I guess I missed this since I wasn't planning on upgrading right away. Apparently, Microsoft is removing support for SecuRom and SafeDisc...so games that use that form of DRM won't run. No Silent Hunter 4, no GRAW...etc.

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2015/08/18/microsoft-drm-windows-10/1

I'm sure some are thinking that they will just download some sort of patch/crack to run their legally purchased game...I don't think so:

http://www.t3.com/news/windows-10-will-sniff-out-and-block-pirate-games-and-unauthorised-hardware



What's Microsoft's answer for those that want to run their old games that use this DRM? Why...its just a simple matter of purchasing it again from a site like GOG.com that has the DRM removed.

You can open a command prompt as an admin, type in "sc start secdrv" and it works again. If you want it stopped, "sc stop secdrv".

They disabled the driver per default because it's an unsafe junk driver. They are also rolling this out on Windows 7 and 8.

How many people on SimHQ still play games off CD/DVD?

Just curious.

Not only Windows 10, they patched it out also in Windows 7 and 8.

http://www.ghacks.net/2015/09/24/microsoft-update-breaks-safedisc-games-on-windows-vista-7-and-8/

I play old games all the time. I made ISO's of most of my more frequently used old titles, so I'm not actually putting physical discs in the drive anymore...but the Securom/Safedisc is still there.



You mean I've been happily playing these games for years without issue and all this time it's been un-safe?

A non-issue for me.

Every third party driver is potentially unsafe and a potential source of exploitation. Microsoft just decided to keep it enabled by default because it was used by a lot of games at the time. However we've reached an age where Digital and other means of DRM have completely rendered it without use, except for old games. So why should you have a potential vulnerability run be default? If someone has a desperate need to play their old game, they take the 5 seconds and type in the above command.

So complaining about this is making mountains of not even molehills, making mountains out of nothing. They are even rolling this out on Windows 7 and 8.

A non-issue indeed.

I guess you're also fine with Microsoft scanning your software and telling you what you can and can't use. And what the hell is un-authorized hardware? Now they are going to tell you what hardware you can and can't put in your rig?

"I'm sorry...this peripheral you purchased isn't on our approved vendor list"

I have Windows 7 updates off by default...that way I can pick what I want to update. I also don't have Windows 10 already downloaded and nagging me to upgrade like so many have been subjected to without their consent. With Windows 10, you have to agree to accepting every update they decide to push on you...no matter how intrusive.

Meh...

This is why I won't be getting Win 10 anytime soon. No rush for me to do so until several games come out that I want to play that require DX 12.

For 90% of updates in Windows 10, it is still optional, but there are three different settings you have to change to stop the updates. But in case of critical updates, you are correct, they give you no choice.

http://www.howtogeek.com/224471/how-to-prevent-windows-10-from-automatically-downloading-updates/


I see their point from an IT support perspective. A lot of end user issues come from outdated drivers and missing updates. Very few really from a broken update.

Sounds like you have a major grudge with Windows 10 and latch on to every piece of news like its gospel. Now try doing some research;

https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comme...re_not_so_fast/



Windows 10 will not scan your PC and disable your pirated games nor hardware. This is meant for their own closed "Xbox" ecosystem. Basically mimics what you can't do on consoles already in their separate little console environment. It has ZERO bearing on you as a Windows 10 user.

This.

The update to DCS World 1.5 looks absolutely fantastic and runs buttery smooth using DX11. I really can't see myself needing more then that right now.

I would fully expect Microsoft to release some eagerly awaited game and slap a "Windows 10" only requirement on it in to try and force more gamers to the platform. Very much like EA did with Battlefield 3...basically forcing people to install Origin if they want the new title.

You're right...I just read the tech article that was based on Microsoft's poorly worded announcement...I didn't search for more depth by reading the forums of reddit.

And I don't need to do more research to know that Windows 10 data collection and intrusive crap far exceeds any previous versions of the OS. They already have hooks in place to put ads in your start menu, lock screen...etc.

Again...no thanks.

I had to replace my OS SSD, so I went ahead with Win10. Did the upgrade, which didn't run well, but after you've done an activated it after an upgrade, a clean install is no trouble. So, I did the clean install. Better, but not flawless.

I haven't had this many hard locks since Win98. Ctrl-alt-del will not save you. I haven't had to use the reset button on a pc case in YEARS until now.
I didn't know about the mandatory updates before, I don't like that either. Still getting error messages due to it wanting to shut down my headphones driver every time I switch from speakers to headphones. Pretty sure that will get fixed with a new driver release, but still a stupid error.

I appreciate all of you guinea pigs who decided to go to Win 10 now so I can be further justified in my decision to hold off.

You are justified!

This has been back-ported to Win7/8/8.1 already, so it's irrelevant which OS you're using if it's post-Vista, you've got this.

Unless you've failed to install any of the security updates in a long time, of course, but then you've got bigger problems than safedisc...




The Jedi Master

Well...I have automatic updates turned off and I only do updates manually about once every 6 months or so to Windows...and I select the ones that improve security but don't remove functionality. This is always how I've done my updates...years of doing it this way and "bigger problems" have yet to surface.

Yes, and you could've ridden a motorcycle for 30 years without a helmet or insurance and never had an issue, either. Doesn't mean it's a great idea, though. Some of those patches cover astounding vulnerabilities.




The Jedi Master

Yep...and those are the updates I want...not the ones that remove my ability to play Silent Hunter 4 or the ones that download a 6gb Windows 10 install package that I didn't want or ask for.


If you want to put un-wavering blind trust in Microsoft...that's fine...but I don't think that's alway's the wisest choice.

I upped to win 10 for the Xbox One streaming...which works fantastic btw. No more fighting over the TV so I can play on my console. I play tons of games and haven't run into any issues. Nor did I have any issues with the upgrade or anything else. My ancient version of MS office works great in Win 10 and I prefer the new features over Win 7. I recognize not everyone is having a good upgrade experience (been there before)..but I wanted to share the experience I have so people know its not all bad. I wouldn't go back to 7 if you paid me. I skipped 8. +1 to microsoft on the win 10 upgrade, first time I am saying that give my experiences with 3.11, 95, 98, NT, Win 7.