It's a nice thought, but usually the shortcut and the listing in "All Programs" normally call the same file.

Maybe your just one of the lucky people who can play the EP's without the code knocking your CD/DVD drive into orbit!

It really does seem to be a hit and miss problem. Some systems run the new EP's with no problems. Other systems have a mental breakdown...

I'm not playing devils advocate here (honestly I'm not!) But it seems that there has to be a common factor between the systems that are having problems?

So let me if I have got this straight.
This Securom thingy, downloads onto your PC every time you place your cd in the drive so you can play BV?
Well that would explain why some people are looking to use a "No-CD hack" to get round the problem.

I must admit, it seems a bit excessive to buy a game and then have to wipe it from your system because EA & Maxis have included a messed up Anti-piracy program in with the EP.
And this it seems, is basicly EA's PR line at the moment. "Thank you for buying our fine EP. SecuRom has not been proven to cause the problems you have described, and Sony have told us that the problem is with your system and not their software. But if you don't beleive us and you really don't wan't Securom on your system, here's a nice program to wipe it from your computer, Just don't bother re-installing and playing the EP again."

It seems EA have totally missed the point as well as the plot, Some of us like the EP, but we really don't want something included that is going to harm our system. After all. That's why we use Windows

I did'nt see any mention of getting your money back. So now you have an expansion pack that your afraid to use and a £30 coffee coaster. Nice!:coffee2:

And do we have any idea if EA intend include this Malware with Free Time?
It would be a shame if it does. And after all the hype and high expectations that I have been reading in the forums. :smt120

SecuRom was created By Sony, and it is not the first time Sony have been in hot water over their (almost fanatical) Anti-piracy measures.
The last instance I heard of was Sony's inclusion of anti-piracy software on some of their Audio CD's, with the intention of preventing people from downloading music onto their hard drives - "Attempt to download your music into the player of your choice and get this nice trojan absolutly free."
Sony were taken to court and found guilty of producing and distributing harmfull computer code and handed a very large fine :punch:. This was a serious PR disaster for Sony. So, they decided to remove all the "Infected" albums from sale, or at least, the ones the public now knew about.

It's a pitty that Sony have not learnt from their past mistakes, and a real shame that EA & Maxis have now got themselve mixed up with a bunch of suits who cause more trouble and harm than the hackers and pirates they are attempting (and failing miserably) to stop.

I have'nt bothered to get BV EP as yet, and it looks like I may be better off saving my cash. It's all a question of "what do I get extra in the game for my cash." Besides, I'm still missing the university EP.

So what's the Pros and cons of this EP? :blob6:

As for putting in features that we really want too see.
I get the feeling it's all decided by comitee rather than asking the people who actually play and love the game. It's not like they don't know where to find us.