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DarkBASIC Professional Discussion / How do I run DBPro w/o the CD?

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Gamer
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 11:52
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I've just installed my DBPro (the retail version, not the trial). But when I click on the DBPro icon that the installation program created, it prompts me to insert the cd. Is there any way to run DBPro w/o inserting the cd?
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Nilrem
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 11:56 Edited at: 12th Jun 2003 11:57
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You can buy this thing from the db stores called a USB Bongle (or dongle? Can't really remember it's name), which you plug into your computer.

Alternatively you could crack it, while this is relatively easy, I don't recommend doing it.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
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Viper
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 12:04
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There is another program out there call GameDrive.
It creates virtual CD's on your computer so you don't
need to insert CD's.

It might work on DB but I am not sure.
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APEXnow
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 12:08
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Nilrem,

Quote: "Alternatively you could crack it, while this is relatively easy, I don't recommend doing it."


Really, I dunno!! <tut tut tut> Thats a bit unethicle LOL

"Man who looses key to woman's appartment...... He get no nookie" - A wise chinese man.
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Blanka
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 13:55
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for virtual cds, use Daemon tools, works a charm everytime.
and also, ill tell you how you can get it to work IF you can prove to me you actually own the full copy...

i dont want to help you if your just pirating a copy of the cd

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DarkSith
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 13:57
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VirtualDrive is a good program. I've used it to create vcd's of Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds, its expansion pack and E-jay. I'll get round to doing DBPro sometime...

"He will join us, or die my Master..." - Darth Vader
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kfoong
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Posted: 12th Jun 2003 14:09
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You only need the cd once for every so often you compile your game. In other words you dont need it until you compile it numerous times. So you dont need to worry. The programmers made this to stop piracy.

And I dont think talking about pirating DBP is such a good topic to talk about...

Heh heh... Mule...
http://www.stellarblue.vze.com/
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jdeimund
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 05:23
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I had this problem too. When I upgraded to the latest patch (4.1 I think) it stopped asking me for the cd. Hope this helps.
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BHoltzman
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 08:12
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I still haven't been able to get myself to use DBPro because of the cd check scheme. I'm hoping that they just drop the cd protection some day. So I keep coming by and seeing what's up on the site and going back and using other tools for my work. It's ashame that I'm not any further along with DBPro than the day I bought it, but thats just the alienation factor that they put into their software protection scheme.

Maybe someday that will change.

Take Care,

Ben
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Dave J
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 09:54
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Strangely I've never been asked to insert the CD. Ever.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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indi
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 09:58
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i get in 1 in 100 compiles or so

http://www.lunarpixel.com
http://www.lunarpixel.com/dt/
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Soyuz
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 12:44
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BHoltzman - why does the CD check scheme stop you using DB Pro? That's like saying "I don't drink coke because there's a lid on the Coke bottle"
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MrTAToad
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 13:26
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Besides why not run editor.exe ?

Good news everyone! I really am THAT good...
http://www.nickk.nildram.co.uk/ for great plug-ins - oh my, yes!
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kfoong
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 13:27
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lol soyuz thats a good way to put it too bad I dont drink coke

Heh heh... Mule...
http://www.stellarblue.vze.com/
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BHoltzman
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Posted: 13th Jun 2003 23:49
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Soyuz, It's not like saying I don't want to drink coke because the lid is on the bottle. It's more like DBS saying, we can't trust you, our paying customers, to use our software, so we're going to tell you we can't trust you everytime we want you to present the cdrom for morality verification.

Yeah it's great that DBS is constantly updating the program and working hard to improve it. But it leaves a bad taste in my mouth every time I talk about the protection scheme. There are better methods to use, which don't piss off the user base.

I've bought software for more than 10 times the amount of money I payed for DBPro, and it doesn't use cd rom verification. I use these programs in my work, and I'm happier doing so.

I'd like to use DBPro but I'm still too unhappy with the cd/check to really want to do anything with it. So maybe someday, if DBS decides to take off the cdrom protection scheme I'll start looking at DBPro more seriously. Until then there are a ton of alternatives for me to use.

Take Care,

Ben
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Trowbee
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 01:14
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Well, if you're willing to spend more than 10 times the amount of money you payed for DBP, why not just get the USB dongle that Nilrem said about.

http://www.darkbasicpro.com/usb.php

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Gamer
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 01:48
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You're right jdeimund...I've installed patch 4.1 and it didn't prompt me to insert the cd again.

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Impulse
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 04:02
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Quote: "I've bought software for more than 10 times the amount of money I payed for DBPro, and it doesn't use cd rom verification. I use these programs in my work, and I'm happier doing so."


That's because software pirates kill the company's business so they need to raise the price to keep a profit. It sounds like you don't even have DBpro and would like the program for free, BHoltzman, no offense intended. If DBpro didn't have the protection it has, the price would have likely been steadily increasing.

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Dave J
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 08:12
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Quote: "It's more like DBS saying, we can't trust you, our paying customers, to use our software"


Strange, I always thought it was saying "We don't want people pirating our software and not paying money so we need to protect it" which is fine by me.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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rapscaLLion
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 08:26
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At around $100 Cad there is NO F^CKING WAY I am getting the dongle (excuse the language)
I am all for some type of protection, but this really pisses me off. CD check every 100 compiles huh? I compile a LOT, like every time a make a tiny adjustment (stupid eh?) and when it asks for the cd, I put it in, press ok. Nothing happens for a while as my cd rom drive plays the most horrific music (hellish sounding whirring, skipping, scratching, humming, etc) and then proceeds to crash the editor, leaving the stupid auto run sitting on my desktop. Restarting the editor brings a crapload of errors, then a restart. Jeez...

Protection is necessary, but there are flamin limits...

Most every thing else about DBP is just peachy tho, don't worry

Alex Wanuch
aka rapscaLLion
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Gamer
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 09:13
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Gee...sorry for bringing up this question...didn't mean to provoke or instigate any kind of unfriendly verbal exchanges...

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CloseToPerfect
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 09:55
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quote -"Strange, I always thought it was saying "We don't want people pirating our software and not paying money so we need to protect it" which is fine by me."

Just how is a cd check stopping pirates? you can easily make a ISO of the disk and send it to who ever you want and then they can simply burn a cd. I mean theres no reg number, no serial number to enter. This INSERT CD feature is nothing more then an annoyance and a insult to the users of DBpro and in no way does it stop piracy on any level other then children wanting to give their children friends copies, and even at that most children could figure out how to copy the darn disk!
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ozzie65
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 10:06
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What is the problem with having to insert the cd? Makes me wonder if all those whinging about it have tried to pirate DbPro.

"We are the music makers, and we, are the dreamers of the dreams!"
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BHoltzman
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 13:30
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Like I was pointing out earlier the cd protection scheme is insulting to me as a paying customer. I didn't like it when I first found out about it, and I still don't like it today.

Buying software is an ethical decision I've made, and I stick to. I know low sales will hurt companies so I pay for my software. But I don't like being told that I can't be trusted by the software company I paid money to. It's an irritation and very unfriendly. DBS knew they would alienate some of their customers by this protection scheme, and they did.

So I just don't use the software. It's a shame because I do like the syntax style that's DBPro uses. Maybe some day I'll start using it again. But not with the CD protection scheme that's currently being used.

@ Impulse, I'm not the only person to ever buy a piece of software and then shelve it. And voicing what I feel about some aspect of DBPro doesn't make me a pirate. Your logic on this issue makes you sound young and inexperienced.

@ Trowbee, the dongle isn't a terrible idea, but it's still a reminder that I can't be trusted. Besides, I'm already using all my usb ports for my mouse and intuo. I like to switch back and forth between applications while working on coding and graphics. The usb dongle isn't the right solution for me.

@ Exeat, glad you found a product protection scheme you like using. Obviously, I don't. So I haven't used DBPro yet.

@ Gamer, don't worry about it. DBS needs to hear from their customers what they like and dislike about their products. It helps DBS improve the product line and plan for future products. I don't really view this discussion as a fight, though some of the users here might feel differently. It's just a chance to say what's on our minds and maybe be heard by some of the DBS team.

@ ozzie65, The problem with having to insert the cd for the check is that it's irritating, unfriendly and alienates some customers who had wanted to use DBPro. It also has the negative effect of driving current and potential customers to competitor products, from which they may not be willing to invest in DBS's products in the future. I'm not suggesting a slippery slope argument. But there is a negative reaction to pissing off customers. Obviously there is a positive reaction to the cd check scheme as well. I'm just one of the people on the negative reaction side.

Even though I don't agree with all the things DBS has done, I still like them, and hope I'll be willing to buy and use their products in the future.

Good Discussion Everyone,

Ben
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Soyuz
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 14:01
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Bholtzman - well have you considered that some people may actually be untrustworthy? I mean I know I'll never copy DB Pro or pirate it for someone else but DB don't know that and I can guarantee that some, maybe many people would hack/copy it if there were no CD protection - remember not everyone has the same morals you suggest you have.

I mean I can't seriously imagine many people choosing to buy another product simply for what kind of protection it uses. The thought didn't even cross my mind when I got DB Pro. Would you choose a shit car over a quality car simply because the shit car doesn't need a key to start it?
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Dave J
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Posted: 14th Jun 2003 17:22
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I totally agree with you Soyuz. The protection 'scheme' isn't intented for paying customers, it's intended for anyone who pirates the product.

And of course people can still burn the CD but it cuts down the number of warez downloads (with the exception of ISO's) there are because there isn't a CD to check.

Quote: "I know low sales will hurt companies so I pay for my software. But I don't like being told that I can't be trusted by the software company I paid money to."

Unfortunately not everyone shares the same views as you and so protection schemes like DBP uses must exist to stop those who don't care for the number of sales a company gets. Just because you have 'moral ethics' doesn't mean everyone else does. And as much as I hate to say it, there's a damn lot of people that are more then willing to steal a product then buy it. Believe it or not, but some people have even come to this forum asking ways to pirate the software.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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BHoltzman
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Posted: 15th Jun 2003 03:59
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@ Soyuz, I never suggested that I'm using crap software over good software. When I consider making a tool a primary tool, I look at a lot of factors. If enough of the factors are agreeable to me then I spend more of my time with a product. If there are too many negative factors then I don't waist too much of my time with the software. Also, if the software makes me unhappy when I use it then I'm less likely to spend much time with it.
I don't like the copy protection on DBPro. It upsets me when I have to deal with it. So I don't spend much time with DBPro. This isn't a difficult concept to understand, and it's no more or no less then a face value statement. This is also the third post that I've repeated the same sentiment. So if you don't grasp the concept by now then go back and review this message chain until you do understand it.
I'll let you in on a little secret. When someone is unhappy in their own life then they commonly attack other people. So the more someone flies off the handle when expressing their ideas about others the more it seems that the one with problems is the person flying off the handle.
Understanding this truth about people in general would make the intelligent person pause before attacking someone elses character. The fool would just go and attack without thinking about why they're attacking and what will happen as a result. This is why you don't see many highly educated people flying off the handle when reacting to common statements made by others.
Forgive me for going into so much detail, your statement just didn't show me that you understand this.

@ Exeat, Of course people are going to still steal software. Piracy is more of a people problem than a technology problem. It's very good that there are different oppinions about what works for the customer and what doesn't. This world would be really boring if everybody had the same likes and dislikes and opinions on stuff. So be yourself. I'll be myself and life will go on. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and their right to express it.

I'm not sure if you meant this or not by saying that you totally agree with Soyuz, but it's not a good idea to go around attacking other people's character. It's not a productive line of conversation and will only make intelligent people think you're stupid or immature.

Anyhow, let's finish the topic at this. I'm not interested in pursuing it any further. If anyone wants to lock it, then feel free.

From,

Ben
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Dave J
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Posted: 15th Jun 2003 08:13
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What? How's agreeing with him attacking him? You've totally lost me there. I wasn't aware I was attacking anyone.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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DMXtra
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Posted: 15th Jun 2003 15:50
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BHoltzman,

You can't use Patch 4.1? I mean its either not in the software or set so high so you rarely get that message.

I am sure we would want a lot of things and things we are not happy about, but I think your being a lot anal. Its not like it comes up every compile or every other compile. I have yet to see a prompt on Patch 4.1 either and I have done a ton of compiles testing stuff for DBDN.

I am not happy that I have to pay taxes and pay rent for my apartment. Thats life...

Dark Basic Pro -- The luxury for game programmers everywhere
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BHoltzman
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Posted: 16th Jun 2003 06:22
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@ Exeat, Soyuz was attacking my character. You were totally agreeing with Soyuz. So you were attacking my character. But if you didn't really mean you totally agree with him then disregaurd the part of my message you're questioning. I didn't know what you had meant by your statement.

@ Bltz2dbpro, You haven't been asked to present the cd? Well now, I'll have to boot up DBPro and check it out. Hopefully this cd check is a thing of the past. Of course people have to put up with things they don't like, but if there are alternatives to something that upsets you then why do something that upsets you over the alternative?
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Dave J
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Posted: 16th Jun 2003 11:10
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Ahh okay, lol, I was agreeing with this part:

Quote: "Bholtzman - well have you considered that some people may actually be untrustworthy? I mean I know I'll never copy DB Pro or pirate it for someone else but DB don't know that and I can guarantee that some, maybe many people would hack/copy it if there were no CD protection"


Guess I should've been more specific.

Oh, and I haven't been asked for the CD either =P

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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Angeleyes
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Well I work in the games industry and I will say this over the above:

While I H.A.T.E pirates and other scum I also know just what you mean over CD Protection being, er, troublesome. ^_~

It is at the end of the day pointless for companies to use protection to stop the pirate as you never will stop them. The only thing protection does is to extend the shelf life of the program as the pirate will need some time before they can crack it and release it, unless they already have it from someone on the inside (pre-shipping).

For big companies this is fine as just an extra week or two can make a big difference to their sales, but for smaller firms, like the DarkBasic firm, I would have thought it pointless.
After all, I know of someone (this is true) who went on the net and downloaded a serial number/hack for DBC v1.1 and then upgraded it via downloads (legal ones) to v1.13 and all in a matter of an hour.

So while I agree that protection is something that’s needed, I think it has to be re-thought by some companies.

Oh and as for the CD question:

Use "Fake CD". You can download it from almost anywhere and even tho its an old utility it will work just fine for your problem.

Ta ta for now
Mary

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Soyuz
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BHoltz-I was not attacking your character, I was simply disagreeing with you!!! - the closest I came to that was saying

"remember not everyone has the same morals you suggest you have.
"

That's quite a neutral/non-commital comment as I see it but if you took that as a personal attack then I'm sorry. Please do re-read my comments and you'll see I was just having a difference of opinion.
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Dave J
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Posted: 16th Jun 2003 15:19
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Quote: "It is at the end of the day pointless for companies to use protection to stop the pirate as you never will stop them. "


That's like saying "Dying's inevitable so I'm going to kill myself now."

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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APEXnow
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Aww, I dunno, I'm not afraid of death, just don't want to be there when it happens.

Anyway, on a different note, I worked for a firm a couple of years ago that employed a protection system which worked very well, and it only required that you provided your Full name and phone number when ordering the product. This information was parsed, generating a 10 digit serial number that would only work for your copy. Each CD was identical, when installing the software, you are asked to type in your Full name, your phone number and the serial number that the company sent you with your CD. Any typos or invalid serial numbers prevented installation.

The point is, it is a simple and effective method of providing some form of protection for companies that supply software in bulk. The software isn't personalised for each CD so it is cost effective, but it will only work for the person who ordered it. Pirating the software would involve either obtaining an illegal serial number but they would also need a true person's name and their phone number, not the sort of thing to broadcast onto a site is it?

On another point, I wouldn't have thought that DBS have removed the CD protection scheme since Upgrade v4.1, otherwise there would not be any reason to continue supplying dongles.

Paul.

"Man who looses key to woman's appartment...... He get no nookie" - A wise chinese man.
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MrTAToad
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Yes, the number of compiled before the protection kicks in has been vastly increased.

Good news everyone! I really am THAT good...
http://www.nickk.nildram.co.uk/ for great plug-ins - oh my, yes!
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Andy Igoe
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As long as the industry has moved along from Lenslock I don't really care, those of us with Stigmatisms could spend over an hour trying to load Elite and actually play a legitimate copy.

Personally the CD check in DBPro doesn't bother me (although whether that's because it doesn't ask me is none of your business ).

Pneumatic Dryll
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MrTAToad
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There are ways around it anyway - just because the CD check is there, is not really a valid reason for not using a product.

What about games - I presume BHoltzman doesn't play any due to the CD check at the begining of all of them.

Good news everyone! I really am THAT good...
http://www.nickk.nildram.co.uk/ for great plug-ins - oh my, yes!
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BHoltzman
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Posted: 16th Jun 2003 23:37
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@Soyuz, Alright, I'm glad to hear you weren't attacking my character. I appologise for saying you were then.


@ MrTAToad, You're right. I don't play many games. I'm too busy for most of them at this point in time. It's hard enough trying to keep up with the industry as is. But I do like to play a couple of the MS simulators every now and then. These do not use the cd copy protection.
My distaste for a copy protection is the reason I haven't used DBPro in the past. It doesn't matter if you accept it as valid or not. That's my reason for not using it. It's good enough for me.

DBPro isn't a tool in a vacum. It's a tool that must be used with other tools. If every tool I used required me to put a cd rom into the cd drive, then I wouldn't be very productive. It's to my benefit that I try to discourage this practice. Fortunately, not many companies have adopted the cd rom check idea. Life would be a great pain in the neck having to deal with swapping cd's when flipping from application to application.

Take Care All,

Ben
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Dave J
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 11:38
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Quote: "Anyway, on a different note, I worked for a firm a couple of years ago that employed a protection system which worked very well, and it only required that you provided your Full name and phone number when ordering the product. This information was parsed, generating a 10 digit serial number that would only work for your copy. Each CD was identical, when installing the software, you are asked to type in your Full name, your phone number and the serial number that the company sent you with your CD. Any typos or invalid serial numbers prevented installation.

The point is, it is a simple and effective method of providing some form of protection for companies that supply software in bulk. The software isn't personalised for each CD so it is cost effective, but it will only work for the person who ordered it. Pirating the software would involve either obtaining an illegal serial number but they would also need a true person's name and their phone number, not the sort of thing to broadcast onto a site is it?"


In theory that sounds good but there's one thing I don't understand. How would the serial only work for your copy if the CD's aren't personalised?

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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Andy Igoe
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 15:17
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Serial numbers are OK to a point, but in the description above if the tool was popular you would soon find someone working out the algorythm and creating their own serial codes based upon the name

Username: WAREZ-PHREAK GOD IS DA MAN
PhoneNumber: 0800-I R L337

The only defence against this is to update the product and patch out known illegal serial numbers.

Personally I preffer products to use CD protection because it doesn't take as long to crack.

Pneumatic Dryll
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Dave J
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 17:26
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Yeah, I've seen heaps of Keygens for things like 3DS Max and other apps.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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APEXnow
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Quote: "In theory that sounds good but there's one thing I don't understand. How would the serial only work for your copy if the CD's aren't personalised?"


And...

Quote: "Serial numbers are OK to a point, but in the description above if the tool was popular you would soon find someone working out the algorythm and creating their own serial codes based upon the name

Username: WAREZ-PHREAK GOD IS DA MAN
PhoneNumber: 0800-I R L337"


Ok, for someone who want's to crack such systems, they would obviously need to reverse-engineer the package, this act alone violates the licensing conditions of the product and unfortunately, this is a fact that firms pay the price for illegal pirating. The principle employed by the firm I worked for was to allow users to place an order for the product. A program used by the firm required two pieces of info. Their full name and the telephone number. Entering this info into the program, generated the serial number which has been calculated from the two data fields.

During installation of the product by the user, they are required to enter all three values, their name, phone and the supplied serial number sent with the product. The installation program also calculates the serial number for verification. Hence, comparative serial numbers that don't match prevents installation.

The algorithm used to calculate the serial number from the two entries was a complicated one and unfortunately I was not the developer who implemented the function. If I had, I would explain how it was done. Hope this clarifies my statement.

Paul

"Man who looses key to woman's appartment...... He get no nookie" - A wise chinese man.
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Andy Igoe
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 18:07
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Aye I understand the concept. The solution given here prevents a legitimate user from giving away their copy to a friend because their personal details are attached to the program.

It does not prevent somebody who can read of the decryption routine in ASM for calculating their own serial number based upon a fake name and telephone number.

Such as the code

Username: Cracked
Serial Number: 09B9085A

Which works for Winzip. BTW That code is now obsolete, you'll need version 6.2 to proove me wrong, but I can hardly use a current code for demonstration purposes, sorry.

Pneumatic Dryll
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APEXnow
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 18:18
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LOL, that's fine, I've no intention on disbelieving your statement

And yes, if a competant engineer can decipher the Assembly for calculating the algorithm, that's, again, the price that the firm has to pay for adding software protection, but at least it discourages piracy for the average Joe Bloggs.

"Man who looses key to woman's appartment...... He get no nookie" - A wise chinese man.
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Fallout
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 18:47
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The serial number system is completely flawed, not because you can find out the algorithm and crack it, but purely because I, as the buyer, can say here's my phone number, here's my name, here's my serial. I bet there are plenty of people on this forum with software all registered to the same guy. There's probably about 20 people on here with Milkshape registered to John Smith or something.

As for the CD issue. It's not great using a programming language with CD verification, but as far as I'm aware, it only checks once every 500 compiles now. Which is probably up to a weeks work. One CD swap a week? Can't complain about that. I have had friends who have asked to copy darkbasicpro from me. I will admit, the only reason I have said no, is because of the CD verification. So, I think CD verification is very very sensible and necessary.

Machine: P4 2200, 1GB RAM, GeForce4 64MB, Audigy Platinum
http://www.breakbeat-terrorism.co.uk
(It's not all about the coding)
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APEXnow
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Posted: 17th Jun 2003 20:04
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Quote: "The serial number system is completely flawed, not because you can find out the algorithm and crack it, but purely because I, as the buyer, can say here's my phone number, here's my name, here's my serial. I bet there are plenty of people on this forum with software all registered to the same guy. There's probably about 20 people on here with Milkshape registered to John Smith or something."


I agree, it isn't the most sensible way of protecting software but for you to provide your details in order for a person to install a copy of the product is your choice. But would you do this after just forking out £100 or so for a product that you intend to use regularly? I wouldn't!

"Man who looses key to woman's appartment...... He get no nookie" - A wise chinese man.
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Dave J
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Posted: 18th Jun 2003 11:27
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Yeah, that's what I was saying. It would be able to work on copies of the product other then your own.

A wise solution (not sure if this would work) would be to check the name in the serial with the one they entered and the one they registered Windows with. Not so many people would be willing to format their computer and reinstall Windows just for the crack to work. The only downfall is that the protection would only work on Windows and you'd have to advise the customer prior to buying that they need to use the same name as the one their copy of Windows is registered under.

"Computers are useless they can only give you answers."
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Bloodshot
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Posted: 18th Jun 2003 14:25
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There are those that always pay for their software - the loyal customer base that the Software Industry make their money from.
Then there are those that don't pay for software - the thieving pirates.
The only two reasons I can think of that could potentially lose Software Developers their loyal customer base to piracy are:
1. Annoying copy protection - Once it's been cracked the only people lumbered with this are the paying customers. This just gives people who buy pirated software more to gloat about on top of the cheap prices they pay.
2. Expensive price - Apparently due to the loss of sales through piracy - People that buy cheap pirated software, are never gonna buy original software, which means they're not part of the customer base in the first place - so how is this ever due to a loss of potential sales?


This loyal customer wants all his software to install correctly, first time, without the need to buy a new CD drive.
This loyal customer wants all his software to run without the need for the usual ritual of going to the cupboard, getting software package, take out CD, swap for CD already in drive etc..blah, blah
This loyal customer wants the money that's pi**ed up the wall on investing in copy protection, spent on better quality manuals, so I don't need to go out and spend another £40 quid on a guide containing information that should have been in the user manual that comes with the software in the first place - I already know how to switch on a PC and put a disk in the drive, thanks!
I've been buying software for over 22 years and have seen the quality of the packaging/manuals drop over time.
We used to get thick leather bound manuals, cloth maps and trinkets with our software - collector's stuff stuff like this is a lot harder for the pirate to copy. Nowadays you'll be lucky if you get a manual written on a sheet of toilet paper (in 15 different languages). Still, that high quality, full colour, 150 page brochure from the publisher's advertising department should more than make up for it!
Then they'll shove it with 3 disks into an enviromentally friendly plastic DVD case (<--SARCASM) that's only designed to hold 1 disk. The box has a specially designed button that hold the disk in place until you need it and in no way will bend your disk like a Longbow when you try to remove it, increasing the odds of the contents becoming totally unreadable if you haven't already snapped it in half by now.

Rant..rave...
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Andy Igoe
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Posted: 18th Jun 2003 19:48
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/agree Bloodshot - your bloodlust is justified

The only people to be affected by copy protection are the legitimate users. Copy protection has never, ever, infringed upon the ability of computer pirates to use or play with whatever software they want.

In all the years of anti-piracy development the only people ever to be stumped by the vast array of methods deployed are the playground pirates - those of them that aren't able to crack the software that is, which is about 0.01% of the sub-25 year old population of the planet (well not all of them have computers after all).

Thankfully DBPro's copy protection is not so much a serious attempt at piracy prevention, but more a bold statement of 'hey look at us, we really are a bunch of plonkers who haven't got a clue'.

My crack for DBPro is 3 lines long, one of those lines is just empty to make it more readable. Once executed on your machine you are permanently protected from ever getting a CD request, even after repatching DBPro or using a BETA version. The crack took 5 minutes to research, and about 1 minute to write.

Unfortunately as I have no verifyable way of prooving if anyone really is a genuine user at this time I refuse to give it out or hint as to how to achieve the hack.

It is the ultimate dilema, I want to help - but really I cannot under any circumstances unless i'm given authority to do so by DBS themselves.

Pneumatic Dryll
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