Only 5 installs? | Forums

[Prof_Drake]

Hey

I am eager to buy this game. I've been watching it online for weeks. Now, I was surfing around EB's website checking out information for when it will be available and to my dismay I noticed a review someone had left saying starforce (the Cd protection) will only let you install the game a total of 5 times? Is this true? Because if it is I can pretty much say goodbye to the game because A) I have three computers so there is three installs and B) I reformat them usually twice a year to give them a good thorough cleaning and if it only gives a max of 5 installs that will be bad. It would be awesome if someone could tell me if this is just someone blowing smoke or if it is true. Thank you your quick response is much appreciated.

[dse1010]

I'm not that knowladgeable about this, but how could this be done. It would have to be recorded on the dvd, and I don't think it could do this. Don't really know, but it seems unlikely.

[Frederf220]

There would be no way for the game to know it's been installed before.

Do to some legal mumbo jumbo it might be illegal to have 1 license installed on two computers. but my ethics are that you shouldn't have the game executed in two places simul. on one license, otherwise you're fine.

[Holly-Woods]

Not true. We (members of this board) believe this be typical internet panic-mongering. There is not a single shred of evidence to support the claim.

Buy the game and sail into history!

Holly

[Prof_Drake]

3/15/05
BE WARNED
"According to its copyprotection, you can only install this game 5 times. So those who do regular formats or major upgrades will get only 5 chances to install the game. Is part of the Starforce protection scheme.

that was what the person claimed but if you guys say its not true ill take your word for it but if your wrong im going to turn into a ghost and haunt you all! hahaha thanks for clearing it up by the way when i said install it on multiple computers i mean they are all mine and its just because im sometimes too lazy to go find the computer it IS installed at when im already at one (hey im a computer geek we are all lazy anyways its all in good nature *angel with halo* thank you all again for answering this "...A great day comrades, we sail into history!" 10 points to the person who can tell me which movie that quote is from...

[Frederf220]

Think in terms of causality. To fail on the 6th try the game would have to know that it's been installed before. How would it know? Only two possible reasons, internet database of installs and that it actually changes the DVD each time you install. Both sound rather far fetched.

[CoolHand20th]

the five time thing ONLY comes into play..when you change more then 70% of your hardware...like if you have to reformat..and it happens more then 5 times...then you have to call someone to reactivate your cd key..so its not bs what this guy is asking..it does happen with software

[vonPletz]

So are you saying this is like MS windows activation?????

What if you want to install this on a computer without internet access.

I don't recall anything about having to have internet access to run SH3...

[kilrathi36]

THAT is a FALSE RUMOR, otherwise why isnnt this fact mentioned anywhere on the box, manual or in readme? Thanks.

[CoolHand20th]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kilrathi36:
THAT is a FALSE RUMOR, otherwise why isnnt this fact mentioned anywhere on the box, manual or in readme? Thanks. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

hmm oh really...and where did it say on the box..the EULA or anywhere else that it would install Starforce...


heres a link to what is in starforce regarding the 5 install limit...

http://www.star-force.com/license_ma...gory=62&type=5


..its being done by several companies now..and i am going to paste what is says as well


StarForce ProActive 1.1

Features


Benefits For Publishers and Distributors:

A wide range of software products can be protected and activated: educational, entertainment, business desktop and server applications to include their trial, demo and release versions.
Flexibility in delivering a software product to the customer: Internet, file sharing networks, media.
Control over each application license sold: every activation can be traced in a database.
Lower distribution costs by enabling new promotion and distribution channels such as the Internet.
Serial Number Activation Features:

The StarForce ProActive activation models (fully automated and transparent via the Internet, e-mail, phone, or fax) match to any end users' product activation requirement.
Combinable licensing options supported by StarForce ProActive allow customizing the products' activation and expiration settings according to a preferred sales and distribution models. The following product licensing models are available:
- fixed application expiration date;
- pre-defined product expiration period;
- maximum number of days after first
use;
- limited number of re-activations;
- time interval between re-activations;
- regional restrictions on product activation.
StarForce ProActive protected application and license locked to the end user's computer.
Four levels of sensitivity for changes of the end users' PC configuration:
depending on the type of the application and the typical user profile, the publisher can decide on which and how many hardware changes he wants to allow for one individual Serial Number.
Serial Number black-listing to prevent unauthorized software activation.
Product re-activation: authorized customers can move their rights to use the application from one computer to another by re-activating their Serial Number.
Serial Number management tools, statistics and reporting (activation, re-activation, etc.).
All communications with StarForce activation server are performed via the secure SSL protocol, ensuring that no eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery may take place.
Open architecture of the activation server to provide easy integration with online billing systems and publisher's web site. Such an approach allows the publisher to avoid generating batches of licenses in advance and instead to automatically generate individual licenses on demand directly from the publisher's web site or an online store.
Multilingual interface of the online activation site provides maximum convenience for both publishers managing the licenses generated and end users activating the application.
StarForce (Professional) Encryption & Protection Shell Features:

Multilevel encryption of application prevents copying, hacking and emulation.
StarForce Application Profiler to optimize the performance of the protected application.
Enhanced encryption options to also protect data files (data, pictures, audio).
Options to protect your application against the most enhanced emulator tools.
Options to protect your application against debuggers and disassemblers.
Options to protect critical functions and sensitive code in your application.
Options to scramble and hide executable code and data code.
Option to export and import encryption and protection settings (Profiler results).
Option to edit end user interface text messages, with support for multiple languages.
Option to design and import/export customs splash screens for the end user StarForce interface.
Fast and easy implementation, without requiring access to the source codes.
Easy and convenient software maintenance such as updates, patches, and upgrades.