Found:
Check for a large .DLL file, in the same directory as the protected exe.
Most times it's called Protect.dll. Get the file properties of that file
(click with right-mouse button), go to the Version tab page, and there you
can see the Star-Force version ;)
*********************
From the same forum (broadbandreports), SF could be considered illegal
because:
Re: Illegal...
New York State Penal Law:
156.20 Computer tampering in the fourth degree.
A person is guilty of computer tampering in the fourth degree when he
uses or causes to be used a computer or computer service and having no
right to do so he intentionally alters in any manner or destroys
computer data or a computer program of another person.
Computer tampering in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor.
156.25 Computer tampering in the third degree.
A person is guilty of computer tampering in the third degree when he
commits the crime of computer tampering in the fourth degree and:
1. he does so with an intent to commit or attempt to commit or further the
commission of any felony; or
2. he has been previously convicted of any crime under this article or
subdivision eleven of section 165.15 of this chapter; or
3. he intentionally alters in any manner or destroys computer material; or
4. he intentionally alters in any manner or destroys computer data or a
computer program so as to cause damages in an aggregate amount exceeding one
thousand dollars.
Computer tampering in the third degree is a class E felony.
***********************
From a Star Force employee(!):
Seems you dont have a clue about copy protection scheme at all.
1. The driver is just a way to communicate your CD drive, directly. I.e.
ensures requests can't be spoofed by emulators.
2. The driver remains INACTIVE unless you START the protected game. (like a
driver for some external USB device, unless you plug thing in)
3. The driver automatically DEACTIVATES and stops any activity when you exit
the protected game.
4. The driver DOES NOT affect your burning programs IN ANY WAY. _Never meant
to_. _Because - absolutelly no need_.
5. To sum up, driver is just a guaranteed way to see if the currently
inserted disc in drive is leagal or not.
There is no other logic like blacklisting software, prevention to make
(burn) copies, dialing home. AT ALL.
Regarding to the protected programs and installation:
After applying the protection to the product, the scheme becames part of the
product. Like other third party Sound System engine DLL file. It is integral
part of the game from now, the game wont run without it, its bound to it.
So, when you agree to install the game, it installs whatever it requires for
it's execution. Why dont you complain about game does not warn you that
third party Rendering Engine DLL or Speech Transfer Technology DLL are
installed? How about some Background Textures, Sound Files etc.??
As for the "driver" itself, it's the ONLY and legally documented way in
WindowsNT to acquire the privileges NEED for the Copy Protection. Without
these privileges it would be easy to crack it. It is just an apropriate
tool. Like when you gonna fix your hand-watches you dont use a hammer.
Driver is THE MOST APROPRIATE and i repeat the LEGAL tool for implementing
efficient Copy Protection schemes under NT.
*************************
Here's something else:
Re: You do give it permission
Here's my problem: if I buy a game, and in the EULA it says something
about Star Force, I can reject the EULA but I can't return the game to the
retailer because it has been opened. I will now have a $50 coaster.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
[Wrong!]: If if you click NO to the EULA, *Starforce has already installed
itself on your machine* whether you agree or not.
*************************
> ...
> > I've got IL2:FB and the Ace expansion pack installed, and I do see
> > Starforce drivers in my device manager. However, I can't guarantee
> > that IL2 is what installed them. Guess I need to read up on how to get
> > rid of these things...
> FB here as well. Do you happen to know the filenames of these drivers?
> I'd like to look for them on my HD to make sure it isn't just my DevMan
> not showing them, but can't find anything that looks like the starforce
> files.
> --
> Achim
> http://users.skynet.be/AchimT
