tell people that they don't know anything if they're trying to supply the info and links... yet get banned and shot down (plus thread locked/removed)  before they even get a chance.  Sheesh... :brain:

I'm really not surprised they're doing all of that locking and banning.  The BBS is so back-@$$wards that they think anything that doesn't agree with their terms is false info/spam/whatever.  I've only posted there once throughout this whole situation, and luckily that particular thread had not been locked the last time I checked.  (Probably is now, though.)  After that, I vow never again to post my 2 cents over there again... :salute:  (For once, I really hope karma will hit full force this time around, just for all the crap they've been doing up there for the past few years.  I could care less for whatever happens to the BBS even more so than I did before.  :twisted: )

And once again, thanks for all of the informative posts and links.  I've been reading a lot deeper into the problems that have been involved with the software(z), and I must say the more I learn about it, the more I see how EA crapped up big time.  :lol:


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: knightguy82 on October 08, 2007, 06:46:12 pm
SM Burpie is power mad an should be beaten to death with the nearest keyboard :rant: while new USB cords are made

SecuROM issues BBS refugee thread (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,9924.0.html) @ MATY

i'm uploading the "What your problem with SM Burpie" thread incase it gets deleted


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: AjaAja on October 08, 2007, 08:26:30 pm
What an interesting thread.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: BeosBoxBoy on October 09, 2007, 01:56:58 am
*quietly gloats* I have been saying for over two years that EA wants nothing but YOUR money, don't give a rat's ass for the so-called Sims Community, and couldn't care less if we all died  from brain hemorrhages as a result of stressing out over their mistakes, buggy code, and lies, all they care about is relieving you of your excess weight in the pocket-book.

I have been saying EA sucks and are a pack of liars since the day they rolled The Sims 2 out, I finally feel vindicated now that the bastards have become so openly everything I said they were I could just squee my pants.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 09, 2007, 08:09:03 am
I know beosboxboy and I do believe what you say. I mean I would expect more problems on Sims 1 than the new version because it's supposed to be more advanced..on everything
And now what do I see? Lame kids giving support to EA, other's trying to fight it and getting banned and their threads blocked while others are just too blind to see and give more support to the EA bull crap.
And what can we do? Keep fighting them. Of course that won't improve the Expansions since I don't know where they get their craptastic ideas but o well let's hope we can get something out of this.

Off-Topic : Could you send me your avatar photo aka 500 € :P


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 10, 2007, 12:15:59 pm
Update:

EAxis released a patch...Don't download it! Just keep using MATY hack because this patch from what I've read on the BBS, it's creating problems to several people.

I've also visited the MATY there's thread about the BV and Pescado says the following:

THE OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION IS NOT TO INSTALL THE PATCH DUE TO MORE SECUROM SPYWARE!
This patch offers practically nothing of value except MORE SPYWARE. AVOID!

I'll stick on what Pescado says. I mean I will only patch my game when Pescado approves it. I mean this guy knows the stuff and he made a solution for the problem faster than EAxis.

Well if you want patch it! Nobody blames you :)


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 10, 2007, 01:08:29 pm
I wish I'd seen that warning before I went and downloaded it :( So far so good though, nothing bad's happened yet, although I haven't played around with it enough to find out any more.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 10, 2007, 01:27:16 pm
Sadie79 not everyone has problems some have as usual. I might just edit my post to not launch a panic riot because I do care about Insim and I've tried to do the same on BBS but either people are too blind or they say I'm a drama queen and that we should trust EAxis.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: chriskay on October 10, 2007, 01:58:16 pm
Gosh, I've installed the patch already. What should I do now?


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: BeosBoxBoy on October 10, 2007, 02:09:52 pm
Teren Rox, as a personal rule I envision every Maxoid and SimMaster and Official Announcement by EA as being prefaced with a sibilant "Trussssssssssst usssssssssss, would we lie to you?" (expression of door-to-door insurance salesman here).  This way I feel I am emotionally and spiritually prepared to read the next few lines of text in the proper frame of mind.

I feel a degree of pity for all the people who have been taken-in by the mendacious snake-oil show, but honestly, I am enjoying the show too much to say much.

See the link in my signature for my long history of hating EA and thinking that they should all be clubbed down like a baby fur seal.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 10, 2007, 03:06:31 pm
I've read it and for me you are absolutely right 100%. I feel shame for not seeing  the '' light '' before I mean I already knew about such kind of schemes made my Eaxis but I'd never expect that I would reach such aggresive point as today.

I'll check go check on my bbs post which probably was already locked by the SimIdiots

Yep it was:

That's my point of view of the release of the patch. Most of my info was found by going on threads where people claimed to have problems

http://bbs.thesims2.ea.com/community/bbs/messages.php?threadID=d1fad195c40f72ca96305c10acbf1b44&directoryID=189&startRow=1&openItemID=item.189,root.1,item.43,item.104,item.41,item.127,item.23#3dee466e90ca8732d640c839952432d3 (http://bbs.thesims2.ea.com/community/bbs/messages.php?threadID=d1fad195c40f72ca96305c10acbf1b44&directoryID=189&startRow=1&openItemID=item.189,root.1,item.43,item.104,item.41,item.127,item.23#3dee466e90ca8732d640c839952432d3)

I just went these days there to check on the securom stuff.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: dreamcatchermwh on October 10, 2007, 03:25:14 pm
The Sims 2 controversy
Thank you for correcting me it was added with Pets Story.I stand corrected;-)
The Sims 2 and most of its subsequent add-ons have previously been using Safedisk for copy protection until April 2007, however since then Electronic Arts have replaced Safedisk with the somewhat controversial SecuROM v 7.x software protection which is included with The Sims Pet Stories, The Sims 2 Deluxe, The Sims 2: H&M Fashion Stuff and The Sims 2: Bon Voyage.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: carlymichelle on October 10, 2007, 09:24:01 pm
the patch wont even let me install it so maybe thats a good thing


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 11, 2007, 11:42:13 am
Lol the computers knows! :P


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: melo2g on October 11, 2007, 10:10:33 pm
For anyone interested there is a petition going around to ask EA to stop using secuROM.

http://www.petitiononline.com/rsrts2/petition.html


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: lewisb40 on October 12, 2007, 11:59:29 am
I am not having major computer problems, but since I installed BV, Norton's have been working overtime to combat viruses and spyware on my computer. I have never had this much activity in the 5 yrs I owned this computer. I have virus detection updates everyday and have to scan my discs (I have 2) every 3 to 4 days. Each time finding new spyware, adware and 2 virus hits (stopped by my Norton's virus protection).  I don't know for sure if this is because I have a empty folder labelled SecuROM, but when I read the replies by the SimMaster's and official statements, my blood boils.  I have copied the response that SimMasterNeena sent to one complainer:

Quote
Hi Cece,
I remember you from signing my guestbook awhile back with another issue. I am sorry you and so many other simmers are having these issues. I do hope you get things sorted out.

Take care,
Neena.

That sounds like, oh well that's your problem, not mine. Have a good day. >:(


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 12, 2007, 12:06:30 pm
The SimMasters can't do anything though, they're not the technical experts. They're not employed by EA, they just have to kiss up to them and keep the forum in order. No use blaming them for gaming problems, they may even be experiencing them first-hand themselves.

On the other hand though, Burpie's way of keeping order is akin to a dictatorship :mad: There's a right and wrong way to keep the forum in check; I was disgusted to read her sticky on secuROM.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: lewisb40 on October 12, 2007, 12:20:17 pm
Thanks Sadie, I now know what the SimMaster do, for I am not a common visitor to the BBS.  I still feel that no matter what position you hold in the company, if you are a representative, try to make the customer feel as if you are doing everything the company can.  The Maxiods, SimMasters and etc. feel that it's your own problem.

Now MaxiodSam has posted a reply in the SecuROM section of the BBS:
http://bbs.thesims2.ea.com/community/bbs/messages.php?threadID=4f90725217b358753515d34b6a607873&directoryID=211&startRow=1&openItemID=item.211,root.1,item.61,item.104,item.41,item.127,item.23.

All of a sudden, EA is acting like they care?


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 12, 2007, 12:39:50 pm
Did you see the reply that thread got though? :lol:

The only way they'll get this mess cleaned up is by getting rid of the damn thing. Even owners of other games (like Bioshock) are complaining of problems with it, so it's hardly a vendetta against EA alone.

As for Sony... :bang: What were they thinking when they wrote this program?!


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 12, 2007, 01:45:45 pm
I think that since Sony's going down the toilet with videogames stuff they're probably trying to take down some computers as part of their evilish plan lol

SimMaster or SimIdiots as I call them are bunch 30 year old people who got choose just because of their age. Actually some SimIdiots are quite childish. I already warned the people there , some believe , many don't. They trust EAxis.
Eaxis is good for them.

Bah , reading those words just makes me sick bufff

And I got banned :

Sorry, you are banned from the BBS until Mon Nov 12, 2007 at 12:00 AM PDT

For telling the truth.

Bah forget about BBS, all I need is Insim! Atleast people here aren't stupid.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: JCSpencer on October 13, 2007, 11:56:18 pm
Since there's so much Sony love going around I thought I'd chip this in:

Quote

In Sony BMG's latest triumph in public relations, its chief lawyer has argued that copying a song you already own (such as onto your own PC from a legally purchased CD) is stealing.

"When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song. [Making a copy of a purchased song is just] a nice way of saying 'steals just one copy'," she said.

Not surprisingly, Sony BMG head of litigation Jennifer Pariser's comments in the US have sparked plenty of reaction. In her ideal world you would pay separately for each device you listen to a song on - a Sony device, I'm sure it's safe to presume.


Out of curiosity, what's your BBS username, Teren Rox? Would love to see what you posted that got you banned. LOL. I'm working on it myself. :)


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: lewisb40 on October 14, 2007, 01:09:24 am
I for one after reading MaxoidSam's post and the reply to some questions, like what the analysis report show:

Quote
OK, here is what is in the SecuROM analysis file, according to Sony DADC:
"The launch analysis file gives a snapshot of what is occuring at an attempted launch.

This includes:

*type of operating system
*drives / drive types
*loaded drivers
*installed software
*running processes
*running drivers"

Please let's not add to this adventure with posts that say "that's from Sony...of course that's what they're going to say!" Either you trust it or you don't. There's really not much more I can add. I hope some will be willing to help so that we can get the answers we all want. Thanks.

-sam


I would not send a report! More invasion and people are being sued for music copyright laws. Be careful.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 14, 2007, 06:56:31 am
Securom doesn't have the right to send information of our computers without the people accepting it. It's supposed to be anti-piracy.

Need more proof that's it's spyware?


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 14, 2007, 09:27:12 am
Why don't those of you with issues just tell Sam of your concerns, give reasons why you won't send analysis reports? Okay, might be a waste of time, but doesn't hurt to try.

As for this:
Quote
In Sony BMG's latest triumph in public relations, its chief lawyer has argued that copying a song you already own (such as onto your own PC from a legally purchased CD) is stealing.

"When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song. [Making a copy of a purchased song is just] a nice way of saying 'steals just one copy'," she said.

Not surprisingly, Sony BMG head of litigation Jennifer Pariser's comments in the US have sparked plenty of reaction. In her ideal world you would pay separately for each device you listen to a song on - a Sony device, I'm sure it's safe to presume.

I'm at a loss for words :oogle:


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 14, 2007, 10:32:17 am
I think that SimMaster already recevied enough emails lol

And there's no need to contact since they'll give you a bunch links to FAQ and techn issues.

As for the chief lawyer, that guy gotta be nuts. '' In her ideal world '' ? Of course if the profit went to Sony pocket . Bah I'm tired of senseless capitalism on software. Almost everything you do on the internet is illegal it seems.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: JCSpencer on October 14, 2007, 10:53:04 am
Quote from: Sadie79;987909
Why don't those of you with issues just tell Sam of your concerns, give reasons why you won't send analysis reports? Okay, might be a waste of time, but doesn't hurt to try.


While that is a sound, logical suggestion, unfortunately several people have tried it, and EA is ignoring them to the extreme. Since so many people have already uninstalled SecuROM (often at a cost, since they hired professionals, or reformatted their entire hard drives) they are completely unwilling to reinstall BV just to give them some file that may or may not contain information that is private. Several others refuse to comply because they want a method of discerning what's inside the files first, and even if they *could* read what was inside these mystery files, they are stating that they would refuse to reinstall BV after going through the pain and cost of removing it. Who can blame them? EA has no intention of replacing our games, let alone reimbursing us the cost of repairs.

All of these concerns are being posted in MaxoidSam's thread, but they've so far been ignored, other than a couple of attempts by Sam to convince people their's nothing secret inside the files; but he and the others don't even know what's in there - they had to contact Sony to find out. Heck, even Satan (Microsoft) asks us if it's okay to upload the error files before doing it, and we can examine the file because it's readable in even the most basic word processors.

I also think it's interesting how when anyone posts important *facts*, not merely opinions, they also go unnoticed (or get deleted/banned). However, I would recommend that anyone and everyone that owns Sims head over to the BBS and post at least once, because apparently THAT is how they are making their retarded "official" count of people with problems (number of posters, not number of posts). This kind of count obviously doesn't include the number of people that aren't aware of the problem, fixed it already not realizing it was related to BV, simply don't care to post on the BBS, or possibly don't even know about the BBS. Believe it or not, I was the latter - never realized there was an official BBS. Hell, I've hardly ever visted that lame website other than for patches anyway. And why bother? Other sites like InSim and MATY are 1000x better, more informative, more interactive, and, as Teren Rox put it, people over here aren't stupid.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 14, 2007, 11:50:11 am
100% right.

There's already lots of people who wasted precious time on contacting the SimMaster and didn't get much out of it, and right now it's imposible since you can't complain because you get banned, if you critisize them as I did and say the hard truth you get banned , if you comment about this the analysis file it may be considered trolling.

As for the patches, I'd prefer a fan made patch then a EAxis patch.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 14, 2007, 03:52:08 pm
I didn't know about that :-/ @Teren: Sam's not a SM, he's a Maxoid. Big difference; he's one of the people behind the game, whereas the SMs aren't. The SMs are nothing but moderators, while the Maxoids are the people you should (in theory) be able to approach with game issues. It's disturbing that the Maxoids are ignoring so many people who have these issues, and trying to pass them off as either small or non-existent.

I don't generally visit the BBS either; every time I've visited a link to that place I'm reminded why I stay away. Here's much nicer, and home to more intelligent people :)


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 14, 2007, 04:08:00 pm
Ups sorry for my mistake Sadie79 :P

I forgot there was Maxoids xD


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 14, 2007, 04:36:15 pm
Just making sure you direct your anger at the right people ;)


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: JCSpencer on October 14, 2007, 06:39:55 pm
That's the only thing I feel bad about. Having worked in sales for as long as I have, I know that customers take out their anger on the wrong people, but unfortunately they don't have any other choice. I hate directing my anger at Sam (but not necessarily one of the SM's that shall remain nameless), but since nobody in EA wants to fess up, that's all we can do.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: AjaAja on October 14, 2007, 07:34:40 pm
Quote from: beosboxboy;978370
*quietly gloats* I have been saying for over two years that EA wants nothing but YOUR money, don't give a rat's ass for the so-called Sims Community, and couldn't care less if we all died  from brain hemorrhages as a result of stressing out over their mistakes, buggy code, and lies, all they care about is relieving you of your excess weight in the pocket-book.

I have been saying EA sucks and are a pack of liars since the day they rolled The Sims 2 out, I finally feel vindicated now that the bastards have become so openly everything I said they were I could just squee my pants.


I always knew it was for the money, and they don't care about us, but I just thought they'd have the common sense to act like they care, and put out something with some quality. I was hoping that they'd come to their senses (at the very least - business-wise), but apparently they've really gone off the deep-end. hearing about the BV patch (which I was waiting for to install BV), let's me know, that BV will just become an expensive paper-weight; I'm just glad I never installed, and I suppose a I've learned a $15 lesson. I'm as much a forgiving person as anyone else, but this whole thing with BV is where I draw the line. I suppose that's a lesson for me for giving big businesses a chance period - well, I know now - people can be forgiven, but big business can go to hell.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: JCSpencer on October 14, 2007, 09:13:20 pm
Quote from: AjaAja;988774
well, I know now - people can be forgiven, but big business can go to hell.


Amen!


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 15, 2007, 07:38:42 am
Amen to that hell yeah!


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: lewisb40 on October 15, 2007, 05:24:57 pm
This is a post made by Cecesaun1 at the BBS. http://bbs.thesims2.ea.com/community/bbs/messages.php?threadID=837a7e12b0353dcd8ba2bc97cbf0d930&directoryID=211&startRow=1&openItemID=item.211,root.1,item.61,item.104,item.41,item.127,item.23

This is very interesting. I am on my way to read up on this information.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Sam the T-man on October 15, 2007, 05:52:16 pm
I found this (http://forums.vnunet.com/thread.jspa?threadID=121700&tstart=0) on my travels - another forum about the same problem, with other ways to fix it :)


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Niralaya on October 16, 2007, 11:44:45 pm
I'm pretty much delurking to post this. (And having serious second thoughts about it already)
I did some amateur research, and realized they started using SecuROM when they changed CEOs. If this decision is a sample of the way he wants to be running things... well I'm not liking it.
And EA just bought Bioware (one of my favorites), saying they aren't going to change things. Yeah right. :hmph:


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 17, 2007, 09:34:16 am
No! Not Bioware!

/Cry


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: AjaAja on October 17, 2007, 11:16:25 pm
Is Bioware the one that made Baldur's Gate? I don't understand the point of the change... is it cheaper for them or something?


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: Captain_Shepard on October 18, 2007, 07:34:35 am
Yes they're the makers of the best rpg out there such as Baldur gate and Neverwinter nights, they're going to release Mass Effect the bestest sci-fi rpg game on the xbox 360.

I hate EA Games....Thank god I know for sure that they will never buy Valve.


Title: Sims 2 Bon Voyage Bugs and SecurROM Flame-O-Rama [BV patch download at risk]
Post by: toriamos on October 20, 2007, 03:33:03 am
I've installed BV and since than my computer has been doing strange things.  My McAfee has disappeared from my task bar (did a defrage it reappeared.)  I have had my windows defender break and had to be reinstalled and also while in the game twice now I get a message that take me to the desktop and says something on the lines of cms16 dll 16 bit ms dos illegal activies and to  either close program or ignore.  when this happened I was not hook up to the internet,  also found 27 trojans on my system last night. Never had anything like this before.


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