Help running a game requiring registration
Dave (7112) 2 posts |
I recently bought a copy of a game I used to play in school and created an image of it to run in Red Squirrel but I’m having trouble relating to copy protection. When I try to open the game it tells me to insert the master disc, but the game’s instruction manual doesn’t mention a master disc. It just states that details need to be registered. I suspect it might be because the image is write protected in the emulator. Is there any way around this? Even if it means hex editing the image file to remove the registration necessities. |
Steve Pampling (1551) 7960 posts |
I have no real interest in computer games, however one comment: You haven’t named the game. It may well be one that already has an alternate solution. |
jan de boer (472) 74 posts |
You say that you emulate via ReadSquirrel. I assume it’s a game from the Archimedes or RiscPC era? |
Dave (7112) 2 posts |
It’s an obscure game for Archimedes RISC OS 3.1, which isn’t available online. I ripped the floppy image using ArcDisc on a Windows 98 and it produced a file that’s exactly 800kb – specifically 819,200 bytes. Should I send a copy of the game either here or on the jaspp forum to see if anyone can work out exactly what needs doing? I’d be happy to try out another emulator if I have to but I’d like to get an insight from someone who understands these games better than I do, so I can avoid trying out multiple emulators which may not work with it. I forgot to mention I have also tried it out in RPCEmu but with the same results. |
Jon Abbott (1421) 2608 posts |
The Emulators you mention support writing to floppy. It’s more likely the image is missing protection sectors.
So obscure it shall remain nameless! Seriously though, it sounds like a 4mation educational title, some of which had a master disc and copyable student discs. The master disc contained the registration details and was effectively used as disc protection. Without the master disc the software is essentially useless. Some 4mation titles used fussy bits, which ADFFS can image, but only if you manually modify the recording file so it knows which sectors need to be duplicated. The Crystal Rainforest is an example of this, which ADFFS will image as it includes a suitable recording file.
Please do not post copyrighted to forums, I would immediately delete it should it appear on JASPP. Sending a floppy image to me at JASPP won’t help you, as JASPP is not a cracking service, I’d need either an original floppy or a properly created image and accompanying recording file created with ADFFS. Your best bet is to go back to the person/company you purchased it from and get your money back if it is a 4mation title that requires a master disc. Your first step however should be to see if it works on a physical Arc, which may help determine if you are missing a disc or it has disc protection. That all said, it would help if I knew what the title was. It may be one I’ve already looked at and created a recording file for in ADFFS, or it might be a title I’ve not seen yet. |