User:Mirh/StarForce

Just like nobody has time for a dedicated page, I couldn't have for some clear, fair, neutral wording now. So here's just the data:

info about the starforce challenge, and the "dvd reader killer" issue that wasn't their fault can be found here and at the following links https://old.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/6f7rp3/rumour_denuvo_is_using_pirated_software_in_their/dignupj/
then I'd bet crashes and BSODs may still have been pretty common, though I wouldn't know about objective data over the "normal average of crashes" of those times
- it must also be noted that back then internet wasn't so widespread, and for as much as sf might have been "diligently" updating their software, a lot of people were completely clueless about anything that didn't ship on their CD
I read some comments about "those f* only releasing an uninstaller after years of complaints from users". I'm not sure how much time would have to be too much though, but by 2004 they already had some available (maybe already 2003)
- though again, given internet availability 15 years ago, I guess like not shipping "locally in a normal install" (Idk if that was the case) could have been a remarkable downside
Windows is so dumb, that besides bugging every now and then, it tries to abide to the drivers boot critical status (SERVICE_BOOT_START) even when they are outright without signing (or anyway have the wrong certificates or bits)
Incompatibilities with native (S?)ATA drives? https://web.archive.org/web/20060701111710/http://starf.bestmedia.kiev.ua/ (check english readme)
Backuping was certainly a hell, to be sure https://club.myce.com/t/defeating-starforce-3-5-cd-using-alcohol-and-sfcopy/146732
"Developer info" at https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Talk:TrackMania_Sunrise