Play SafeDisc/SecuROM Games on Windows 10, 8, 7 & Vista

DRM Removal from Windows Updates

Microsoft recently generated significant discussion by eliminating support for SafeDisc and SecuROM Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies within Windows 10. This change isn't isolated to the latest operating system; security enhancements applied to Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1 have also resulted in the removal of compatibility with these DRM systems.

Impact on Older Games

Maintaining an updated Windows installation, even on versions predating Windows 10, will not guarantee a seamless experience with games relying on these DRM schemes. The decision by Microsoft to discontinue support for these technologies has created challenges for players attempting to access older titles.

Reasons for the Change

The rationale behind Microsoft’s action centers on evolving security protocols and a shift away from older DRM methods. These older systems were becoming increasingly vulnerable and posed potential risks to system security.

Resolving Compatibility Issues

Getting these legacy games functional again requires specific steps. Users will need to implement workarounds to bypass the now-absent DRM checks.

Potential Solutions

• No-CD Patches: These patches remove the need for the physical disc during gameplay.
• DRM Removal Tools: Specific utilities can be employed to strip the DRM from game files.
• Virtual Machines: Running older versions of Windows within a virtual machine can preserve compatibility.

It's important to note that utilizing unofficial patches or tools may carry risks, and users should exercise caution and download from trusted sources. The removal of SafeDisc and SecuROM support highlights the ongoing tension between software protection and the preservation of gaming history.

Understanding the Compatibility Issue

Concerning the question of how to run older programs on Windows 10, modern digital downloads generally pose no issues. However, difficulties arise with numerous PC games originally distributed on physical media – CDs and DVDs – released between 2003 and 2008.

A significant number of these titles employed SafeDisc or certain iterations of SecuROM as their Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems.

These older DRM technologies are incompatible with contemporary Windows operating systems. This incompatibility extends to all versions of Windows 10, as well as Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1 after the installation of update KB3086255, which was released in September 2015.

Microsoft's Explanation

Microsoft intentionally ceased support for these legacy DRM solutions, citing security concerns. Their reasoning is as follows:

"This DRM technology is deeply integrated into the system, and Windows 10 actively prevents its operation due to potential security vulnerabilities. Consequently, some games from the 2003-2008 era utilizing Securom and similar DRM schemes will not function without a 'no-CD' patch or equivalent workaround. Supporting such potentially dangerous software is not feasible. Fortunately, developers have released patches, and platforms like GOG offer compatible versions of these games."

Response from SafeDisc's Creator

Rovi, the company behind SafeDisc, publicly criticized Microsoft's handling of the situation:

“Support for Safedisc DRM was discontinued several years ago, and the driver hasn’t been updated accordingly. Microsoft should have facilitated the migration of existing software starting with Windows 8. It is unclear whether this remains possible with Windows 10, or if they simply chose not to address the issue.”

Credit for the translation of these statements, originally delivered in German, is given to Rock Paper Shotgun.

Ultimately, these DRM implementations proved detrimental to Windows systems and presented past security risks. While Microsoft's decision to block them is beneficial, ideally, these problematic techniques should have been prevented from being implemented initially.

Addressing Compatibility Issues with SafeDisc and SecuROM Games

It can be frustrating when older, disc-based games become incompatible with contemporary Windows operating systems like Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10. Fortunately, several methods exist to restore functionality to these titles.

Restoring the secdrv Service on Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 8.1: For users not on Windows 10, Microsoft offers guidance on re-enabling the secdrv.sys driver, previously disabled due to security concerns. Initiate an elevated Command Prompt – locate "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-click, and select "Run as Administrator." Execute the command "sc start secdrv" to activate the service, and subsequently "sc stop secdrv" to deactivate it. Microsoft also details automated enabling via commands and registry modifications.

Be aware that this process can reduce your system's security. It is also ineffective on Windows 10, where the driver has been entirely removed. If you choose this route, it’s advisable to disable the service after playing the game to enhance security.

Applying Game Updates: Some game developers have released patches designed to eliminate the need for DRM. Visit the game’s official website and install any available updates to determine if this resolves the compatibility issue.

Utilizing No-CD Patches: No-CD patches circumvent DRM restrictions, allowing gameplay without the physical disc. However, these patches are often distributed through unreliable sources and are frequently associated with pirated software.

Employing this method carries significant risk. Downloading files from questionable websites and utilizing patches created by piracy groups substantially increases the likelihood of malware infection. Caution is strongly advised.

Digital Repurchase as a Solution: Consider repurchasing the game through a digital distribution platform like GOG.com or Steam. This provides a DRM-free version compatible with modern systems, eliminating the issues associated with the original disc-based DRM.

Understanding Windows Updates and the secdrv Service: On older Windows versions, uninstalling a specific update could also resolve the issue. However, re-enabling the service is a preferable approach. The update primarily disables the service by default.

The service is no longer constantly running and vulnerable on all Windows PCs; it will only be active on systems requiring it for game compatibility. This targeted approach enhances overall system security.

Image Credit: William Hook on Flickr