SECDRV.SYS Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of older games.

Anonymous
2015-08-01T20:13:40+00:00

Hello,

I have discovered an unfortunate problem with Windows 10.

Many games from the early-mid 2000's used Macrovision's SafeDisc (version 2) as a means of copy protection. At game startup, Windows loaded SECDRV.SYS to verify an original game disc was in the drive, after which the game would start.

When you try to run ANY game which uses this SafeDisc form of copy protection in Windows 10, the following happens:

 - You get an error window that tells you to log in with Administrator Privileges and to try again. This happens on any account, even those with Administrator access. The game fails to start.

 - If you then set "Run as Admin" compatibility mode on the game's startup file, the message disappears, but the game doesn't start.

 - Keeping a window open for C:\WINDOWS\SYSWOW64\DRIVERS shows SECDRV.SYS appearing at the moment you try to start the game. Based on its size, it appears to be the file that is present on the game disc (tested across several games), even though I see no disc activity and cannot find the file elsewhere on my system.

 - The Windows event log shows that SECDRV.SYS failed to load.

 - This happens both with an upgraded install (Windows 8.1 > Windows 10) and with a fresh Windows 10 install, with one of the games being installed immediately upon the fresh install completing.

 - On my Windows 64-bit 8.1 system, C:\WINDOWS\WINSXS has a folder called amd64_macrovision-protection-safedisc_31bf3856ad364e35_6.3.9600.16384_none_4e6b3758913c9240 with a SECDRV.SYS in it, presumably the one that ships with Windows. Windows 10 had such a folder in early builds, but it is missing from the release build. It appears SafeDisc support is missing entirely.

OTHER TESTING I HAVE DONE:

 - I updated one of the games to a version that no longer required the CD check, and it started immediately and ran perfectly once the check was removed. However, this is possible only with a very limited number of games, or resorting to fixes that violate the game's EULA or put the user's system security at risk.

 - I tried disabling driver signature verification and installing one of the games again; same problem.

 - Multiple compatibility modes; same problem. XP (Service Pack 3) mode and / or Run as Administrator mode make the error message go away, but the games still fail to launch.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Unless this is fixed in Windows 10, a massive catalog of older games will cease to function in Windows 10 for the simple reason that they cannot pass the SafeDisc copy protection check. I am accustomed to some games breaking with every new version of Windows as technology progresses (for example, the loss of the ability to run 16-bit programs in 64-bit Windows), but this seems to be an unnecessarily harsh change.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Gaming

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-09-10T22:09:36+00:00

    Please read the whole thread so you can post something that adds to the solution, not be a problem.

    NO!!!!, there is not a solution.

    (Not for windows 10)

    You obviously didn't read the thread, MS patched it so EVERYTIME you restart, it unsigns secdrv.sys.

    (you need to restart to get it unblock/signed, hence forth, it is unsigned before it can be signed)

    The only fixes listed are for previous versions of windows, they will not work with windows 10.

    No, I'm not asking MS to "fix" something they didn't publish.

    Yes, I am asking they don't purposefully block it without giving the option for me to unblock it as needed, so I can legally use any software I've legally purchased.

    Don't get me started on how **** written today is nowhere near the quality, why else would someone spend hours making something work.

    (even if the challenge is fun)

    And being your trying to make personal remarks towards those that don't have your view.

    If I do something that causes issues to my pc that I built with my own two hands, I'm not going to blame them for it.

    Lets face it, they might as well have coded windows to purposefully stop you from surfing the web, that's what this is about- taking something away that could be a risk for your pc to get infected.

    (Not a rage)

    And yes, with as much paranoia as there is about windows 10 being - bloatware, spyware, make you buy ware, there is no doubt the snappy response is easily noticeable.

    This is the only reason I'm not uninstalling it and setting up a dual boot.

    While your view may suit you, it is based on your needs, and I'm glad that works out for you, honestly.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-09-11T00:05:40+00:00

    Please read the whole thread so you can post something that adds to the solution, not be a problem.

    NO!!!!, there is not a solution.

    (Not for windows 10)

    You obviously didn't read the thread, MS patched it so EVERYTIME you restart, it unsigns secdrv.sys.

    (you need to restart to get it unblock/signed, hence forth, it is unsigned before it can be signed)

    The only fixes listed are for previous versions of windows, they will not work with windows 10

    I concur I applied the fix didn't work. booted with sys opening on start supposedly.

    didn't work for civ 4

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-09-11T06:54:24+00:00

    I suggest that each of the guys and girls around here should use the feedback app search for the approriate post there and upvote the problem.

    If you don't have Win 10 anymore and still want to participate let Gabe Aul (Microsoft) have a friendly email <******@e-mail.microsoft.com> about it, or twitter him. There are dozends of ways to make Microsoft more aware about this problem with secdrv.sys. The current system they use to find and eliminate bugs won't chip in here as there are no error logs created about secdrv.sys as it is simply not loaded with the boot if not properly digitally signed or signable.

    I am seriously stunned to read that now also Windows 8.x seems to be affected.

    Futhermore I am sure that the secdrv problem or even forced Windows Updates (which has certainly 2 sides of a coin, so benefits and drawbacks) doesn't illegimate achievements and improvements reached with Windows 10 that would - at least me - force to choose a downgrade.

    To rebuy a software that you cannot run just because a freaking and pretty useless copy protection (secdrv was easy to crack) is certainly the wrong way. Insist for a solution.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-09-11T11:03:57+00:00

    I have reported the issues myself, and I encourage others to do the same

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-09-11T19:57:19+00:00

    I have reported the issues myself, and I encourage others to do the same

    I was not able to find any entries about secdrv.sys in Windows 10 feedback app. Created one now. please help to upvote and spread the word.

    For the legacy! (games) ;)

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