More Awesome Than You!

BV doesn't seem to want to work with Daemon Tools anymore.  I made an image with Alcohol 120%, but I get a security error when I try to launch BV.  And yes, I use SDHide, which worked fine with Seasons.

Anyone get this to work?

I know how to fix this because I used the exact same method that you did! Yay! Here's what you do!
1. Get a no-cd crack. Hey! How did one get into my  4shared account (http://www.4shared.com/file/26374629/84be2f4f/Sims2EP6.html)? And here is a post patch 1 version (http://www.4shared.com/file/28539772/ee558ee8/flt-sb10.html) of the nocd crack. Back up your original TS2ep6.exe in Program Files/EA Games/The Sims 2 Bon Voyage/TSBin. Replace with no cd crack. I also made a shortcut to stick on my desktop for convenience at this point.
2. Mount .iso in daemon tools.
3. Procure  YASU 1.27 (http://www.4shared.com/file/26372131/b35adf65/YASU_12_7050.html). 1.4 will only work if you have D-Tools Pro, which I don't have and is not necessary for this job.
4. Run YASU and select "Cloak Drives"
5. Double click on the cracked .exe and the game will run. W00t!

Edited to fix links.
Edited to add patch 1 version of cracked exe.

Hmm, ok.  Did EAxis change the type of anti-copy they use?  Something other than Safedisk now?

I made a mds/mdf image, as I usually do.  Maybe the image is bad.
No matter, I'll start it with the CD for now, and then make another image before I call it a night. Thanks for the no-cd crack!

Use Y.A.S.U v1.4.7080, that's what I'm using with BV

I'll give YASU a try -- I grabbed the version Invisigoth has up.  Thanks!

As I mentioned in my previous post that won't work if you don't have daemon tools pro. I am using a older version on purpose. I tried 1.4.7 and even downloaded d-tools pro and it STILL wouldn't work without a nocd crack. Trust me, I tried *everything*. This was the only thing that worked for me. Actually, a bunch of people on the site have only gotten it to work this way. And the error that jsalemi reported about a security module was the same error that I got (even with 1.4.7), so I bet he has the same problem that I had.


They have beefed up their copy protection. They are using secu-rom now. I have d-tools set up to emulate securom. At first I thought that my image was borked too, but I remade it twice from the CD and torrented two other ones. With all four image files I had the same problem and the same error message. This isn't the first time that I've set up an image for a TS2 EP. I also did it with Seasons and it worked fine with just YASU+Daemon Tools.

Edited because I apparently don't pay attention to sigs.

Does not the '---joe' in my signature maybe give away that 'she' is a 'he'? :)

Ah, I have Alcohol set to do a Safedisc burn -- I'll have to try making a Secu-rom burn.  But I will try the no-cd crack (thanks!) and YASU. 

I'm using DT 4.09.1 and Yasu 1-4-7080. The only problem I ran into is that you have to install YASU.exe into the DT program files folder.

Yasu 1.4.7080 summarily rejected my attempts to run even within the d-tools folder. A message popped up saying "Cannot find DaemonToolsPro.dll".

YASU alone still didn't work, but with the no-cd crack, it launched fine now. I'll have to play with it some more.  FWIW, I'm running DT 4.10 lite.

Oh god not the same securom as in Bioshock?

What's the point in using Daemon tools and Yasu if you're going to end up using the no-cd crack anyway? XD

All you need is a cracked Sims2EP6.exe, and modified shortcuts that do not point to that stupid launcher.

I'll repeat here what I put in another thread. This was my experience with a torrent I got off the net.

original exe + YASU = gives 'no disk found' error
cracked exe - YASU = gives some sort of security module error
cracked exe + YASU = playable BV

For me I could use the original exe, early v4.0 of Daemon Tools and YASU and had no issues.

I only use the no cd crack without YASU and it works fine. It's still load the launcher though but I think that could be changed. I haven't fiddle with it though...

the no cd crack acquired from demenoid works without any added programs running
(listed as ep6.torrent)
I still have said file, if someone wants me to put it somewhere

Then you obviously didn't read my post. I had the same experience that witch had.


Edited because I read - as +

Read the middle line of my tries IG. Same thing, without YASU and only the cracked exe, I had the security module error.

You guys are using the crack that came with the torrent correct?

There was a release of a second cracked exe about 12 hrs or more after that original "rip" was released. There seems to be a undercurrent in the hacking community that if you can "get it done" with d-tools and that hiding program, a half assed crack is fine for "release".

So then an alternative cracking group wrangles the nocd ,beating into submission.

Last count there were at least 3 different nocd hacks. Primary being the one that was released with the original torrent rip (fairlight). There was a second released by posedon/netshow. Possibly associated with the clone cd torrent verses the original fairlight release.

There is an additional non labeled (by a hack group) exe that is downloadable both within the 8g+ multi sims2 mega pack (recently released on demenoid) and as a separate download.

However , in the interest of curiosity. I am running XP. Are those having the additional error running Vista?

No and no. I made my own image file using Alcohol 120% and the actual BV CD. I run XP.

I'm using the fairlight version on XP and it works, no need for YASU or DT

Question-
is the standard buyable a multi language? or is US still getting a different dvd/cd manufacture.
If above is the case, than I can understand why the nocd hacks are giving issue.

Otherwise I am stumped. I knew I should have taken up code hacking as a hobby.

EA is now "protecting" their games with Sony Rootkits? That's it, no more money from me.

Yup, that one. Not in the same rabid configuration, but same system.

Well, I'm not a torrent person, so if anyone can point to an easily available no-cd crack that can just be downloaded (or a way to make the damn thing work with just DT and YASU), I'd be much obliged.

I got mine here: http://www.gamecopyworld.com/

Thanks, FB, but I only see the non-US versions there.  I'll have to poke around some to see if they also have the US version.

Try this (http://www.gameburnworld.com/gp/gamefixes/sims2bonvoyage.shtml).

That one FTW!  Thanks, B!

It's the same file for all versions of the game. Do a WinDiff on compressed.zip (which contains the game .exe) and you'll see that the file is identical between the multi lingual and us releases (and all others actually).

I for one am happy with the choice to move to Securom, makes it a heck of a lot easier to make backup copies since they removed the recordable media check in the latest version ;D

That is also the same crack B ;)

I always use CD images instead of hacked exe files because then I don't have to worry about what version of the game I have because of patches. Every time you patch, you need to go grab a new exe file for the new version. The no-cd image I found HERE (http://m0005.gamecopyworld.com/games/pc_the_sims_2_bv.shtml) and yasu link provided there is what I used and run BV on with DT v4.1. I hate running games with the CD in the drive. All my games I buy I use no-cd images.

Good to know -- I was afraid if I used one of the multi-lingual versions, I'd have the problem of all my sim names changing. :)

Has anyone gotten no-CD to work with the EALink version of Bon Voyage? I'm having a hell of a time with it. Have tried three (as far as I can tell) versions of the crack. All give me an error stating that I don't have at least DirectX 9.0. I have 10.0 and have reinstalled to make sure that it's completely up to date. Running from the launcher works, but I hate having to rely on being connected to the 'net, just in case. Plus, it's two seconds lost.

I got mine at Game Burn World and it works fine. Tho I was wondering if you guys have this crazy pop up where you have to click Play before it loads the game appearing? Is it Maxis made? It's really anoying, ya know (doesn't seem to be spyware/addware thing but still)...

It is Spyware, and you should avoid it.  The Pop-Up you are describing is the new Maxis "Launcher".  To disable it, edit your BV shortcut (right click on it, then properties, and then alter the Target) so it points to "Sims2EP6.exe" instead of Sims2Launcher.exe".   You will not need to change anything else in the path, since both files are in the same directory.

I've been using the no-cd exe you pointed me to, B, and I'm getting strange dialogs from folks on vacation lots, like the tour guides.  For example, if I ask for 'the hot spots', the response I get is 'The local hotspots are med?.'  And I got a weird response from some other local, too, that had nonsense in the dialog box.  Have you seen anything like this?

I don't know if it's a problem with the no-cd exe, or with a hack/mod interfering with the game (though I'm pretty sure I took out all non-compatible hacks).  I'm going to try the CD image/YASU version tonight and see if that solves the problem, assuming JMP gets his hack to stop endless spawning of Tour Guides ready by then.  Otherwise, vacations will have to wait for a bit. :)

I have not seen anything like you have, but I'm also not using a no-cd, since my image is able to run the game just fine.  I've never known EA to booby-trap the exes in such a way that a no-cd crack will have gameplay affects, so your problem might stem from another cause.  It sounds like corruption of the text lists to me, although I'm really not sure.

If you end up trying to mount an image, make sure YASU is running from within your Daemon tools folder.  This seems to help some folks, although many others are still unable to get past the SecuROM check. 

Thanks for the tips.  I'll do another good look at my downloads and see if I missed removing/disabling any incompatible hacks.

Really? Damn, my hubby will kill me for it :(

Thank you, thank you, thank you! ;D

Initially, upon my first attempt at getting BV to run off an image, I was also having various errors.  As someone mentioned in another thread (I think Chibi somethingorother, the one with the fugly Star Trek: Voyager desktop :P), I also got both of those error messages.  I was using DT 4.8 and the latest version of YASU.  I tried a couple of things, but I would still get either of those two error messages (the emu detection error and the unable to run module error).

What did it for me was:

1) Uninstalling DT.
2) Rebooting
3) Downloading latest DT (4.10 I think?), installing, and rebooting.
4) Putting YASU in the DT directory.
5) Mounting the image.
6) Enabling all emulation options on DT (there were 4 listed, but I can't remember them all now).
7) Running YASU and clicking on Cloak.  This time, I received a successful message (previously, attempting to run YASU, it would not detect anything that it could cloak).
8) Running the game.

So far, I have been able to run BV, and I have yet to encounter any weird dialog/text problems *knocks on wood*


Ste

I've had something similar happen. When I would ask a tour guide What's Cool Around Here, he's say something like 'unk' or 'police.' This was fixed when I removed the DMA Teleport objects from my Downloads. Try looking for anything by DMA in your folder.

Ah, yea, damn -- I use the DMA thing because I like the caller ID. I can't believe someone else (JMP?) hasn't added a stand-alone caller id function.
/me mumbles and goes off to delete the DMA stuff.

I had to take the DMA caller ID out last EP 'cos it was blue screening my game.

Yea, it was the DMA thing screwing up my dialog boxes.  I guess I can live without it -- I've stopped using any other DMA stuff because I got tired of their attitude that any problems have to be caused by other hacks, since they always test with a clean game...

I use a maxi image. No cracking the .exe (Yes, it defeats the purpose, but it's the way I get it to work)

I did get the clonecd of the game first, but then got the fairlight release to use as backup (because nobody likes clonecds)

Has anyone tried to remove the SecuRom crap and just use the noCD exe?

That's how I run it now -- no image, just the no-cd exe.  Runs fine.

how did you remove the registry entries for the SecuRom?

Oh, I see what you mean.  I didn't bother doing that, but I'm sure a Google search would turn up a bunch of methods and/or utilities to do so.

To stop SecuROM from running:

• Winkey + R, type "services.msc" (no quotes) in the dialog and hit enter.
• Stop the "SecuROM User Access Service" and then disable it.
• In your \Windows\System32 directory, find and delete the file called "UAService7.exe".
• Winkey + R again, and execute "sc delete useraccess7" (again, no quotes).

Keep in mind, some copy protections can install under different names (for example, you might have UAService8.exe instead of 7).  I can only tell you where I found the protection.  The service should always have the same name, and so long as you disable this, it doesn't actually matter whether or not you find the exe.  If you are really concerned, I can work with you via the PM module to locate and destroy the actual file.

Also, this does not delete the registry entries, it merely makes it impossible for the SecuROM service to hog system resources.  Unlike Starforce, SecuROM registry entries are not dangerous.  In fact, removing them can lead to system instability.  However, if you really want to kill them, they are generally located at:


Hope this helps you.

We use no CD cracks for every game (not just sims) we play with no issues, and have for many years. It started out being a way to help preserve our original CDs and ended up making playing much easier (now my computer doesn't have to sit right next to me since I rarely have to actually touch it - I have it set up to start when I touch the keyboard or press a mouse button). 

We find our no CD cracks at gamecopyworld.com (game copy world) and/or gameburnworld.com (game burn world).  Just be sure you get the appropriate file for the game AND version you are playing and you should be fine.  Very easy.   :)

Thanks again, B. I'll leave the registry be. I'm a novice at playing with it, and would definitely cause more problems. Region/Language changes are my limit.

Yea, Thanks, B!  I was completely unaware that SecuRom installed itself as a service, since this is the first (and only game) I've bought that used it.

Strange, I do not seem to have any of that on my system. By that I mean that I followed the instructions and have found no listing of any of the above. Including the registry keys. Peculiar. Are there some kind of circumstances that the files should be under (such as the game not running) for them to be seen? The only things I can think of for why they are not there is:
1) my copy is torrented
2) My game is running
However, come to think of it, I have seen it mentioned that people needed Yasu + the no-cd key for their game to run. I do not seem to. The no-cd key on its own is working just fine. The only times I needed Yasu, was when I used the iso to install the game and when I was using daemon to play it, before I located a key.

I don't have any of that on my system either, and I'm running the game straight out of the box, but with a shortcut to the ep6.exe rather than through the launcher.

There are registry entries for SecuROM, but they're in user areas, not where you mentioned.

I downloaded Fairlight's no-cd crack and it seems to work without jumping through hoops:  exactly what I'd expect for a no-cd crack.  Sure, I'll have to replace the original file if EA ever thinks to patch BV, but I've done this before and keep backups.

Hook

Third -- no sign of any of those files on my machine, either.  But I never ran the game with the EA launcher -- as soon as I installed it, I changed the icon to point direct to the exe.   And I did run it for 2 or 3 days from the CD before I got the no-cd exe.

Thanks B, it's time I did a service cleanup on both my big PC and my laptop, so the reminder is timely and the info helpful. Cheers.

I don't have it either. Hm. Well then.

If so many people don't have the service I did, it's possible the SecuROM crap I removed was put there by another program.  I am going to do my research on this.

Yeah, I don't have the SecuRom crap installed on mine either.

I never let the launcher run either. I bypassed the thing immediately. Possibly, that has something to do with it?
I'm running a file search on my computer to see if Securom comes up at all. The only time I had a problem with it, was when I tried to run BV through daemon. It gave the generic "cd not in drive" message. I used Yasu, no more problems. I replaced the exe with a cracked one, still no problems, even without Yasu.

Well, I didn't find it either and I've been playing the EP out of the box and using the launcher. I've not got around to using a no CD patch.

FYI I'm running Vista Ultimate.

I definitely got the SecuROM crap. Got rid of it, though.

Denimjo, what OS are you running?

XP Home Edition.

The SecuROM on BV is quite confusing.  Some people get the crap, but most don't.  OS seems to have no bearing on whether or not the service gets added, nor does region.  I've put together an image that definitely will not install SecuROM crap anywhere, and the Fairlight release also seems to accomplish this.  If my research uncovers anything else, I'll be sure to post an update.  Stupid copy protection.

Ok, don't know enough here: an image is used simply to run the game without the CD, right?

So if I want this crap off my PC, I need to get it removed (so far nothing worked--I have Vista Home 64bit) but I won't give up-- then reinstall with a pirated copy--which I am assuming will install without the Securom--and then use the 'Fairlight' image to load up with? I'm assuming that a search will give me all this stuff and it's not hard to find....

Please someone educate me here... :(

The 'fairlight' thing is a replacement for the game .exe, so no image or CD is required to play it.  Just keep a copy of the original .exe around, because you'll need to restore it when a patch comes out.

Yes, thanks! Easy enough to find....at the beginning of the thread.....

Same here, and I'm on Windows XP, SP2.

I couldn't find secuROM under services.msc. I have no idea where \windows\system 32 directory is so I can't look in there for anything.

I'm running on Windows XP SP2, I didn't bypass the launcher immediately, although I have now and I always play with the DVD in the drive. Sometimes if I try to start the game up with the internet plugged in and before the computer is good and ready I get a message saying that something could not be verified within the time limit. I can't remember the exact message but I think it's suggesting it's trying to verify that I'm running the game legally. Is that something to do with secuROM?

That would be the SecuROM spyware at work, yes.

If you have the patience, just do a search on your computer for SecuROM ('Start <Search). That's how I discovered that I had it.

Ooh, me too please.  I purchased the game but haven't installed it yet.  If I install from a pirated image instead of the disk I bought, will I still get the secuROM crap?  I am afraid to let this disk anywhere near my computer. 

Stupid SecuROM! It doesn't happen everytime and I always try to remember to disconnect the internet before I run the game anyway. With the internet unplugged the game loads faster than it did before I installed BV. With the internet plugged in it takes forever to load, even if I take out all my custom content. So I guess if I'm going to unplug the internet everytime I plaay I don't really need to worry about secuROM because it's not going to be able to send anything to EA with no internet connection is it? Or am I just being overly optimistic there?

ETA: As suggested by Denimjo I searched my computer for SecuROM. All I found was this folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\UserID\Application Data\SecuROM
It was hidden and inside it was a folder called UserData which appeared to be empty. Checking the properties of said folder reveals it to be 0 bytes so I'm sure there isn't anything lurking inside it. Where then is secuROM? (if it's there at all) ???

Has anyone heard any rumour that the Fairlight release of BV is borked and dooms the game to crash once you enter buy mode?
I haven't, but my sources are quite limited. However, I'm starting to blame BV for the constant crashes I experience and if it is really Fairlight who messed up, I might even aquire the original disc :)

I'm playing with the fairlight release (I was not patient enough to wait for the release of BV in France, so torrented it) It is working very well for me, if you except the lag (water balloon related, fishing pathfinding related etc....). The legally purshased DVD is sitting on my desk, it has never seen the inside of my DVD player....
So I don't think the fairlight release is borked, no.

Pity.

1.  Install the game, arrr'd or otherwise with a valid serial number.
2.  Download Daemon Tools Lite 4.10 for x86 or x64 here -  http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/download.php?mode=ViewCategory&catid=5
3.  Create an image of the disc, or better yet download the mini-image here -  http://dl.gamecopyworld.com/?d=2007&f=NetShow-Sims2EP6_Mi!rar
4.  Unrar and stow the image in a safe place. I use D:\downloads\ISO\Sims 2\ <name>
5.  Download YASU 1.3xx here: http://ww2.cdmediaworld.com/cgi-bin/dl.cgi?f=YASU_1-3-7070!zip
6.  Unpack YASU and stow it in a safe place.
7.  Make a shortcut to "C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Bon Voyage\TSBin\Sims2EP6.exe" (or wherever you installed Bon Voyage)  - NOTE - this is a shortcut to the app, not the launcher utility.
8.  Mount your image in Daemon Tools.
9.  Start YASU, and use all options, cloak your devices.
10.  Start BV from the shortcut you created in step 7 without the CD in your drive.

If you feel a bit tech savvy, Download DaemonScript from the Daemon Tools homepage here: http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/download.php?mode=ViewCategory&catid=2

You can create a neat little script that mounts the image, loads YASU, then launches the game.  RTFM for YASU to see the start up options, or just use -s -c if you like running on blind faith.  If you're a Vista user, you'll need to know how to work around UAC settings to use the script though.

Even easier -- just get a no-cd EXE and eliminate all but steps 7 and 10. :)

No-CD cracks are inferior because they don't work with patches.  I'm trying one with my OFB-only computer, but it was made pre-patch and thus works as an unpatched game.  I'm getting ready to go back to the disk -- I'm not installing Daemon on that system.

Yea, but they're usually updated not long after the patch comes out, as I recall.

Slightly off topic re BV but I hope someone might help and not shoot me
Being new to this no CD game and I refuse to install BV at present - Can anyone recommend a no CD exe for Seasons that works with the patches. 
Currently my Seasons game has the latest patch applied.  The no Cd exe files I downloaded form GameCopy world and GameBurn world are version 1.7.0.145 and my official Seasons .exe is 1.7.0.158.  Does this mean it's a later version and if I run one of the cracks my game is no longer patched?

I found a solution for getting securom off without having to reformat and I can vouch that it does work.  I got it off myself.  Plus I am using the no-cd exe from gameburnworld and I can still play with BV and H&M installed.  I figure that I have paid for the legal copies of the packs, and I should have a right to play them.    :-X

Go here to get a program that deletes securom off your drive. 
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?threadid=203200

This was so easy, I almost couldn't believe it.  ;)

Oh and for those who have Vista, I have Vista and it works great.  ;D

Ok I am a little confused by the varying methods here. I first read the FAQs where JM explained how to play a "legally backed up copy". I've never done this before. I am currently "backing up a copy" of BV from firelight(?I think this was the name). I have installed NOTHING yet. I have XP home and a few programs that SecuROM would be against, I'm sure.

Because of JM's instructions I dled Daemon Tools and SecuROM Loader. Again, I haven't installed anything. Then I read moron's instructions in this thread and just in case that was the method I needed, I dled the mini-image and YASU.

So what I want to do is re-install all the EP's up to Seasons and the SPs Glamour and Family. That's the stuff I bought and paid for. And the patches. This part is mostly a no-brainer. I would like to ask though, are the patches necessary if you have the next expansion cd, or do you still have to install each one?

I also bought a copy of Celebration (afraid to install this now) and now the "backing up" of BV from firelight(?). That's where I need the help. Is there anyone who would be willing to tell me which method I should use and/or walk me thru it since I've never done this and don't know a thing about these programs?

Also, should I install the Celebration SP or download another "backed up" copy of this from somewhere, and how will it affect/when should it be done regarding the BV installation?

This is a pain in the ass, I know, but I've given them so much money for the headache it's given me and I don't want to shell out for BV yet. I'll pm my AIM name or email if anyone is interested in helping me out. It just seems like everyone is doing it slightly differently. Thanks.

The instructions in the FAQ only apply to Seasons and below, because I haven't yet got BV, and don't plan to until my PC gets an upgrade that will allow it to run the game faster than an image slideshow. If someone wants to provide a quick summary of the process for BV, I'll add it to the FAQ, but I'm not rereading this thread to find it.

ok i'm downloading the nocd crack (thanks jsalemi) but thought i post this here in case anyone has any thoughts how i can get this program to work

i was using SlySoft's Game Jackal Pro http://www.slysoft.com/en/gamejackal.html  but ever since Bon voyage i've been getting "Conflict with Emulation Software detected" or "A required security module cannot be activated. This program cannot be executed (12110)" errors http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=8053   can anyone help?    ???

1. Yes, install all the patches for each title you install. 
2.  If you plan on installing BV, go ahead and install Celebrations first.  If you don't want ShitcureRom, install neither.
3.  After you install BV, regardless of how you acquired it, you can use the method I posted, OR use a no-CD exe to run it without the CD or an image of it.  The only plus to my method over using your own image is size on disk.  The only plus to using my method vs. a no CD crack is you can easily patch my method using standard EA patches in the future without setting anything back up.

It's because of SecuROM.  From their website, under their error message section:

"A required security module can not be activated. This program can not be executed.

SecuROM™ has determined a debugging or an emulation tool is running. Please refer to the following procedure to remedy:

Please deactivate these tools before starting the program. It's not necessary to uninstall them.
If the problem persists, please send a SecuROM™ analysis file to  support@securom.com (see  "Support Info" section on how to do that)."
 

I'm now using the Procyon torrent of BV and it works fine. I had set my game up in the same manner that moron described and it works sweet.

btw I'm still seeding that torrent if someone wants it.

Your method works perfectly. Also thanks to Invisigoth for info.

Even re-installing all the paid for copies was one big monkey fucked circus. The ass crackers at EA aren't getting another dime from me until they take that fraggle rockin SecuRom horseshit out of the game.

Same thing happening to me (I have Vista  :-\ which comes with DirectX 10 installed) I had a no-cd crack for Seasons that worked great but this one from GameCopyWorld isn't working.  ??? Or am I doing it wrong?  :P ::) Can someone provide instructions on where the replacement .exe I downloaded goes?

Feel free to flame me now.  :P

I'm on Vista and I have BV going with the fairlight noCD exe. It goes in the BV TSBin folder --where the sims2EP6.exe is (and yes you oughta be scorched a bit for asking that one :))  Keep a copy of the original as you'll need it if you get Hobbies, but I have no idea why you'd give them one more penny after this shit.....

just thought post this GameJackal 2.9.18.591 (beta) http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=8290  (http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=8290)  seems to fix this problem 

I just want to make sure I truly understand this all before I do anything. I've read all of this, and find myself slightly confused an unsure of things.

SecuROM is obviously a potential danger to my PC in more ways than one. And if I remove it, using a method such as sissyangel posted, BV won't run.

So now I want to make sure I properly understand this and that it will work before I go messing around in my computer:

I can remove SecuROM using the mentioned method, getting rid of it and keeping my PC safe.
To play BV, I use a method such as moron's posted method where I don't use a CD and BV runs safely and properly without SecuROM coming back.

Is that basically right? I enjoy BV but I've already lost one computer, and I don't want to lose another. Especially not to this.

Yup, that's it in a nutshell.

Thanks, MutantBunny! I'm not sure why it didn't work with the first no-cd file I tried but it worked the second time.  ??? And I WAS putting it in the right place, thanks for verifying to me where it goes.  ;D

Alrighty! That was easier than I thought. Seems to have worked so far. At the main loading screen now. I had never attempted using those tools before. Thanks for the helpful stuff posted here to remove SecuROM and set the image up!

Edit: Just checked in on the registry after running the game, and SecuROM was still put back.

I don't think it doesn't anything bad if the registry entries are there, so long as the SecuROM files aren't there.  But you can just delete them again.

You may also have to reboot your system after cleaning them out to make sure the now clean registry files get loaded.

There are other files? I'll have to look again. Aside from what was in the registry, the only other SecuROM thing I found was an empty folder that was hidden. I looked in System32 for a file mentioned above and it wasn't there, so the empty folder seemed to be the only thing I had.

Aside from that, the image seems to work great. No problems yet. I'm playing now and will check the registry again when I'm done to see if SecuROM returned.

Edit: Ugh, it still came back. All the registry files returned. So far, though, those are the only files I can find. This really annoys me, because I got into BV enough to miss it if I have to stop playing to keep SecuROM out for good.

try this:
xo

http://www.purgeie.com/delinv/index.htm

Ugh, seems to re-install it every single time I run it. *sigh* From what I see, there is no permanent way to remove it and keep playing BV. Well, one way, but that always makes me nervous and I wouldn't know how to go about it anyway.

are you sure your not running the original .exe? If you are it will still keep reinstalling securom.

Eh...Perhaps I am. I may not have done it right. I followed the steps provided to create, mount, and use the image, but perhaps there was something else I was supposed to do?

Oookay. I am the least Windows savvy person on the planet. Please run this past me slowly and in friendly letters only.

Is there, or is there not, a way to install a copy of BV that does not install SecuRom? I can see that there are ways to -remove- SecuRom, but I will not be allowed to install the game if I have to install that piece of crap in the first place.

Thanks.

I'm using vista, and I don't have secuROM. I'm sure, I've triple checked it. Nothing in the appdata\roaming, none in the registry, none in system32.

What I did is that I bypassed the launcher and use a no-cd exe right after I install the game, so I never let the launcher and the original exe run, not even once. And yes I've play the game while connected to the internet..

Yes, the secret to never getting it is to never run the original .exe.  Even using the original .exe with a mounted image will load SecuROM, because it loads at first execution, not during install.  The only way to avoid it is to have a no-CD .exe first, and use that as soon as you install the game.

It doesn't matter if you're running an image or not if you still use the original .exe to start up the game. That's what does it, not the program itself.

Ah, I see. I guess I didn't get that.

So, if I get a no-CD.exe and then remove SecuROM, will it run without bringing it back?

Yup.

Just being overly cautious: but opening BodyShop won't set off SecuROM to install, will it?

I've just formatted my PC, had my CD/DVD drive's firmware reinstalled, and I've installed all the games again, and have put in the no-CD straight away (I'd opened the launcher last time for some reason before using the no-CD), but I haven't started playing yet.

I don't believe Bodyshop is a problem, since you can run it without the CD in the drive.  Since it doesn't need to check for a CD, it doesn't need to install SecuROM.

Great, thanks! Better safe than sorry  :P

I used Moron's version of creating an image.  It worked fine and I got the game to run.  However, secuROM is back in the registry ever time I start the game.  Does this mean that this is not a good way to keep that off my computer and the only way is to get a no-cd crack?

Yes, you must use a cracked .exe to keep secuROM off your system.

Thanks.  Last dumbass question- if I get the no-cd crack, can that run off of what I already have on my comp or do I have to reinstall all of the games?

You just need to replace your most recent .exe, and replace it with the no-cd crack. The other ones won't matter. You can even go so far as to delete the original .exe.

Abbriella- SecuROM was shipped with H&M Stuff and Bon Voyage, that's it out of the Sims 2 games. As for other PC games, I cannot say.

It was also shipped with the Deluxe Edition and Pet Stories, but no one noticed (H&M Stuff used the Pets/Seasons executable, so SecuROM didn't get installed on most user's machines, no one needed to buy Deluxe Edition, and noone bought Pet Stories at all). They are worried about it being on their computers because it has been proven that it is incompatible with some CD burners, anti-virus programs, firewalls, etc. Also, it provides an easy back door for hackers to gain admin access to your PC. And it doesn't provide a way for Maxis to track who's cracked the game, as it doesn't work on actual pirated copies. It only works if Joe gives a copy of the disc to Jane, not if someone releases a disc image onto the internet.

I can spell even when I'm tired, what's more, I can use punctuation too.

So, because you have no idea what SecuROM is and no concept of how computers work, nor do you understand the damage SecuROM can do, you therefore feel qualified to tell knowledgeable people they are freaking out over nothing?

Instead of hanging out at some random forum and mouthing off in an illiterate way, to people you don't know, about a topic of which you know nothing; why don't you go and see if your child has the "flue" or something? Make yourself useful.

SM Burpie, is that you?  :P

Venusy is quite right. It has been shipped in Deluxe (but most people did not need it), Pet Stories (no one wanted it), H&M and BV.
Another note, It is also on Bioshock, Oblivion (probably not the older ones), EA sports games(who has those for their computer? Ew.), Tomb Raider: Legend, Fear, MotoGP 3, Ultimate Racing Technology, Total Overdose, Vietcong 2, and many many others. So how well do you know your computer and games? Not very well I'm betting. Many people have been having problems for a long time but did not realize what was causing it and did not make the connection.

You should not try act like an expert on a subject you have admitted to knowing nothing about. Many people have H&M an have no problems, but that is because it never ran from it's own .exe, BV runs from Sims2EP6.exe (that's what securom is on, other then the cd). That is why there are a million and one problems cropping up. Had you bothered to read anything at all on here or in this thread then you would know that.
Why not Google Bioshock and Securom 7 to see what people are saying? The Sims 2 community isn't the only one having problems. So are you telling everyone that is having problems that it is all in their head because your computer is just fine? That is a little presumptuous. Everyones computer is different, they have different hardware, different software, different files. There are people who are having no problems at all, but there are many who are, so do you mean to say that those having problems and who are angry should be ignored because thre are people who have no problem what-so ever? Damn it people, how hard is it to google something and do your research before opening your mouth?

It was my understanding that the dvd version released in Europe didn't contain SecuROM - but I did the check anyway and I found a (empty) hidden file which could have come from the H&M pack

Oblivion, Elder Scrolls (newest versin) does not have copy protection. And good for them!

L&P. International version still has.

I applied patch and my crack (of the TSBin) still is functioning.

Realy? I thought that the newer ones did, because my old first release copy didn't put it on my computer.

ROLF! 

Now, I'm no parenting expert, but why are you allowing your child to play in your fireplace? (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flue) One would think that it would be not only a dangerous place to play but a filthy one as well which may cause the child to get sick. With something.  >:(

Oh, and I love how blasè your concern for your five-year-old is: '[ S ]he's sick with the flu or something.' Maybe I was just royally spoiled, but my parents both actually cared enough about me to find out what I was sick with so they could try to help me get better. But I suppose some parents these days such as yourself can't be bothered to go that far out of their way, can they?  ::)

Wow...  ::)

Somehow I doubt she'll ever make it to her third post after such a flaming... :P
Coffee, anyone?

Thank you, Azrael, I take cream, no sugar with mine.

Actually, I have Oblivion and had it for quite a while. I also have Nights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. I did a check after the NWN2 fiasco, just to be sure. I have NWN, but not NWN2, but I'm a cautious woman and like to know what jumps onto my computer without my explicit permission. I also didn't have anything even resembling SecuRom after my check.

However, after installing BV and checking again, I found it hiding on my hard-drive. So, it is somewhat logical to assume that neither Oblivion nor its two add-ons had SecuRom protection, but BV did.

Spoiled, I'd say. Why would you care what it is? Either the kid shrugs it off on their own, or they die because they were too weak and defective to survive. Problem solved.

With all due respect to Denimjo, bad colds and a mild flu can be awfully similar...and there's not much you can do for either except make someone comfortable until they work it out. Even drugs don't do much but that. This is why everyone needs some of my immune system. It sees any type of contaminant and immediately screams "Burn it out! Burn it out!". One day of low-grade fever, and I'm fine. Only has trouble with pneumonia. The bad part: I spend most of the winter with a low-grade fever.

I'm not saying that the poster wasn't an idiot, she is.

"Burn it out! Burn it out!" Ah, that explains the playing in the fireplace.

More importantly, sYk0 needs to get off his/her ass and update YASU.

Hmm, maybe I had been wrong about Oblivion, It had come up when doing a search for games with SecuRom 7. I look again and there seems to be some confusion on this, some say it has no protection, others say it's Safedisk. I assumed that it was later versions that had it, because my release version doesn't, unless it's in their patch like NWN

I have Oblivion, and at best it has Safedisk, because I play it off a CD image all the time. No sign of SecuROM with it.

Yeah, upon further reflection, you're right. In regards to the sick child issue, I went off on a tangent and was being a bitch for little reason. I doubt abbriella will see this, but I do apologise for that.

I don't apologise, however, for mocking the spelling of the word 'flu,' as 'flu' and 'flue' are two entirely different things altogether.

I have read how play BV with a no cd crack & keep SecuRom at bay.
That I am confidant I can do this.  I am wondering if I can still use H & M ? 
Does H & M need a crack too, not being an exe ?

Would this be the correct order to install ?
1. Install H & M
2. Install BV
3. Set up the no-CD crack.
4. Remove the SecuRom files , or does this matter since they are empty?
5. Start the game with the no-CD .exe

Thanks,
Dana

Yes, you've got it pretty right.  BV is a 'newer' executable than H&M so you'd be running off the cracked BV executable and not have to worry about SecuROM being reinstalled.  The thread at the top of this forum has complete instructions on how to remove all trace of SecuROM (and yes, that includes deleting the directories).

Thank you Joe!  My first time making a no-CD crack to play.
I wanted to be very sure I did the right the first time.

Why don't you just download a no cd instead of making it?  It is a lot easier. 

I guess I chose the wrong words. I should have said apply a no-CD crack.
I have downloaded one.  I hope to test it tonight when everyone else is
sleeping & I am not distracted by kids. 

Nor with the EP, Shivering Isles. Got that last night, patched, then applied conflicting prettiness mods that necessitated uninstalling the whole thing and reinstalling and repatching. Still no SecuRom.

I can't find securom on oblivion or shivering isles.  I also can't find any reference to a security-type program anywhere on their site, although I do need the disk to run it.  So, safedisk is my guess for their anti-pirating software.

ok i get to reformate and re install windows tongiht (yay me) which may or may not have been cause by securrom, so please bare with me id really like to play the game and not have to worry about having to start all over again...so im slightly confussed, i understand that i can keep from getting securrom added if i dont use the original exe,  but one posted confussed me  some one mentioned that the secur rom doesnt come with the installation but insted gets put on your computer once you play it for the first time (im quite sure i could have just miss understood them.sorry if i did)    so  then if that is correct does that mean i wont have to worry about going back and removing any thing since i will eventually be having a fresh install with out having ever use dthe original exe? or is secur rom going to be placed on my computer whether i play the game or not.  again im sorry if i sound dumb, im not very computer savy, and my typing skills suck especially when forced to use our laptop will i get to slowly copy my files from my now borked desktop, (i actually hope it was messed up by secur rom just so i have something to be pissed at lol...i couldnt even get passed my gatway logo page at least it let me get to bios so i could use a boot cd...not like you all care =p)

Provided you get a cracked exe before you play the game for the first time, SecuROM should not be installed on your computer.

ok thank you very much thanks to the links here ive downloaded one so ill have it once i get my desktop up and running

I think this is one of those situations where it is so easy and right in front of you, that you cant believe you can understand it so you stress over it and it drives you crazy. So here is the questions I have had about how to install a no - cd crack,. Only because everything is researched in this thread its so chopped up I want to make sure I have all my information correct. So, I'll start off first with how to install. If someone could please help me and be patient with my dumbass I'd really appreciate it. I bought BV nearly a month ago, but never installed it because I was waiting for the patch. Then of course, you know the rest.

Install the game but Do Not Launch if you Remove the Disk, SecuROM cannot install<--- the most important question I have.

1.download the no-cd crack
2.go to "C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Bon Voyage\TSBin"
3.and change the name of the current Sims2EP6.exe to Sims2EP6.bak
4.Then place the crack in the same folder.
5.Make a shortcut to this on your desk top
6.Run game from new shortcut.

Now my questions concerning installing the No Cd.


I found the TSBin (yes, I looked for 2 days so this was a big deal) When I go to step 3  The Sims2ep6ex is not a folder I can name. If I click on it it starts the game. It also does not say exe after it.. So, do I right click and rename it by going into properties and changing it from there?

And, Step 4. I just drag the no-crack CD into the bins folder correct? Then right click on the file and "create shortcut" To be clear, If I never have the bv disk in the drive, i can't accidentally install SecuRom correct? But any EA made Shortcuts can be deleted and the new shortcut would need to be used in order to make the game run. And the short cut is made from the crack. Do I have this correct?

I'm sure your all wondering how I found the "On" button to my laptop by now. Like I said, I think I've made this too hard and it worked me into a state of confusion. Please Help :(

It's likely that explorer (assuming you're on Windows) simply isn't displaying extensions. On the menu bar just under the top of the window, select Tools and then Folder Options. A box will pop up, select the second tab which is View. Down under Advanced settings, look for 'Hide extensions for known file types'. Uncheck the box next to it, then click OK to close that box. In the TSBin folder, Sims2Ep6 should now display as Sims2Ep6.exe and you'll be able to rename it properly.


Yes, as long as you never use the original EAxis exe file SecuROM cannot install. You should be fine.

You accidentally started the game with the original exe? Well, there's a high chance SecuROM had been installed. It doesn't matter if you got the cd in your drive or not, it's the Sims2EP6.exe that contain the SecuROM.

No, I have yet to install or download anything, Thankfully I know for sure I'm SecuRom free.

Raenae..
Thank you so much. I thought I was such a huge dumbass because I couldn't figure out how to rename something that wouldn't let me rename it. I may still be stupid but I'm comforted to know I couldn't have ever figured that out on my own. Thanks again, I feel confident enough now to try it.


I do have just a few other questions if anyone out there can answer them for me. I found most all my answers through the thread but there are just some other things I wanted to be sure of and clarify before I get this started.

If you run off a no cd, do you need to worry about this new "launcher" everyone is speaking of?

... and if you do, this is how you disable it:  disable it, edit your BV shortcut (right click on it, then properties, and then alter the Target) so it points to "Sims2EP6.exe" instead of Sims2Launcher.exe"


The Patch for BV is probably not out in no crack cd form yet yes? When it is,  I assume someone here from Maty will mention it.. (noob here) And when I download it do I repeat this procedure only deleting the old crack and placing the new one in the folder?  (all assuming I have it right how cracks and patches work correctly)

This also means until the "patched"  no cd is out, I'll have the  NPC spawning issue and the other bugs. But I can use the Maty fix for the spawning issue correct?

And just because I havent seen it addressed.. other Mods/hacks, are they an issue when installing a no cd crack?

Yes, antiredundancy from here fixes the NPC spawning issue.  No, hacks are not an issue when installing a no-cd .exe -- the only difference between a no-cd .exe and the official one is that the former has all the code that checks for the cd removed.  Otherwise it's the same.

If you just delete the shortcut from the desktop and make a shortcut to the cracked exe you bypass the launcer. Or do like you said instead of just deleting it have is point to Sims2ep6.exe but without doing one of those the launcher will still come up using the default shortcut, with or without the no-cd key.

No one has mentioned a patched no-cd crack in existence as of yet. The patch is not recommended here at the moment anyway. You can check the BV patch thread for info on that.
http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,9947.0.html
You are correct in the procedure in the event that a patched no-cd comes into existence.

Yes, you can use the maty hacks to fix that anyway. Even if you had patched we would tell you to keep it in anyway, because the patch only addresses the redundant spawning of the BV npcs, when real a similar issue has existed since the beginning. Your maids, gardeners and other npcs could still spawn extras that aren't needed. So even if you patch, keep in antiredundancy.

The only mod that I can think of that is effected by patches on occasion is InTeen. This particular patch does not effect that mod. No-cd cracks have no other effect on your game or it's files other then that whole patch issue.
If you start the game with the no-cd crack and discover that your build and buy modes are grayed out, get another crack, that one was made badly.

This is something I just saw that I did'nt take notice of before. I'll have to do something to restore the exe if a patch comes out?  I was thinking you just delete the crack you were using and replaced it with the new one. Morriganrant thanks for that info..   Is this talking about that other way with the Daemon tools? Or is there something else I need to know in case the Patched no Cd Crack is released?

Btw thanks so much everyone for your help.

Patches are why we rename the original exe to Sims2Ep6.bak instead of outright deleting it. In the event of a patched no-cd coming out, you will need to delete the no-cd you have now, rename sims2ep6.bak back to sims2ep6.exe, install the patch from EAxis, rename sims2ep6.exe back to sims2ep6.bak, and drop in the new patch compatible no-cd cracked exe.

Wow it seems complicated yet its not at the same time. Its a lot to deal with. It was just so much easier when you could put your game in and go. I have successfully put everything into place, and so far I've not found any trace of SecuROM. So thank you all very much for your help.

I cut and pasted the launcher and the original Sims2ep6.exe into a folder, onto another drive for safe keeping, and replaced with a no-cd crack, Ihave had no problems running my game.

It installs and runs when you use the disc for Bon Voyage to play. Once you bypass that (using a different shortcut like a no-cd patch) you no longer need to use the Bon Voyage disc to play the game therefore no SecuROM.   ;)

I'm wondering if it is actually the Sims2EP6.exe that installs Securom. I've noticed a mysterious command window that shows up after you enter your serial number when you are installing the game that never showed up for previous expansions. From what I know about Securom 7, a decryption key needs to be installed on the computer before the game can load. It may not install the whole thing, but something is definitely being added.

On a somewhat related note, are there any programmers here that would be able to follow the directions in Tutorial: Special Issue For SecuRom 7.30.0014 Complete Owning (http://arteam.accessroot.com/tutorials.html)?

I can attest to the fact that you need not run the actual .exe for SecuRom to latch itself to your computer. I never ran the real .exe, no launcher, only the no-cd crack. I thought I was safe because the service did not show up, and there was no folder. I even skimmed the registry, though not well enough the first time, as I found it hidden in there a few days later.

I've read that if you install BV under an account that does not have Admin privileges then it will install SecuRom service on install. If it is installed on an Admin account then it installs when you run the game. I could be wrong. I do know that if you remove securom and then try to play using the original exe then SecuRom will re-install itself.

Just to be sure, and because I don't really want to read up on 7 pages of posts for something I found out about this week, I just wanted to ask this:

All you need to download from the interweb to run the game is a no-cd crack.

No weird wonky tools, or other bits of hacked mayhem? Just a crack?

Correct. I got mine from www.gamecopyworld.com, the Fairlight variety. I can't go there right now to directly link the download...bad place to browse to at work.

That is correct -- if you install it on an admin account, no SecuROM stuff shows up on the machine until you run the .exe for the first time. And then it's only registry keys, not the whole kit-and-caboodle that installs under a limited-rights user account.
 

From what I understand, the installation of Securom by a noCD.exe is dependent on the noCd.exe that you get.The Fairlight version is said to be SecuromFREE, and proclaims itself to be so in it's ReadMe file that is included it the download.

All that 'will install on a user account/not on an admin acount' or whatever I think is BS. I am on Vista and use an Admin account and it installed the first time I installed, but not the second time. The first time, I did inadvertantly use the launcher ONCE. Then used the EA .exe and Securom 'got my PC' and I found the service and all folders installed.

The second time I installed BV, launcher was never used, went directly to the EA .exe and some of Securom was installed,keys and folders,  but not the service file. The third time I installed BV, I dropped the noCD.exe in right after the install finished and I never have yet played while connected to the internet (still recovering from the last Securom bout and I'm chicken cluck cluck) and I am, so far, Securom free.

Screw their lousy patch. I'll use God's (JM's) fixes, thank you.

Has anyone read: EA is telling everyone that using the noCd.exe is illegal--which if I understand everything correctly is ILLEGAL of THEM to be telling everyone that!

Eh, I installed using a torrented version, but a no cd crack was not out for BV when I first ran the game, which was the day of release for America. I had the reg keys, I had a file in my system 32 folder and I had a SecuRom folder(although it was empty). This was installed on my admin account.

If you used the launcher, you used the original .exe as well. All the launcher does is bring up a splash screen with the ads pulled from the official site, and the PLAY button. Pressing the PLAY button runs script to load the original .exe. Now, theoretically, if you apply the no-CD crack beforehand and then use the launcher, SecuROM won't install because it's not present on the Fairlight crack. But why waste 10 seconds looking at that stupid adware?

Well, it may be a Vista difference then (I've read messages from folks saying it behaves differently under Vista) -- I have Win XP, and never saw anything other than the registry keys, and I did start it with the launcher the first time, and didn't have a no-cd.exe yet.

I noticed that command window too. I'd reinstalled all my games and Fashion Stuff had the command window as well; none of the others did.

Yuck. This is getting so confusing. So, even if I reformat and install the game, I may STILL get SecuRom even if I use a no-CD crack?

I reformatted last week and re-installed the game and am using a no-CD crack, and there's no obvious trace of SecuROM on my PC (nothing in the registry, nor do I have the Application Data folder), so I'd say you should be fine.

There's no reason why you should have to reformat. Hell, I didn't even uninstall BV. I just downloaded the Fairlight(sp?) no-cd.exe and replaced my Sims2Ep6.exe with it. I checked the desktop shortcut to make sure it wasn't pointing at the launcher, then followed the instructions posted here for removing SecuRom. Easy as can be.

Are you running XP or Vista? The procedure for removing SecuRom might vary for Vista, but other than that, you shouldn't have to jump through flaming hoops to resolve this. If you're set on reformatting anyway, you might as well give the removal a try first.

Oh, no. SecuRom isn't why I'm reformatting. *laughs* Sorry, I mentioned it in another thread. I having a virus issue. It keeps restoring itself. I cannot trace the files, and it's mostly adware that only pops up if the internet is connected. So, running google searches for what's busted is difficult.

I don't want to do a google search for most of these ads at work anyways. I might get fired.

Oh... my sympathies. Last time I let someone use my computer they managed to let VirusProtectPro crap get on it. After dealing with those annoying popups... meh! I can understand the desire to scream and reformat. (Of course, it was my own damn fault for not having anti-virus turned on...) Best of luck to you. ;)

Yeah, I don't know how we got this one.

Husband and I didn't use the PC in FOREVER, then one weekend, we get on it. By Monday, our anti-virus is screaming bloody murder, but can't seem to get rid of it.

15 scans, and one repaired Windows install later (husband deleted a Windows file that needed to be REPAIRED, not deleted), still having the same virus and spyware pop up on our scans.

So... we're gonna reformat. Should've had it done when I took it in to get repaired (wouldn't work off of our Windows CD for some reason) but we didn't have backups for ANYTHING so I chose not to reformat then.

I had VirtuMonde once. Took me two days to remove, because it's one of the sneakier ones, and because I basically had to restart my computer after every new webpage I visited while searching for manual removal instructions. It would pop up all these fake anti-virus ads, and if you navigated after the first page you inputted, the computer would stall out. Of course, I got it on the weekend when I couldn't just go to work and print out what I needed.

Just to get back on topic a bit...

If you're going to be reformatting anyway, you'll be able to completely bypass getting SecuRom back on your computer by just following the BV no cd instructions at the start of the thread.

I'm thankful we have more than one PC in this house, it made it far less annoying trying to get the manual removal instructions for the VPP.

I find that antivirus/antispyware programs are ineffective in removing malware, because they are too generic.  Malware are written specifically around those.  You kill one process and then other takes over.

The best method I have found is to first identify whatever crap managed to install itself on your system.   Your antivirus might be helpful there.  Once you've identified the species of pest you can Google it.  Usually you will have a couple of hits on reputable sites like castlecops or bleepingcomputer that have step by step instructions on how to remove it.  They typically will use a tool tailored for just that malware, typically to be used in safe mode.  Once the malware has had it's teeth pulled, THEN you can scan with your virus to remove the leftover traces.

Then, it might not be a bad idea to run a second scan from a different spyware program and also run rootkit revealer, just in case.  Rookit revealer doesn't identify rootkits so much as show you anomalies in your system, such as folders and registry entries which are not accessible.  If you get a lot of anomalies then your best bet is to reformat.

Jelenedra if you tell me what you got, I can see if I can rustle up a good removal procedure.

I'll have to do some poking and proding. I've kinda not been in the mood for mucking about with my PC lately and have just left it alone other than doing virus scans. PC hasn't been plugged in for a week. =p

Like I said earlier, we need to reformat anyways. Due to some video games leaving behind undeletable files during uninstallation. I haven't had Evidence on my PC for 6 months, but it's still on my start up menu...

I appreciate it though.

A good reformat is my prefered options as well.  Faster, cleaner, it improves performances, and cleans out a load of crap other than whatever bug you're infected with.

Most people aren't set up to make that easily, so thus all the effort invested in formatting

If you reformat, i recommend (to anyone really) that you divide your computer into two partitions.  Reserve a good 40 GB (at least) for system files, and the rest for data.   There is a way that you can tell windows to use a documents and settings folder on a different drive (not just my document).  It involves making a change in the registry (OMG!!!!111) This way, anytime you feel a need to reformat, it's just a matter of sticking your CD in, or better yet, loading your ghost image.  All your data, favorites, settings are preserved.

Oh, I don't plan on doing it myself. There's something wonky about something. I forget what it was. I had big long ordeal about it a year ago. My SATA, VIAS Raid, or BIOS or something. And I can't remember if the guy that reformatted it last time found the files I needed in what I gave him, or if he found them somewhere else.

I installed a no cd crack nearly 2 weeks ago. I had never launched the game from the disk at any time. I've been aware of all these SecuRom issues for weeks. I've seen the panic and I know the last thing you should do is Scream "Oh SecuROM has killed me!". So earlier today I had issues arise. I didn't think anything of it but when I couldn't fix the issue myself i called Dell support. These issues include a slew of "bad image" pop up warnings from windows but the programs end up running alright. Also there was no content in the control panel and it would not allow me to do a system restore. Dell helped me fix most of these issues (the bad image errors still occur) and I did a system restore. This is where the red flag for securom occured. My Mcaffee is now telling me I'm not protected, it has to be reinstalled and the detection signature is 30 days old. This version is supposed to be good throughout the duration of my warranty which is 3 years. I still don't want to scream SecuRom here, because when I look for SecuROM i don't find it, but i'm not as computer literate as I  need to be to know how to search the registry for anything. I'm sure I'm about to end up reinstalling vista and losing everything I had, I don't know anything about reformatting the hard drive... If I never ran or launched disk... are my problems from SecuRom or not?

I just installed BV last night and I cannot even run the game with the game CD in the drive.  I think that I have about had it with EA and Eaxis.  I truly hope that this last stunt of theirs costs them dearly.  They will never see another dime from me as long as they use SecuROM.  Now I have the fun of trying to remove the SecuROM malware from my computer.  Sony has just lost me as a customer as well.  No more Sony TVs in this house from here on out.

I did try using a nocd exe and it started the game.  I have not played the game yet, but I am hoping that it will solve my problem.

Sony and EA have warchests of profits that make Microsoft look tiny and pathetic in comparison. Trust me, they don't care what their customers think.

The only people hurting from EA and Sony screwing around are the retailers. Even Walmart is going to have to rethink putting EA crap on their shelves if this shit keeps up.

Debster: been there done that--If your nocd.exe doesn't do the job, I can help :) What happened when this happened to me was: I had left a biut of the Securom shit on my PC but I had deleted most of it.

You need to do either--or: Either go thru and get rid of all trace of Securom, all the folders, all the reg keys, and then reload the game. Should work. Or try doing a restor back to before you installed BV or before you deleted some of Securom (this is what I did--I restored all the securom crap and started the rermoval prosess over--got it off the second time, got the game right the third time installing (PIB) abnd I now use the Fairlight NoCd.exe. Works great.

Thanks MutantBunny.  I am in the process of purging the malware from my computer right now.  I also set my firewall to ask before allowing the dll to run, not that it is going to run right now, but it just makes me feel better that I am clipping the beast's wings.  I am pretty sure that my nocd exe is the same one that you have.

Dizzy, I do feel badly for the retailers since it is not their fault, but maybe with more voices EA will have to do something.  Especially if the retailers stop carrying their games (got to sell them to make money after all).  And you are correct about them not caring about their customers.  I got a stupid sing-song reply about how the programs on my machine are bad and could cause me problems.  Scare tactics.  Which, of course, did not work on me but I could see it scaring someone less knowledgeable.  My not buying their games anymore will only be a tiny drop not added to their profit bucket, but it will make me feel better by boycotting them and it is the only language that companies understand.  I still get angry thinking about the nerve of them to install malicious programs that resist deletion on my machine without my approval.  And I do not like anyone, company or no, telling me what I can and cannot have on my computer that I paid for.  Grrrrrr!  I think I need to go have a cup of tea and calm down.

 just checked one of the sites gcw and there is a new version of the no cd crack for those who want to stay securom free it is version 1.10.0.122. which is the patched version of the exe  just thought i would let you know.

Cool -- thanks for the heads-up!  I figured someone out there would make a no-cd version of the patched exe one of these days.

The new no cd for the patched exe is a heck of a lot bigger than than the original no cd - new no cd is 44.696kb , original no cd is 11.212kb.   
Anyone have any idea why there is so much difference in the size?

I noticed that, but it checks out clean and works fine, so I'm not going to question it at this point. :)

Through streaming eyes from a stinking cold I have read and re-read the posts on deleting secuROM, but as a novice I definitely dont want to screw my computer up & if I've missed anything or am repeating something someone else has already asked then I apologise, but I'm feeling more confused than ever. The link in this post seems very simple compared to the instructions in the 'How to get rid of Securom NOW' thread. So what I would like to know is: has anyone other the Celesta tried this, and if so does it work on XP? or do I need to follow the more thorough intructions posted by Zazazu? I've already downloaded the no-cd crack and got that to work. I would just like someone far more awesome than I could ever possibly be to advise an old lady please  :)

The instruction above assumes you have already done Step 3 & 4 of Zazazu's post. It deals with only removing registry entries (the trickest part of whole process), which is the same step covered in Step 2 of Zazazu's post. Follow "simpler suggestions" for Step 2, it's basically the same process as Celesta's link.

Yes.

Thanks Lord Darcy, I'm so glad I asked, I had a feeling it couldn't be that simple. I think secuROM will have to stay where it is for now then. I never play connected to the internet, but my main reason for wanting rid is because I'd read on a thread at InSim that it eats Ram, so that was my main concern. Thanks again for replying  :)

You can use the no cd exe, and you don't need H&M no cd exe since you'll be running the game off of BV's executable

Market research suggests that more European consumers have DVD drives in their computers, while CD drives are still the majority in America. Both regions have the exact same content, aside from the fact that the CDs have a little extra piece of data that tells you to insert disc 2.

If you run the legitimate executable, you will end up with Securom on your computer. The No-CD crack should let you avoid all this, but you should still check after you run the game to make it isn't there.

You will also get the Securom disease, if you install on an account other then an admin privileged account, regardless of whether you use a no-cd or not. Because under those circumstances it installs on game install.