CONFIRMED - Race Driver 2 workaround guide. [Archive]

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The Gauge

23-07-2004, 04:43

Hello everyone. I've been picking up bits and pieces of potential workarounds for TOCA Race Driver 2 but each one I've found has been either incomplete or wrong in places. I thought I'd cobble this quick guide together to illustrate how to play TRD2 with no dvd and no crack. The requirements are a bitch, I realise, but if you're fortunate enough to have 2 PCs on a network then you're in business.

Requirements:

Alcohol 120%
2 computers on your network; referred to as "game" PC and "second" PC.
Second PC must have a shared folder.
All harddrives on your primary IDE controller and all CD/DVD drives on your secondary IDE controller.
BIOS capable of disabling your secondary IDE controller.

Procedure:

1. Install latest version of Alcohol 120%.
2. Rip the TRD2 DVD to .mds image file.
3. Copy image into the shared folder on the second PC on your LAN.
4. In Alcohol 120% on game PC, go to Emulation configuration and tick ALL emulation types under "Emulation" and "Emulation Extra".
5. In My Computer, right-click on your virtual drive and choose "Mount Image..."
6. In the dialogue box that opens, navigate to Network Neighbourhood / My Network Places and open the TRD2 image off the second PC across the network.
7. Install TRD2 on your game PC across the network.
8. When the installation is complete the computer will need to reboot. (You may need to click "Play" on the TRD2 menu to get the reboot prompt). This is the Copy Protection System finishing its install.

IMPORTANT: Before you attempt to play the game you MUST do the following:

9. Reboot your computer and enter the BIOS setup.
10. Navigate through your BIOS settings and DISABLE your secondary IDE controller.
11. Save your BIOS settings and reboot your computer.

12. The computer will reboot without any of your CD/DVD drives available.
13. Remount the networked image and click "Play" from the menu.
14. Enter your TRD2 DVD-key, wait for the disk check to complete and the game should boot up.

Some points to note:

If your BIOS doesn't support disabling of the IDE controllers, replace steps 9-11 with "open your PC case and unplug your CD/DVD drives". :) The Copy Protection System will instruct you to place the game CD in another drive if it detects ANY IDE-based CD-Rom on your system. For the workaround to be successful using Alcohol, the Protection system must not be able to see any IDE optical drives whatsoever and your DVD image must not be mounted on a local IDE device.

Due to StarForce's hidden device drivers, which monitor and modify system IDE access, the game MUST be installed from the second PC. I don't believe you can install the game locally and then use the remote image to start the game.

Only the first installation of TRD2 installs the Copy Protection System on your computer (characterised by the reboot) and this installation must be done across the network. To the best of my knowledge, uninstalling and reinstalling the game over the network will not fix this but I've not fully tested this.

If the Copy Protection System says "invalid disk" when you start the game, try several more times. So far, in my experience, the game boots up about 1 in 4 attempts.

It's possible that System Restore may be able to rollback your system prior to the installation and remove the StarForce Protection drivers, but I haven't tested this. A removal tool can be found on Codemaster's website.

This may seem like a massive process to go through for one game, but when you've done everything correctly, each time you want to play TRD2, you just need to reboot to disable your 2nd IDE controller, mount the image across the network and you're away.

More information, LOTS of griping and the driver removal tool can be found here:
http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41263

Hope this helps.

dusted

23-07-2004, 05:20

i have an easier solution:

1) push the eject button on your dvd-rom (or dvd burner whichever you prefer)

2) pop the RD2 disc on the tray

3) push the drive tray shut, or if you prefer press the eject button again.

4) wait for game to load and click on the play button.

BaumDoktor

23-07-2004, 05:31

t.foster73

23-07-2004, 05:34

This is for a backup of the game then? Well done for finding this workaround. I would be interested if other users would try this as well, and report the results. Why does it only work with a Network install? If we can find out why, then perhaps a solution could be found for the host machine only.

The Gauge

23-07-2004, 05:48

I've no idea why this only works over a network install.

I've tried creating a shared folder on the local computer and mounting the image through Network Neighbourhood just as I did from the remote computer. It still doesn't work.

I can only assume it's something to do with the file transport system for Microsoft Networking. Something subtle must get lost during the transfer that still remains when the image is mounted locally. It's most bizarre, though. I'd understand if you could install locally and just mount remotely to boot the game, but it doesn't work unless you INSTALL remotely as well.

I'd be most interested to know why, though.

Morglum007

23-07-2004, 06:48

The Gauge

23-07-2004, 07:55

Why SF only works with tricks like that is because its special drivers. SF hides and modifies the Windows IDE accesing in order to control the whole operation. Every way that hides GENUINE IDE conected to optical drives ( where the alcohol image is) will result in an image launching. This is why alcohol needs not to have IDE conected to a drive in order to work, or why by networking it works. (SF compares "spin" test on every drive in order to "know" if a drive is virtual or not, so no optical must be present in order to fool that test)

good luck!

Hmmm... could you explain that last bit again, please? Are you saying that the SF protection modifies ALL your IDE drivers so, aside from controlling the access method on optical drives, it also knows if the "image" that's being run is coming off one of the other IDE devices, i.e. your harddrives? Presumably then, the SF protection runs, sees no optical drives, sees that it's not being accessed from one of the other IDE devices (harddrive), and proceeds as there are no other IDE devices to check? Hence the network image working?

This is very interesting stuff.

t.foster73

23-07-2004, 10:17

RincewindTheWiz

23-07-2004, 14:04

Yes, it would fool the drivers, NO, I wouldn't recommend this. IDE devices are not hot pluggable, you might destroy the drives by doing it too much.

KingPickle

23-07-2004, 16:38

For all you electronics guys out there a question. Is it safe to wire an on/off switch into the 12v input of the IDE drive? Would this fool the Starforce drivers? (The drive will not appear in windows without 12 power).

You can test that out quickly. Just leave the side of your case open with the 12v unpluged. When you boot to windows, try puttin that molex back on the drive :D

The Gauge

24-07-2004, 04:44

You can test that out quickly. Just leave the side of your case open with the 12v unpluged. When you boot to windows, try puttin that molex back on the drive :D

Heh... I'd seriously avoid doing something like this unless you're prepared to power-down the PC before you flick the switch.

Morglum007

24-07-2004, 04:58

@The gauge:

Well, i don't really know what do you want to hear about.
What i'm meaning is that SF ONLY patches the Windows Kernell if it finds optical drives connected to IDE. When remotely mounting, SF looks for another devices searching the SAME "protocol", and because is across a lan, no other devices are found to compare with. The same thing happens with SCSI drives. SF hides almost every CDB commnad for reading CD, cause most computers on this world have drives conected to standart IDE. I think Windows IDE drivers are not safe enough to SF, so it patches it in order to properly hide what it is doing.

Secondly, respecting what some people call "spin" test, SF can send some commands to any drive ( mounted or not) about speed. Remember SF loads even before Windows loading is complete, so SF can easyly find which unit is virtual and which no.

Well, about that electronics i have seen ( with some laughts (excuse me, it's only so funny for me ;)), well, the problem is windows, not the IDE (hehe) If you neutralize that, how will windows recognice your HD and so one? Only by avoiding SF loading with windows, you could try something that (:?) I do not recommand it.

Well, don't think if properly replied to.

good luck!

Hawk404

24-07-2004, 05:33

@dusted:

*lol*

I tried it with my original and it workz :)

greetz

NoS

24-07-2004, 06:29

SF ONLY patches the Windows Kernell if it finds optical drives connected to IDE

does anyone try an 5 1/4 external USB box to put a Rom-drive in ?

i´ll would try it, but dont have one :(

greets alot

BaumDoktor

28-07-2004, 06:05

anybody tried that method on 1.2? seems they changed the sf version again .... ill keep trying for the fun of it but i think im back to my orginal with 1.2

si110

28-07-2004, 10:23

anybody tried that method on 1.2? seems they changed the sf version again .... ill keep trying for the fun of it but i think im back to my orginal with 1.2
Wont work with patched version,has to be original.If you have patched you will need to reinstall game AND use starforce removal tool.Patch makes some changes to starforce to prevent lan work-around.Cunning Codemasters.

tdbone1

28-07-2004, 21:42

i had a previous problem withfarcry and UT2k4 dvds

i think my nforce2 mboard & my sata were the culprits.

when u use sata it installs a scsi / virtual driver like daemon tools and alcohol 120%

i was thinking though (with starforce) in the previous post in this thread ppl kept talking about how it checks or modifies the ide driver

since i use sata for my hard drives and use my cdrom on the ide channel would thiis procedure still work with out the 1.2 patch

thanks for letting everyone know about a work around

BaumDoktor

29-07-2004, 07:30

nope i have a raid with sata ..... doesn't fool sarforce ....... hope thats what u ment ..... game runs fine with 1.0 and 1.1 though -don't know a way to make 1.2 work without o-cd ...(yet ^^)

Morglum007

29-07-2004, 18:45

@baumdoktor:

Your RAID must be configured with ATAPI support. IDE connected through will pass SF guard system. Anyway, there MUST not to be ANOTHER IDE drive connected.

Good luck!

tdbone1

31-07-2004, 22:41

i know talking about toca 2 is very touchy in these forums as far as asking (the any news yet) thats why i wont ask it (even though i would like to) :)

what i would like to ask however; is there a place we can talk about it or a special forum area for that kind of discusiion?

thanks

jimscreechy

21-09-2004, 23:40

Bloody hell, that was a long post, I don't know if I could be bothered with that workaround so here is one I tried. If like me you have more than one PC on your lan and want to play stick it in the drive and load the game, once the check has finished and the game has started the disk is not needed. Simply stick it in the second drive and play. I have 3 PC's on my net and this has so far worked without issue.

Grumpy

22-09-2004, 06:44

Yur right there jim, I just tried it as soon as I read your post, and yep it sure as hell worked!! How easy was that to play with the Original on 2 PC's!! Bet that peeves a lot of people who dont have the Original. :p
Like Ive said many times before this game is just to good, do yourselves a huge favour and just buy it! Surely it must be getting cheaper now!

ente

12-10-2004, 08:14

Rip the TRD2 DVD to .mds image file.

How can i rip the mds auf a dvd game ? - alcohol makes not a dpm measurement of a dpm game.

Grumpy

12-10-2004, 08:23

I think he just means to use alcohol to make an image of the game?

Luci

12-10-2004, 08:28

why do you want to use dpm on a dvd?you think that if you use dpm the sf3 game will play?

Grumpy

12-10-2004, 08:33

I'd say 'ente' just got a little mixed up there! wouldnt you? :p

ente

12-10-2004, 09:01

i have making a image of my dvd "the moment of silence" then i get a 4kb mds.

i open the mdf with ultra iso and delete all the files and safe it as bin/cue.

i trash the cue and copy my mds to the empty bin and rename it to tmos.mdf then i try to open the mds with daemon tools/alcohol an it says invalid image.

i try to mount the mdf and then the image an it does not work.

and the alcohol profil of starforce says make a dpm measurment so i think i need a good dpm measurement.

Luci

12-10-2004, 09:05

if the mdf is empty what do you want the pc do do?why can't you mount the whole image(4.6Gb or so)to your virtual drive.what's the point of deleting the contents od the image?

there where it says starforce 3 need dpm put can't be backed up yet!do you know what dpm does?

StasisPT

12-10-2004, 10:01

If StarForce replace the IDE drivers, its kind of logical that what needs to be cracked are those drivers, not the games EXEs... Or developing some kind of "firewall" program, preventing the SF from installing those special drivers, in the game installation...
This would problably take long, but then we would have one crack for all games protected by SF3.
I dunno if it's possible... but... What do u guys think? :cool:

epix

12-10-2004, 10:51

*klick* (http://spacetarget.com/games/pc_toca_race_driver_2.shtml)
;) :D

mr yellow

13-10-2004, 04:10

@Epix

Ive tried it and doesn't work for me :mad: :confused:

Luci

13-10-2004, 05:21

follow the exact instructions

mr yellow

13-10-2004, 06:06

follow the exact instructions

I can read ;)

sgtshaft

13-10-2004, 09:55

About the mini image. I was having trouble getting it to work with the euro version but a bit of poking about in the registry and got it working :) Here is what to do

1: First u have to get the USA Serial (search and u will find)

2: Run Regedit and find key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CODEMASTERS\RACEDRIVER 2

3: Goto RACEDRIVER2 tab and modify your EURO key for USA key

4: Modify SKU tab from Euro to USA.

5:Play the game

before u use this follow mini image instrusions first.

!!!DO NOT PM ME LOOKING FOR THE SERIAL!!!

Pike_queenhorn

13-10-2004, 11:51

Okay, I already asked about this in another thread, but got no response-
anyway: Is there any method to disable your IDE Drives other than unplugging it (no option since playing on a Laptop)?
I already tried savely removing it in Win and disabling IDE adapter in Sytem BIOS- no effect since the machine is running WinXP which recognizes the Drive nonetheless.
Any suggestions would be welcome...

nicholasf

14-10-2004, 00:32

The "StarForce fixed image trick" doesn't work for all systems, I have discovered that on some computer it fails. Does anybody know why?

Diranar

14-10-2004, 02:20

On Megagames.com
In the Forum Crack/Patch Locator Look for the Posts, in 2 of the posts ive included a Mini Image for the German DVD.

It won't run:
1. If youve Made an Minimal Installation
2. If youre using a wrong Image
( Theres a USA Version ; A EUR Versin; ANd a GER Version out)

get the right Miniimage on Emule if you don't know how else get them...
Have Fun

Diranar :D

ILLUMINATOR23

14-10-2004, 03:53

oh man..the workaround Guid on Site 1 is crazy !!! :eek:
I want to play the Game...and dont want to tweak 2 hours and use 2 systems..disable my Drives....oh holy ****!!!

Grumpy

14-10-2004, 04:58

I want to play the Game...and dont want to tweak 2 hours and use 2 systems..disable my Drives....oh holy ****!!!

Yeh I agree with ya, I also couldnt be bothered doing all this to play the game so I just use my ORIGINAL DISC!!!! :D

cadclean

14-10-2004, 13:22

@Diranar
THX!!! Your Image for the german version works great! I even dont have to unplugg my cd/dvd drives because they are on a standalone controller. :D

@ILLUMINATOR23
if you can't figure it out stop crying and play with your original disks. :eek:

mr yellow

15-10-2004, 06:52

I just want to confirm that the mini image does work ;)
I made the mistake of using my CD key and not the one provided with the mini image. Use the one that comes with the image.

I don't unplug my DVD drive but rather disable my Secondary IDE chip in the BIOS to by pass Starforce (I use a SATA HD).

BTW the mini image works with 1.2 patch :)

loengard

16-10-2004, 03:03

My problem is that toca 2 wont start without installed starforce drivers. It wants to reinstall the driver after i ve used the clean tool. Without the clean tool it doesnt recognize the dvd image ver 1.2 in daemon 1.37 ( all drives are hooked off , serial and sku are english ) .

pc84

17-10-2004, 03:39

Anyone can explain me how to do a mini image like this ? (i don't want download it,i want know how to make one).I know how do with a cd protected,but with a dvd ?

The Gauge

18-10-2004, 03:51

i must admit... even since i posted the original workaround guide on page 1 i have become so irritated with doing this all the time, plus the 1.2 patch stopping even this workaround, that i've just given up and now play using my original.

until a decent noCD crack arrives, if it ever does, can't be arsed with any of this anymore

gauge

Elnino

18-10-2004, 23:02

This may also be of info to some ppl.

I have a TOTALLY SCSI machine. All ATA/IDE/SATA is disabled in BIOS on my mobo. According to all the info that i have read, StarForce only plays with the IDE drivers - Not true. I created an image with Alcohol and mounted it from my SCSI (hard) drive and it still does not work.

I must mount it on a networked drive for it to work (which it does fine).

Obviously it does not just deal with IDE drivers. I read somewhere that SF is checking if there is identical traffic on the HDD while it is accessing the 'CD'. If it is the same then it determines that it is running from a VCD and stops the proggy from executing.

I've also heard rumours that apparently WMP9 plays funny buggers with the SF 'drivers'. This is totally untested but i read that if you happened to run WMP9 and then (within one second..?) start TOCA/V8 then it somehow masks the SF driver and allows it to run. Not sure if this affects just not having to unplug IDE drives or if it would make it work on a local VCD version.
Still playing......

tunebrother

19-10-2004, 11:58

Mauro Rosati

20-10-2004, 08:01

Star Force protection is a killer for who wnat to make a back up copy of a legally bought game. It's a mess.

cadclean

20-10-2004, 12:21

I tried this method, but with my ORGINAL german key it doesn't work!

So, if I ask for the key in the key.txt, I will get banned?!

Because there is no instruction to make the mini-image from the own original-dvd, I had to play with the orginal-dvd, or?

It would be very nice to get some help....

Greetinx
tunebrother

If you could read you would find the place to search!
Wenn du lesen könntest würdest du wissen wo du suchen musst! Steht alles hier im Thread...

tunebrother

27-10-2004, 11:16

If you could read you would find the place to search!
Wenn du lesen könntest würdest du wissen wo du suchen musst! Steht alles hier im Thread...

Man am I happy that I can read!
I've read before the whole thread, but this little point I didn't mentioned.
It worked for me!

Aber man kann das auch etwas netter Schreiben!

Greetinx
tunebrother

pc84

28-10-2004, 05:50

the cd key correspond to dvd structure,so you must have the mini image key to run toca 2.