Mar 31, 2000 ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed. 2 ↑ 2.0 2.1 When running this game without Administrator elevation, activity in%PROGRAMFILES%,%PROGRAMFILES(X86)%, and%WINDIR% might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA% VirtualStore (. 10 Mistakes Beginners Make When Building a Gaming PC - Duration: 10:23. Gameranx 2,617,445 views. Starlancer (aka 星际枪骑兵) is a video game published in 2000 on Windows by Microsoft Corporation. It's a simulation game, set in a sci-fi / futuristic, space flight and space combat themes. Download Starlancer (Windows) - My Abandonware.
- Honestly, I'd pay as much as I would for a triple A title to have Starlancer back on my PC. I still have my logitech flight joystick, and the old discs (which sadly don't work on newer versions of windows) and would absolutely love to buy Starlancer to get back into it! Please GOG, this game is a must have!
- Copy the contents of the MS folder into the root directory, together with the control panel to adjust features to your liking. The program is a wrapper that emulates cards that can run Starlancer with no problems and can be used to force various resolutions.
- Trying to copy a file from desktop to C:. Why do I ALWAYS have to press Continue when I want to do such a small and easy task as copying a file? I am already administrator, but yet it asks for administrator permissions. I always want to start EVERYTHING with administrator rights automatically, how do I do that?
Reaction to Windows 10 has been largely positive, but it introduces a few new problems into the lives of computer users. Gamers with a penchant for retro titles8 Retro Gaming Gadgets For Geeks8 Retro Gaming Gadgets For GeeksRetro games and the gadgets that go with them are just as likely to thrill and enthrall gamers as the latest Triple-AAA titles.Read More have been particularly hard hit with the news that titles that employed SafeDisc and some versions of the SecuROM Digital Rights ManagementWhat Is DRM & Why Does It Exist If It's So Evil? [MakeUseOf Explains]What Is DRM & Why Does It Exist If It's So Evil? [MakeUseOf Explains]Digital Rights Management is the latest evolution of copy protection. It’s the biggest cause of user frustration today, but is it justified? Is DRM a necessary evil in this digital age, or is the model..Read More system are not supported.
So what can be done about this, and what is Microsoft playing at?
Don’t Blame Microsoft
First off, it isn’t really appropriate to blame the immense technology giant on this occasion. Speaking at Gamescom this year, Microsoft’s Boris Schneider-Johne explained how the decision to remove support for these retro titles is a result of making the operating system more secure.
“Everything that ran in Windows 7 should also run in Windows 10. There are just two silly exceptions: antivirus software and stuff that’s deeply embedded into the system needs updating – but the developers are on it already – and then there are old games on CD-Rom that have DRM. This DRM stuff is also deeply embedded in your system, and that’s where Windows 10 says ‘sorry, we cannot allow that, because that would be a possible loophole for computer viruses.’”
The result is that if you want to play games like Crimson Skies to Grand Theft Auto 3 (yeah, it’s out on Android, but you might still to play want the PC version), Medieval II: Total War and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 to the original The Sims, you can’t without employing a workaround; meanwhile, SafeDisc has been known for some time to be unreliable, which is why it ended up being abandoned.
What Happened with SafeDisc?
In November 2007 an “elevation of privilege” security vulnerability in SafeDisc was discovered, which enabled attackers to take complete control of a Windows PC. While later patched by Microsoft, it was one of many nails in the coffin of this form of DRM. Back in the mid-2000s, DRM security vulnerabilities were often used as an attack vectorIs DRM A Threat To Computer Security?Is DRM A Threat To Computer Security?Read More by hackers.
Asked for their opinion concerning its removal from Windows 10, developers Rovi Corporation observed:
“Safedisc DRM hasn’t been supported for a few years now, and the driver has consequently not been updated for some time. Microsoft should have migrated the existing software since Windows 8. We don’t know if that’s still possible with Windows 10 or if they simply didn’t care about it.”
SafeDisc relies on the SECDRV.SYS file, which isn’t present in Windows 10, and attempts to import and run it in the new OS have failed.
Finding Workarounds and Playing Your Good Old Games
While Microsoft has abandoned the original releases of many classic games, you should still be able to find a way to play them. Yet ironically, perhaps the first solution you might consider is also one that requires you to use software developed for game piracy.
No-CD patches were developed to bypass SecureROM and SafeDisc, supposedly as means of allowing gamers to play installed games without having to insert the game mediaHow To Play Games Without CD Using No-CD CracksHow To Play Games Without CD Using No-CD CracksAny of your games, old or new, on CDs? With these cracks, you'll never have to use a CD to play your games again!Read More. This had a useful impact for pirates, however, enabling disc cloners to distribute copies of games via downloading sites. The issue of whether or not a player should be forced to keep a disc in the optical drive while playing has thankfully been consigned to history (damaged discs and unreliable disc drives were a particular problem, but making ISO copies would extend the life of your game mediaExtend The Life Of Your Optical Discs With ISO Backups & Virtual Clone Drive [Windows]Extend The Life Of Your Optical Discs With ISO Backups & Virtual Clone Drive [Windows]There is absolutely no reason why you would still want to routinely run games, movies, or music from optical discs. Inserting, ejecting, and switching discs is a nuisance and subjects both the drive and the..Read More).
Unfortunately for anyone affected by Windows 10’s lack of retro gaming support, however, many of the sites that hosted No-CD patches have also long gone. You may find them, or be able to dig up the patches on BitTorrent, but really we wouldn’t advise it. There’s no way we can encourage this as the risks of picking up malware in the process are too great.
(And of course Microsoft is not condoning piracy; they’ve more or less looked at the numbers of people still playing these older titles and judged that it’s a relatively small chunk. And with various other workarounds available, it’s reasonable to say that this added Windows 10 security feature has been unfairly reported.)
So abandoning the idea of a No-CD patch, what other options do you have for getting those old titles running again?
First of all, check the developer’s website. It’s been reported that patches have been released for a few of these games, and if communities display enough desire it is likely that more will be forthcoming. Send emails and launch threads on message boards.
Second, if you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 by installing as a dual-boot, you’ll have to restart and swap into your other version of Windows to play these titles until a more robust workaround is available. If this doesn’t suit you, and your computer is reasonably powerful, running Windows 7 or 8 in a virtual machineTesting A New Operating System? Stay Secure With A Virtual MachineTesting A New Operating System? Stay Secure With A Virtual MachineRead More (such as VMware Player or Oracle VM VirtualBox) is also an option.
Third, and probably most sensible of all, is to simply repurchase the games, in digital-only format. The idea of paying for the same piece of entertainment media in multiple formats is one that is considered to be particularly abhorrent to many, but in this situation it does seem to be a strong option. Websites like GOG.com feature DRM-free releases of many old titles5 Incredible Games For Under $6 You Can Play DRM Free From GOG5 Incredible Games For Under $6 You Can Play DRM Free From GOGGOG, formerly known as Good Old Games, is a game distribution service that focuses on classics that are natively available on or have been ported to either Windows or Mac.Read More, ready for you to purchase and use legally. You might also check whether the games are available on Steam.
Self-Sign the SafeDisc Driver
A fourth option is also on the cards. This is more or less straightforward, but requires you to get your hands a bit dirty. It involves self-signing the SafeDisc driver so that Windows 10 will detect it as a trusted file.
The easiest way to do this is to employ the Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider tool, which, when run as administrator, enables you to sign a previously untrusted file.
Once you’ve acquired a copy of the SECDRV.SYS file (either by downloading it or copying it from the c:windowssystem32drivers directory on Windows Vista, 7 or 8, and saving it to the same location in Windows 10), run the DSEO tool by right-clicking dseo13b.exe and selecting Run as administrator.
Work through the subsequent dialogue boxes until you see the main menu and select Enable Test Mode then click Next.
This time, select Sign a System File, and browse to the SECDRV.SYS file in c:windowssystem32drivers. Click OK, and wait while the driver is signed. You’ll see the following message:
Once you have followed the instructions to restart and then run DSEO again with Test Mode enabled, the driver should now be loaded by the game you’ve had trouble with, restoring your ability to play it.
(Should you be using Windows 10 Technical Preview3 Easy Ways To Install Windows 10 Technical Preview3 Easy Ways To Install Windows 10 Technical PreviewYou can try Windows 10 Technical Preview for free and help Microsoft polish its new flagship operating system. Before you install it, make sure you choose the best method for your needs.Read More, enabling Test Mode will result in a watermark appearing on your display. This can be removed using the Remove Watermark option in DSEO.)
What Option Will You Take?
This security development in Windows 10 is wholly necessary, but obviously frustrating for any fans of retro gaming titles. As we’ve discovered, the inability to play a huge selection of retro games in Windows 10 is due to legacy restrictions with DRM, rather than Microsoft causing users problems for the hell of it.
Which workaround will you be using? Tell us in the comments.
Furthermore, installing the wrong HP drivers can make these problems even worse.Recommendation: If you are inexperienced with updating HP device drivers manually, we highly recommend downloading the.
Using outdated or corrupt HP Deskjet F2110 drivers can cause system errors, crashes, and cause your computer or hardware to fail.
Image credit: GTAIII PS2 Beta Drive-by via Wikipedia, rawcaptured via Shutterstock
Explore more about: Digital Rights Management, Windows 10.
- Microsoft's latest pushed updates defeat this workaround (their goal in their war against Rovi oover set-top box OS in US and Europe). To boot to test mode you need to make a selection on a special test mode boot menu, but this appears before USB drivers load. So, unless you are still using a PS2 keyboard, your cannot make the necessary selection to continue in test mode with 'temporary' driver signing security turned off.
- I just signed the driver with the last method. Thank you. I have the original cd with Tomb Rider Anniversary and want to play the game without the disk, so having a image mounted on a virtual drive, would be much better. Now, i can :)
- how to ask question?
- The DSEO tool could not set test mode on my Windows 10 install for some reason. However I opened command prompt as admin and ran 'bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING ON' and on the next boot I was in test mode (shows the little watermark in the corner of the desktop). Now I can launch my safedisc games once more. Figured I'd mention it in case someone else has a similar problem enabling the test signing mode with DSEO.
- Origin is already fixing the Windows 10 issue by allowing gamers who own legal copies of games like SimCity 4 to contact them, they will ask for the following information, your name and sim city 4 key code, they will exchange the key code for a digital key code then you simply move your plug ins elsewhere, including all regions, and install the new version. They also tie the keycode to your Origin account, basically giving you another copy of the game.
- I understand what Slashee states, but the thing is this, software is not infinitely going to work. There were a few things game and software wise on earlier versions of Windows 3.1 and Windows 98 as an example that I would have loved to play, or software utilities that I still would like to have, but it isn't going to happen. Software, hardware and electronics are somewhat like leaded gasoline cars of the 80's and earlier. They sure are sweet to have, sleek, fast, and just darn good to look at, even if they are an antique and retro (actually that's the attraction for me). However, around 2000 they stopped selling leaded gasoline. You would then have to do 1 of 3 things if you wanted to continue to drive those cars, and that was either buy on top of the gas you were already paying for, an lead additive, that started to get a little pricey to each tank of gas, replace the engine, or have it re-seated for unleaded, all of which are or become pricey, but not quite as much as buying a new car, and it allows you to keep driving that beloved antique or classic car you love so much.The point is, if you want to play these 'Retro' games, then you are going to need to spend a little money to do so, and it really is as simple as that. Don't think of it as buying the game over, think of it more as paying to have it retrofitted to play in the new world or system (because it's still much cheaper than what you originally paid for it most likely), or just don't play it at all (junk it). However, the 'retrofit' is in fact the most sensible way, since you will obviously want it to continue to work without having to keep 'purchasing lead aditives', so to speak (time vested in getting it to work until the next Windows update occurs, and do it all over again), or actually pay to get the converted format of it.
- The problem for me is not buying my retro games again. I'd gladly do it if I could, but they're not for sale on any digital platform, and I'm not sure they ever will be. So I'm stuck with games that don't work and zero options to play them again. You bet I'm going to look for any other way possible, even if it might be risky.
- If one can proof that they own a ligit games.at least the developers could release a game patch for the game's. Make them free for download or a $1 for sale. One should not to be paying lots of money for it. It's a merchandise already paid for! If you got 100+ games and rebuying them would be a lot of cash to pay for. Steam is great but in my opinion only if you never owned the game or had a damaged game.
- 'It’s sensible (let alone most sensible) to spend more money buying games I already bought? What lottery did you win and why aren’t you sharing the prize money, since you obviously have too much of it?'lol, if you cant afford games then you shouldnt be buying them. loser.
- I afforded them. The first time. Now maybe I want to afford new games, instead of the same ones again.lol, if you cant get my point maybe you shouldnt be replying to my comment. loser
- The reason it's sensible is because it involves the least amount of effort for the highest return. It's called a cost/benefit analysis. You don't have to risk malware. You don't have to get a tool that could create problems. You just get the game and play it. Furthermore, for the record, Good Old Games (GOG, for short) has exceptionally reasonable prices for its digital download games.
- 'Third, and probably most sensible of all, is to simply repurchase the games, in digital-only format.'It's sensible (let alone most sensible) to spend more money buying games I already bought? What lottery did you win and why aren't you sharing the prize money, since you obviously have too much of it?
If ever there were a perfect combination of the action of Star Wars and Star Trek, Starlancer would fit the bill. The game, in addition to being a non-stop thrill ride through the universe of the future, is fiercely competitive! Not only can you fight in space like in Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, you can also fly missions around planets and through stunning environments.
If you have a 3D graphics accelerator card, Starlancer is a sight to behold. If you don't, the graphics aren't bad but you miss many of the effects during combat. With or without the card, however, the game is immensely enjoyable. With the 3D card, you see beautiful planets in the background as you attack. This is visually stunning but at times it makes the game harder to play because your enemies can blend in with the planets, whereas, in software-rendering mode, this doesn't occur. But, even so, without a 3D card Starlancer's gameplay is still fun and the graphics great.
You begin the game with an introduction to your surroundings (not in the starship). The best feature of the non-mission action is the simulator as it helps you get your bearings when first starting. It shows you step-by-step how to use the instruments, weapons and flight options. You definitely need the training, too, because in Starlancer you utilize the entire keyboard as well as a joystick. Luckily, the game comes with a quick reference card showing all the functions of the keys.
Starlancer uses many of the same concepts seen in Star Wars and Star Trek games, while adding components of such games as Wing Commander. In fact, much like Wing Commander, Starlancer utilizes a briefing room where you learn about missions. Other similarities include talking with your wingmen during combat and winning medals in the latter missions. In fact, Starlancer is very similar to Wing Commander in all aspects with the exceptions of fighting other humans and not having conversations with your crew after missions.
One can't help but discern that Starlancer seems to be a nearly perfect combination of these three games, with originality being one of the few aspects noticeably lacking. All of this has been done before in Star Wars fighting games and the Wing Commander series. The lasers your ship fires look like the famous Star Wars brand. Even though not particularly original, Starlancer does take the best from all three series. The result is a winner: the action and dynamics of Star Wars, the graphics and beautiful scenery of Star Trek and the great space combat of Wing Commander.
Regardless of any niggling aspects Starlancer may have, gamers who love space combat games should enjoy this one immensely. Environments and scenery are top-notch and the dogfighting very fast paced. The multi-player mode allows battling up to eight friends (or strangers) over the Internet with the ability to choose any ship and weapons you desire! With the many different controls you have in your ship, Starlancer levies a demand on flexibility and coordination. Additionally, with all the different ships from which to choose, you need to master all the flight skills and weapons in the grueling space war of Starlancer! The Western Alliance will prevail with your help, so prepare to engage the Coalition fleet!
Graphics: If you have a 3D accelerator card, you get some amazing graphics out of Starlancer (bright stars, huge planets, asteroids). But, even if you use normal software rendering, the game still looks good.
Sound: From firing lasers and missiles to the exploding vessels you destroy, Starlancer gives you the feeling of a 3D space environment through its sound effects. The music is also well done and adds rather than detracts.
Enjoyment: The dogfighting and space flight parts of the game are very enjoyable. You can talk to your wingmen and your enemies as well as control everything from which missile to use to how much power to divert to each system in the ship.
Starlancer Windows 10 64
Replay Value: Starfighter games are always fun to replay, especially when you have the options that Starlancer provides. If you beat the game using a specific ship, you can always try out new ones. Also, each mission's outcome affects the next so, if you fail, you'll go in a different direction then if you succeed.
Starlancer No Cd
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Freelancer, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance, Tachyon: The Fringe, Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries, Wing Commander: Prophecy - Gold, MechWarrior 4: Vengeance, Star Trek: Bridge Commander, Space Interceptor