View Full Version : 'Official' Half-Life 2 Thread. Do Not Create New Threads (NO SPOILERS)
Thread Closed until Further Notice. Opening New Threads will Result in an Instant Ban
Well, as the thread got jacked, might as well hand it over to Half-Life 2.
Update 1: No Discussion of Bypassing Steam Activation. This is for Obvious Reasons. Instant Ban!
Update 2: Retail DVD (Europe) is protected with SecuROM 5.03.06.0002 (Thanks solo3)
Update 3: For all you people that purchased the CD Version of the game, a CD2DVD Conversion Guide can be found HERE (http://fileforums.com/showthread.php?p=255074#post255074). NOTE: At this stage the original CD1 is still needed to play (Thanks Grumpy)
Looks like you are getting ready for the Halflife 2 threads BW! ;)
Delete this (my) post when you are ready! :D
munsterbuster
26-10-2004, 03:32
**** on Half-Life 2. I want Rollercoaster Tycoon 3. :D
cdkiller
26-10-2004, 04:03
i bet the 2 first questions will be:
1.) can some1 please make a crack for this game
2.) is there a way to play hl2 without activating it with stream ???
heheh :p
ive alredy reserved my copy, have u? more next week, same channel, same time... lol
schlaufer
26-10-2004, 06:27
cdkiller, you've forgot the basic question:
0) where can I d/l hl2
And imho the best thing about the HL2 release is, that they now finally can release Vampire 2. ;)
I think BountyWarrior isn't reserving this sticky for HL2.
I think its for a new version of Tetris, or Minesweeper, or Freecell or something like that.....
LOL
(I hope the gameplay of HL2 will impress me more than Doom3 !!!)
Minesweeper 2 using the doom 3 engine? xDxDxD :D
Need for Speed Underground 2??????
gimme gimme!!
oohhhhhhhh why did you say that man?now i'm sad cause i have to wait for another 3 weeks...
So many great games coming soon. I must admit that Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines is at the top of my list just above HL2.
I can hardly contain my anticipation.
Only 11 sleeps to go!!! :D
krondike
05-11-2004, 05:45
I hope Half Life 2 is protected with the latest Starforce protection. Then we got a pain in the ass. :D. 10000 people are gonna beg for crack and crackers etc etc.. bla bla bla.
Lucky for us (not for the company) that Doom3 was only protected with SafeDisc 3.2........
freeman002
07-11-2004, 01:19
the next big game should be the one im playing right now FLAT OUT
NOW THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD OF BEEN MADE IN THE FIRST PLACE
the only thing thats missing from flatout that i liked from destruction derby games, is that, the wheels cant come off, and that no matter how much u bash the car it still goes on, whilst on the others u could tip an enemy car over or smash right into it and kill it, that was real fun :D
Heard from my local game shop today, where I have my order in for Halflife 2, that I will have to now wait till the 17th! Is that the same in other countries?
So thats another sleep added!
krondike
10-11-2004, 07:24
The official date is 16th November! ;)
Good Luck to anyone outside the US getting the game on the 16th. If you want it on that date, your gonna have to order through Steam. I'm willing to bet it wont go on sale in the UK/Europe until the 18th. At the earliest.
munsterbuster
10-11-2004, 08:17
The first who posts a pic with the game cds and bill, gets a bubblegum from us.
t.foster73
10-11-2004, 11:57
I take it you've all heard about HL2, and how it requires online activation in order to run. Does this mean the disks will not have any copy protection? Most of the core code is already available for download via STEAM, but I really don't like relying on a third party in order to run software. What if you want to play in a few years, and the website no longer exists? Is this just the activation of a unique serial code, or is crucial core data downloaded to the target machine? If it's hardware based, then does that mean you can't set up a LAN at home without buying 2 or more copies? And what about buying a seconhand copy (from GAMESTATION say)? Also GAME (UK) told me today that I've as much chance of getting a copy on the 16th as hell has of freezing over. I REALLY hope someone cracks this online activation fiasco quickly, as I don't fancy the idea of 'leasing' a game from Valve, although I understand that in law, you are only purchasing the 'right to play' for any game you buy. I bet I (and many) spend more time whining on this site next week than we actually spend playing the game.
munsterbuster
10-11-2004, 12:34
I REALLY hope someone cracks this online activation fiasco quickly, as I don't fancy the idea of 'leasing' a game from Valve, although I understand that in law, you are only purchasing the 'right to play' for any game you buy. I bet I (and many) spend more time whining on this site next week than we actually spend playing the game.
Cracking the activation would be pirating and will not be offered here. And german info sites say, that steam already has a backup solution. Don't ask me how. :D
And yes you have buy a second game for lan. Everything else would also be illegal.
The beast about steam is, in Lan it isn't working properly. Saw it on a great german LAN at the weekend. The tournament should start Friday 10 p.m. and what was? Nothing. About 2/3 could not connect to the servers. "Wrong version". So they fast made a Internet-Server-free-for-all, so they all get the newest version.
I pray to god and laughed. Good that I play UT 2004. :D
t.foster73
10-11-2004, 14:41
Yes you're right of course, I was wrong to talk of activation hacks and should know better, but just a note here: My gaming PC is in the boxroom upstairs, so to activate this game I will either need to bring the whole rig downstairs, or set up an Ethernet ICS lead, which though easy to do, is something I consider a bit much in order to play a videogame. Also, not everyone who has a PC has an internet connection, so is it just tough S*** for these people or what?
Activation makes more sense in MMORPGs and that kinda stuff
Isn't having a valid CDKEY activation? (you cannot play online games without a valid CDKEY)
After all the crap VALVe have gone through to get this game to retail, I applaud them for taking such a measure against Piracy. I'm not sure if theres any other Protection on the game (Vivendi = Securom?) but Its gonna be very interesting next week on here ;). From what I have read, you can also register the game via Snail Mail, if you choose. Unless you get the Steam version, you only need to be connected to the Internet once in order to verify your original retail.
krondike
11-11-2004, 15:38
sorry for giving wrong information. 15th November dose the release date says. But 16th is in Sweden..acctualy.. ;)
If, from what I am reading on PlanetHalfLife, Steampowered and Rage3D (this one has pics) is true, the Half-Life 2 street date has been broken. People actually have the game now. The ironic thing, being that they cannot play the game due to the Steam Activation that is required. Double Awesome, dude!
Ive contacted 3 different shops now and ive been told release dates of 16th, 17th and 30th!! So it appears no-one in Australia knows for sure when its coming out!! :( Man I want that bubblegum Munsterbuster! :p
krondike
12-11-2004, 01:35
If, from what I am reading on PlanetHalfLife, Steampowered and Rage3D (this one has pics) is true, the Half-Life 2 street date has been broken. People actually have the game now. The ironic thing, being that they cannot play the game due to the Steam Activation that is required. Double Awesome, dude!
HAHAHAHAHA stupid Steam Activation, don't understand why they need to activate on a single player mode think of theme who hasen't internet connection.. :(
@Grumpy:
I read the gamershell dot com that the release dat in US is on 15th November (I think it has been pushed back 1 day). Read in Swedish store every add I see it's says clearly 16th November. However how many time's dose the retail stores have wrong? 1, 2, 3 or even 100 times? :D
i'm waiting also for underground 2.halflife is fps and we have to say about racing right?can't wait.
i'm waiting also for underground 2.halflife is fps and we have to say about racing right?can't wait.
Why? What's the release date for underground 2 in ... underworld?
t.foster73
14-11-2004, 03:25
I welcome activation, as long as the flippin' retail versions don't come with CD protection. After all, those dowloading from Steam get cd protection free disks don't they?
release date?well that doesn't mater here man.they bring games 1-2 months after.if we're lucky after 2 weeks
krondike
14-11-2004, 21:43
Have everyone sharped there keyboards? Becuase tonight (Swedish time) / today (US time) (15th November) is the day everyone have dreamed about. HALO 2, no HALF LIFE 2, can also be written ½ life 2 or ½ life 2 = 1 or ½ past life 2.
ANYWAY, this is the day. This IS the DAAAY! To a shame of them who live's in north pole. Think the release date is somewhere in year 2099 there...:D
We in Sweden have just to waith untill tommorrow, but I'm shure mutch mutch mutch mutch mutch information will be revealed toDAY!
Its the 17th for me at my shop! :rolleyes:
Ive just got back from my local game shop! They have Halflife 2 there now (just came in) but the shop had to sign a form saying they would not sell it untill the morning of the 17th! Bummer as ive already paid for my copy.
Now to Munsterbuster, I could have been sneaky and had my picture taken with my discs in the shop to claim that bubblegum prize. :D
And apparently due to the activation it wont be released for rental!!! It apparently will only work on the machine it was activated on! I really dont know how this will work as what happens if I buy a new machine? :confused:
maybe you re-activate it and stops working on machine 1 and works in machine 2
that fixes the rental problem right?
just a theory
munsterbuster
15-11-2004, 01:26
The global activation would be 9 a.m. Tuesday CET. And I bet, that steam is ****ing down at the moment. ^^
@Tbaher
Hmmm yep could work? not a bad thought. :)
t.foster73
15-11-2004, 02:40
Could somebody with the originals please scan the disks and find out what protection (if any) HL2 has.
krondike
15-11-2004, 07:06
The global activation would be 9 a.m. Tuesday CET. And I bet, that steam is ****ing down at the moment. ^^
Don't think so. In Sweden the Valve Nordic (or what they could) are gonna have a release party, MEANS that the game will be installed in numbered of computers and playeble around 18.00 16th November 2004 swedish time. And be sould in Sweden 16th November. Realy think the STEAM server should be up then!
Who are Valve Nordic and what do they have to do with the development and publishing of Half-Life 2? The game is getting its Worldwide Release tonight at Midnight PST. Thats 8am GMT and 9am CET Tuesday Morning (like munsterbuster said). Read some Press Releases before making up some random bull****. Good luck to anyone who will be authenticating their release tonight/tomorrow. I can imagine the Steam Servers will be severly overloaded. :p
On another note, looks like the UK does get this game tomorrow (at retail). Its being advertised on UK television for the 16th. I'm amazed to see this game even get advertised on TV. Only EA Games seem to advertise PC Games on TV over here, and even then its only two titles. The Sims and Medal of Hono(u)r. I dont remember seeing a TV Advert for the other big PC Game of the year, DOOM 3.
Anyways, moving on. Does anyone know if Valve intend to release a demo of the game? I have held off placing an order, for fear of the game not even running on my hunk of junk of a PC. I'm also of the mindset that no game needs me wasting £300+ just so it will run on this piece of crap. Tools of the trade if you do that ;)
krondike
15-11-2004, 09:22
The right company was "Vivendi Universal Games Nordic" its the nordic publisher! ;)
rofl yeah, valve nordic? AHAHAHAHAHAH rofl, aniways, Batty i mean JOYBOY ;) also nfsu2 has been advertised on tv in the uk.
munsterbuster
15-11-2004, 11:55
Germany had an Doom 3 commercial running.
rofl yeah, valve nordic? AHAHAHAHAHAH rofl, aniways, Batty i mean JOYBOY ;) also nfsu2 has been advertised on tv in the uk.
Battyboy? Jesus, havent heard that word since the very early 90's. Used to love saying that when I was younger :D
The thing with NFSU2 is that its a multiformat title, so EA was bound to get behind it. I was just trying to point out that its very rare for a PC Exclusive title to get its own commerical on UK TV. Just been reading on the gamesradar forum that Tescos had it on sale today for £32.99. Looks like PC Games are starting to match the price of points of console games.
Oh yeah, one more thing. As the games coming out in the next few hours, Please dont start posting spoilers. :(
@ Joyboy (Really hope your not gonna stick with this nickname!)
Oh yeah, one more thing. As the games coming out in the next few hours, Please dont start posting spoilers.
Yes please dont spoil something we have waited so long for.
And PC games in OZ have always been $10-$20 cheaper than the console games.
And I like the way your wrote 'Hono(u)r'. In OZ I was always taught the English (UK) spelling at school, now my kids are at school they can spell words like Honour (Honor), Colour (Color) however they like! The schools here take into account alot of the kids learn how to spell from the Internet. ;)
P.S: Still waiting to hear from the first person who actually activates HL2, that way I can pressure my shop to hand it over b4 tommorrow (Wednesday) morning! If others have it activated the shop wont have an argument on why they shouldnt hand it over. :D
munsterbuster
15-11-2004, 15:32
Btw, the DVD-Version has Safedisc 3.2
Btw, the DVD-Version has Safedisc 3.2
Interesting, I didnt think Valve would go ahead and protect the retail as well. You can freely download Half-Life 2 off Steam, the catch being you have to pay in order to play. Then again, Valve have no say in the actual retail distribution of the game.
As Half-Life 3 was kind of announced at the same time as Half-Life 2, lets hope we get none of the crap that HALO 2 players went through at the end of that particular game (and no I wont spoil this for anyone who doesnt know)
Tipstaff
15-11-2004, 23:12
Game is sitting pretty in all EB stores as I type this..ready an able to please first thing tomorrow morn (later today actually).
What flavours? Well, there are 2: 5CDs for the normal version (game plus CS: Source... which I think you have to download off of Steam), and 1DVD in the collectors box.. and guys.. the collectors box SUCKS ASS! T-Shirt, tiny manual, and 1DVD with HL2, HL: Source, and CS: Source (this DVD being the jewel of the box). All in an oversized paper box. I am severely disappointed in the collectors box. Especially since it costs $99.99 Canadian before tax!
I'm still gonna buy the boxed set though as it's the only version of the game on DVD, and I refuse to sit through the installation of 5CDs (which is not too bad compared to Everquest 2's 9CD/2DVD install).
Germany had an Doom 3 commercial running.
...and also three different commercials for NFS Hot Pursuit 2.
(I have nothing to say about HL2!)
t.foster73
16-11-2004, 01:59
Come on guys, enough chit chat. What protectionn do the disks use?
Brainman2k
16-11-2004, 02:08
any of you ran into the activation while installing/playing the game? how does it work?
everyone was waiting for this game to hit the shelves...but with that activation thing....i'm really into not buying the game because of that. same like with starforc3....dtm race driver 3 was the first and last game i bought with that copy protection.
Come on guys, enough chit chat. What protectionn do the disks use?
Munsterbuster says Safedisc 3.2.
I'm tempted to buy this in the next few hours. The various reviews that have sprung up overnight are very postive. One interesting thing to remember is that the reviewers were invited by Valve to their HQ in order to review the game. I wonder if the fact that they got a paid for trip (I imagine) had any bearing on the scores that have been dished out. Incidently, dont read the Homelanfed review, it has a minor spoiler concerning the end. :(
munsterbuster
16-11-2004, 03:17
The ****ing hell. The activation did take 20 Minutes with 3000 DSL. What happens to people with normal DSL or 56k? :D
any of you ran into the activation while installing/playing the game? how does it work?
everyone was waiting for this game to hit the shelves...but with that activation thing....i'm really into not buying the game because of that. same like with starforc3....dtm race driver 3 was the first and last game i bought with that copy protection.
Please borrow your time machine to me !!!
Brainman2k
16-11-2004, 03:55
Please borrow your time machine to me !!!
sorry...my bad. ;) its "race driver 2" of course....
cdkiller
16-11-2004, 04:57
Munsterbuster says Safedisc 3.2.
my retail got a file called 'content.securom' on dvd wich will be extracted into your Temp dir during installation, so now u know the protection ;)
munsterbuster
16-11-2004, 05:07
Well then is your pid faulty. :D
Is there any opportunity to disable the steam activation? I dont have internet and only noticed when i installed the game that i need an internet connection to activate and play the game. very consumer unfriendly this valve people.
t.foster73
16-11-2004, 06:19
As I believe the key allows to to decrypt the entire game code. A fix for this will not be available on this site because it's Serial based, and thus breaks the rules. You'll have to look elsewhere for an activation fix (Indeed if one EVER becomes available). To me activation is a lot worse than Starforce. At least with Starforce you can install and play straight away. With this method you just feel you're leasing the game, which considering it can cost up to £40 is a bit of a cheek I reckon, and treats all legitimate buyers as thieves.
Is there any opportunity to disable the steam activation? I dont have internet and only noticed when i installed the game that i need an internet connection to activate and play the game. very consumer unfriendly this valve people.
It clearly states on the box that an Internet Connection is Required. If there are anymore posts about disabling the steam activation, its gonna be an instant ban from now on. If you dont like that Valve have implemented such a feature (and believe me, lots more games will follow suit now), then dont buy the game or wait a year or 2 and I'm sure valve will release some kind of patch.
So, did the Authentication process go well for everyone? I would have assumed that the Steam servers would have crashed under such a load. :p
t.foster73
16-11-2004, 07:55
My copy won't authenticate, and I have tried several times now. I can't even take it back to the shop for a refund, because of the serial key unlocking system. This is beyond a joke, and I will be writing to the developers and telling them what I think of their protection system. These guys must be stupid! They must surely have realised the amount of traffic they would receive on the 16th, and if they couldn't cope then they shouldn't have used this system. I don't think this method will catch on, as Valve have their own Servers to cope with demand (No use to me of course). If they think I'm titting about for hours trying to get a game I paid full price for too run, they've got another thing coming. This will be on E-Bay for £10 buy it now in an hour, or the bin, I'm not fussed. I just wish I had a machine gun and the protection developers stood in front of it!
So, did the Authentication process go well for everyone? I would have assumed that the Steam servers would have crashed under such a load. :p
Authenticated fine for me,retail version,though unlocking files took about 15 mins even on a 1mb connection.
Slight hiccup when I tried to enable offline mode,but after a bit of fiddling all OK now. :)
Outstanding game.Worth the fuss of online authentication.
Excellent news, noob. I'm sure the games a killer :cool:
Speaking of Authentication Problems, THIS (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=19710) might explain why foster (and others) have experienced problems activating the game.
laziffer
16-11-2004, 14:00
how to enable offline mode?
munsterbuster
16-11-2004, 14:09
log on in steam and click on remember password.
THE JOKER SS
16-11-2004, 14:22
everyone bought half life 2 and tries to unlock it at the same time now , cant seem to login with my steam account >_< servers seem overloaded . anyway , i never played HL1 one so i wanna play HL source first , for the stories sake , anyone tried it ?
HL² retail version use SecuROM 5.03.06.0002
Game Title: Half-Life 2
Game Version: 1.0
Developer: VALVE
Publisher: Vivendi
Region of Origin: Fr (DVD Retail)
Protection: SecuROM 5.03.06.0002
Notes: scanned after activation
This is the Activation message i got!
"Your subscription to Half-Life 2 Retail Standard has not
been completed, because Steam is currently too busy to
process the transaction.
However, you can play Half-Life 2 Retail Standard in the
meantime, and we will get back to you with the results of
your transaction as soon as we are able to process it."
:rolleyes:
P.S: Forgot to mention it took nearly and hour to get to that message!
kelemvor
16-11-2004, 21:37
Scanning -> C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\SteamApps\(REMOVED-FROM-POST)\half-life 2\hl2.exe
File Type : Exe, Size : 2002944 (01E9000h) Bytes
-> Suspicious MZ Header..
[!] SecuRom Detected - Version 5.03.06
- Scan Took : 0.796 Seconds
Tipstaff
16-11-2004, 22:13
This is the Activation message i got!
"Your subscription to Half-Life 2 Retail Standard has not
been completed, because Steam is currently too busy to
process the transaction.
However, you can play Half-Life 2 Retail Standard in the
meantime, and we will get back to you with the results of
your transaction as soon as we are able to process it."
:rolleyes:
P.S: Forgot to mention it took nearly and hour to get to that message!
Um.. sorry Grumpy.. but don't you mean this message?
http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/hl2error.jpg
They did fix the problem (sort of), and authentication is working again.
No I meant the message i posted!! I copied it straight from my subscription page!! Damn I should have copied the message!! maybe its still in my history files! If so I will post it for you. ;)
Does anyone know how I can get my old activation message page back up so I can copy and paste the actual pic of what it says? If its appeared shouldnt it have a reference to it on my system? I thought it would be in the history but its not!! I dont want to actually try and re-activate it incase it does work and i loose the opportunity of saving the actual pic of what it says! Like 'Tipstaffs' link pic. My game still plays OK! :D
korn2004
16-11-2004, 23:20
can i make a backup from my steam files i have made it but it is only 2,8gb or so
fightmeyer
16-11-2004, 23:56
Hello Folks.
I wanted to buy HL2 but now i read in the forum, that i need an internet connection to install or activate the game. Is that true? Because at home i do not have any internet connection. I just want to play the single player mode. No ****ing CS or something. Is this possible without internet connection??
Bummer I just started the game again to see if i could get the old activation message back but this is what I got instead! View it here: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/ubgrumpy/HL2SubSucc.jpg
@Tipstaff Take a close look. And I do hope you see the funny side! :eek: :p :D ;)
Tipstaff
17-11-2004, 01:55
Nice Grumpy. :p
Does this mean if I log into my account I'll see 2 instances of owning HL2? :D
Errr just incase others think i registered with your name (tipstaff), the pic was edited with paint shop! So no you wont get two! Just thought I would play funny buggers :p
Spewin it did actually activate tho! Wanted a pic to show you I could play without the activation, not that it lasted to long! :D
It clearly states on the box that an Internet Connection is Required. If there are anymore posts about disabling the steam activation, its gonna be an instant ban from now on. If you dont like that Valve have implemented such a feature (and believe me, lots more games will follow suit now), then dont buy the game or wait a year or 2 and I'm sure valve will release some kind of patch.
So, did the Authentication process go well for everyone? I would have assumed that the Steam servers would have crashed under such a load. :p
I've heard that HL2 dont have a multiplayer part. A normally human like i would think that of course no internet connection is required. I'm thinking valve is losing a lot of money with this activation stuff. why do all developers think people would buy their products when they are not able to crack or copy it? this software pirates would just try another game instead of walking in a store and buy it. so copyprotection justs cost money and the people are allowed to finance that.
mike.air
17-11-2004, 06:04
Just wanna say : I love u all!!!!
Valve is tryin somthin new. But one day after release u list the file Steam activation Offline. GREAT. give the industrie what it diserves!!!
I bought me the game because i got it for only 35.- Euros.Thats a good price for a game puplished like that.But the activation wasn´t that funny. 2 Hours d/l time and no flat=2 euros costs.
But money aint the problemo-time!!!is the p.
I can´t wait 2 more hours after u let me wait over one year after first release date.sorry.
So i thought : i am the stupid- i buy the game and cant play it imidiatly afterr install???
The other one just d/l the game -install-play !!!!
So i am the idiot- i pay and get less.
Next time someone tries somethin like that-- without me-- i will never pay for things i get less.
And the game isn´t that phenomenon. Itz linear like a 2d game.
and that after 10 years 3D.???
GOD exists- and all u liars and robbers get there Judgment Day. And there will be teeth clapin and tears... :eek:
sorry for english.
Riiighhtt................
GOD exists- and all u liars and robbers get there Judgment Day. And there will be teeth clapin and tears...
Errm Okaaay
hm, works the
Half-Life 2 v1.0 OFFLINE ACTIVATION PATCH
on the gcw site that was posting by ownage ?
dontbugme
17-11-2004, 07:37
hm, works the
Half-Life 2 v1.0 OFFLINE ACTIVATION PATCH
on the gcw site that was posting by ownage ?
I just tried that and it gives me some message in french saying "You can not brush" or something like that :mad:
hm, the exe on the gcw site is thus a fake ?
Rahjadan
17-11-2004, 08:11
It sure is, it says "Patch hl2.exe", but there is no hl2.exe. Half Life 2 is started via the steam.exe
And the text in french means as much as "You can **ck yourself!"
I hope there'll be a crack soon, 'cause I'm a student and I've got no I-net connection in my flat, so even if I bought HL² I could not play it. I'm very unhappy about VALVes or should I better say Vivendis' new policies...
Hey all, Well I bought HL2 lastnight and installed it. 5 CD's are a little much IMO, but I did it anyway. It took over an hour and 20 min to install and then figure out how to play the single player mode because the Game package I bought didnt even come with install instructions!!! Anyway I have the game working now and it's great.
Does anyone know of away to burn CD1 so I can play off the burned CD instead of the store bought one? I don't like to use the store bought CD's in my drives incase of damage. I tried to burn it and use it , but it tells me I have the wrong CD in the drive. :confused: I don't mind putting a CD in the drive to play until a No CD File is made, but I don't want to use the CD I bolught.
Anyone have any luck with this yet???
Thanks
kelemvor
17-11-2004, 08:40
It sure is, it says "Patch hl2.exe", but there is no hl2.exe. Half Life 2 is started via the steam.exe
And the text in french means as much as "You can **ck yourself!"
I hope there'll be a crack soon, 'cause I'm a student and I've got no I-net connection in my flat, so even if I bought HL² I could not play it. I'm very unhappy about VALVes or should I better say Vivendis' new policies...
There is an hl2.exe it resides in
C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\SteamApps\[STEAMID REMOVED FROM POST]\half-life 2\hl2.exe (if you installed to the default locations)
hl2.exe is protected by SecuROM.
I've got a valid steam login with a regged copy, but I cant get backups to run because of the damn securerom check. I've heard of several people downloading directly from steam and they dont even have cd's so I tried that, but it still wants the damn cd in there. Hopefully someone who got the game that way could post thier hl2.exe to gcw or something. I assume the emporio release includes either that version of the exe or a fixed one at least.
It has not taken much time!
There is a warez release out with a crack !!!
see this NFO: http://www.nforce.nl/index.php?m=nfo&id=79184
reddragon105
17-11-2004, 10:50
GLH - that release has been nuked already. it was available 24 hours ago and immediately people were complaining about glitches and crashes.
there have been a couple of fixes released for it, but they have been nuked as well (that could be either because they dont work, or because theres not much point in getting a broken release and fixing it when a new release will be made)
so at the moment it seems confusing whether its been succesfully hacked or not, but i guess its only a matter of time anyway. some determined hacker will manage to get it activated. and i guess that will be useful for those without internet connections on the PC they want to play HL2 on
Dimensio
17-11-2004, 11:15
As I have already managed to actvate the game, my only interest right now is in a noCD/DVD patch.
Whoever made the decision to use SecuROM protection on a game that already requires activation should be slowly tortured to death.
Perhaps someone with the Steam-downloaded version could look into the issue, since there's no disc requirement there.
Since I don't need to be an admin to play the game, I'd even settle for a small virtual image.
farley2k
17-11-2004, 11:32
Ok so my question -
Is there a way to remove the cd-rom check but not the Steam updating etc. I own a copy, I don't mind having Steam keep me up to date - I don't like having to have the cd in the drive. I think that sucks.
Now obviously those who bought the game directly from Steam wouldn't have to have a cd in the drive (they don't even have one!) so there must be an .exe which runs HL2, updates by Steam, but *doesn't* do a cd check.
Any ideas if this is possible?
If the offline activation patch is a fake, you are kindly asked to remove it.
I think people are sufficient annoyed by steam, so please dont be kidding.
Big Country
17-11-2004, 13:13
I have the download version. The icon to run the game is in the Steam program so you need to log onto Steam to click on it. I sent a shortcut to my desktop so I don't click the Steam icon and log on and go that way but when I click the icon on my desktop it logs me into Steam. The icon shortcut is "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 220
It will not run at all if I do not have internet access. So I have to be online every time I play the game which is not a problem for me because I have Cable but if I had dialup that would so suck.
P.S. Does the stupid air boat level ever end??? Graphics are great but gameplay sucks so far. You can still only jump about an inch high and if your not perfectly lined up with a doorway and you hit the side you just stay there until you move yourself over instead of pushing you over and through the door. If I paid for this game I would be dissapointed.
I have the download version. The icon to run the game is in the Steam program so you need to log onto Steam to click on it. I sent a shortcut to my desktop so I don't click the Steam icon and log on and go that way but when I click the icon on my desktop it logs me into Steam. The icon shortcut is "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 220
It will not run at all if I do not have internet access. So I have to be online every time I play the game which is not a problem for me because I have Cable but if I had dialup that would so suck.
P.S. Does the stupid air boat level ever end??? Graphics are great but gameplay sucks so far. You can still only jump about an inch high and if your not perfectly lined up with a doorway and you hit the side you just stay there until you move yourself over instead of pushing you over and through the door. If I paid for this game I would be dissapointed.
My english isn't very well, but do i understand this right:
You have the Download-via-Steam-Version, but you don't have paid for it ???
munsterbuster
17-11-2004, 13:33
LOL
You still ask ikke? ^^
Big Country
17-11-2004, 13:37
My english isn't very well, but do i understand this right:
You have the Download-via-Steam-Version, but you don't have paid for it ???
It came free with something I purchased on ebay. I almost threw it out because I didn't think the game was ever going to be released. It was just a card that you scratch off to reveal a number to download the game.
Move my post if you need to. I just hope someone notices this...
Apart from the game itself I notice that nobody picks up the issue of the internet activation. There is a big world out there that is not USA, UK, Germany or France (this is probably a shock to the developers) but "unfortunately" true. And this big world out there filled with people and gamers don't have a superfast connection to the net, many of them don't have an internet connection at all. Many of them don't know that PC stands for "Internet Machine". It would seem to me that the developer-thought behind this is: "if you don't have an internet connection then you probably can't afford the legal copy anyway, so you don't get to play" or "you have a code on your games box and with it you can download a decryption key from us, if you can't do that, then you are a thief and we will have nothing to do with you". Spit in the face to poor people and people not residing in the beforementioned countries, by the developers.
Valve/Steam/VU Games basically say: This game can only be played by people with access to internet. I ask you: Where will this lead? Will games in the future be made specifically for countries with a certain BMP? For people of a certain sexual preference? Certain skin colour? Religion?
Am I going to far and off topic? Maybe, maybe not.
By all means, copy protection, yes. Invest and make a disc that can't be copied. Do whatever but don't make the internet a requirement for a singleplayer game.
What an internet-online-account-copy-protection means to me is that the pirates and hackers and crack programs will need to change direction and also become better and more specialised, meaning the internet security will drastically drop. As it is now hackers are hacking cd-s and copy-protection-specific programs not online databases, at least not to crack a mere game for a no-cd crack - which will need to be done in order to crack this sort of “future” protection.
Games for me are meant to be – p l a y e d - and enjoyed, for relaxation or recreation, not to be bartered like an economical investment... a pity that commercialisation kills yet another form of relaxation/entertainment. A low down, dirty, pity!
Move my post if you need to. I just hope someone notices this...
Apart from the game itself I notice that nobody picks up the issue of the internet activation. There is a big world out there that is not USA, UK, Germany or France (this is probably a shock to the developers) but "unfortunately" true. And this big world out there filled with people and gamers don't have a superfast connection to the net, many of them don't have an internet connection at all. Many of them don't know that PC stands for "Internet Machine". It would seem to me that the developer-thought behind this is: "if you don't have an internet connection then you probably can't afford the legal copy anyway, so you don't get to play" or "you have a code on your games box and with it you can download a decryption key from us, if you can't do that, then you are a thief and we will have nothing to do with you". Spit in the face to poor people and people not residing in the beforementioned countries, by the developers.
Valve/Steam/VU Games basically say: This game can only be played by people with access to internet. I ask you: Where will this lead? Will games in the future be made specifically for countries with a certain BMP? For people of a certain sexual preference? Certain skin colour? Religion?
Am I going to far and off topic? Maybe, maybe not.
By all means, copy protection, yes. Invest and make a disc that can't be copied. Do whatever but don't make the internet a requirement for a singleplayer game.
What an internet-online-account-copy-protection means to me is that the pirates and hackers and crack programs will need to change direction and also become better and more specialised, meaning the internet security will drastically drop. As it is now hackers are hacking cd-s and copy-protection-specific programs not online databases, at least not to crack a mere game for a no-cd crack - which will need to be done in order to crack this sort of “future” protection.
Games for me are meant to be – p l a y e d - and enjoyed, for relaxation or recreation, not to be bartered like an economical investment... a pity that commercialisation kills yet another form of relaxation/entertainment. A low down, dirty, pity!
Man I could not have said that better myself. Amen to that!
Not that it needed to be quoted, but that was a damn fine post from dalver. Personally, I think even more developers will follow VALVe into this Online Activiation/Distribution system. But thats just my 2 pence.
@dalvar
I will agree with the 'Joyboy' and would like to say mighty fine post!
Have you thought about entering Politics? You would probably win as there would be many gamers that would vote for you. ;)
MamiyaOtaru
17-11-2004, 20:17
I don't really think it was a fine post..
dalver goes on and on about how unfair it is to places other than USA, UK, Germany etc. Needing an internet connection is a "spit in the face to poor people and people not residing in the beforementioned countries, by the developers." Well how come you aren't whining about the other requirements? Is it a spit in the face to have to have a geForce3+? How many of these "poor people" have a geforce, or 256 MB RAM, or an 1100 mhz processor (can't remember exactly what the min specs are)? Why do you focus on one requirement? It's just discrimination to expect poor people to have a fast PC! How dare Valve! :rolleyes:
Do you bitch and moan that Star Wars Galaxies requires an internet connection? No? Well so does Half Life 2. Get over it.
Do you complain that people like me who use Linux can't play Half Life 2? I doubt it. I cannot fathom why you have latched onto this one requirement and worked yourself into a lather over it.
Sure Valve could remove the internet requirement. They could also make the graphics look like crap so you can play without a 3d accelerator! Let's all lobby them to do that, so everyone can play! It's only fair!
Fark's sake, it's not as though Valve is depriving anyone of air. My computer doesn't meet the requirements (cause of my OS) and I am going to live. Valve made the game, and for them it made sense to make it like they did. No one ever pretends that everyone can run the latest and greatest tech. Get over it and stop being a whiny spoilsport.
sole_fish
17-11-2004, 23:08
The recent poster here must be on the Sierra/Valve payroll.
Just because there are other gripes that could be spewn all around the room, does not mean this internet thing should not be talked about. Shheesshhh. ALL programs have system requirements. That can be a problem. If PC computers were more designed like a console gaming system, some of our problems with Video Cards and stuff would be far less complicated. But, once again, ALL games have system requirements. As it is, this is the FIRST game to implement a protection that FAILED just mere minutes after starting. Stranding myself ,and i am sure MANY thousands of others, from being able to 'activate' and 'play' the game i 'paid' for. So, in the end, is it more important to stray off subject and whine about the things we cannot change, or would it be better to 'Bitch' and 'Moan' about something we stand a shot at changing? Oh, well. I guess I'll go back to my shi**y computer and play Half-Life at 15 Fps. Wow.............these............graphics......... ..are..............cool.
BAN ONLINE REGISTRATION. DRIVE OUT THE NAZI FIGUREHEADS THAT ARE DRIVING DOWN OUR FAVORITE PASTTIME WITH OVERLY COMPLICATED AND HORRIBLY IMPLEMENTED STYLES OF COPY PROTECTION! STAND UP AND FIGHT THE POWERS THAT SERVE ONLY TO LOCK UP OUR COMPUTERS AND F*CK OUR HARD DRIVES! I WANT MY FIFTY BUCKS BACK. I AM PISSED. :D :D :D
Brainman2k
18-11-2004, 00:04
@ dalver: 100% agree. i will not purchase a copy of hl2 until someone got this activation-thing "adressed". the whole product-activation is nothing but a dumb idea. its not meant to be used as a copy protection....i think its more like spying out users. i don't know about you, but i certainly do not pay to be watched by some "nazi-big brother"-company.
i waited for this game probably as long as you guys did......but that what valve pulls off is simply ridiculous....
MamiyaOtaru
18-11-2004, 01:04
The recent poster here must be on the Sierra/Valve payroll. Please don't be lame. That is the gayest ad hominem I've ever seen.
I hate the activation. Because of the activation, I wouldn't buy it even if I ran windows. I am also pretty pissed that it is windows only, but I understand that it is their decision, as is the activation.
The activation sucks, but I still think it is stupid to whine about it as though it was some form of discrimination against poor people. Maybe you didn't read the post I responded to.. Requiring an internet connection is no more discrimination against poor people than requiring a 3d graphics card and good computer.
Go ahead and say how much it sucks and I'll agree. But when someone starts talking about how it's "spitting in poor peoples' face" I call bull****. There's already plenty of things making it hard for poor people to get the game, starting with the 60-120 dollar price tag.
Claiming that activation discriminates against poor people is just stupid. It distracts people from the real reasons that activation sucks and makes one sound like a hysterical tin foil hat wearing nincompoop.
Oh yeah, Valve paid me to write that. haha you are so clever.
@ManiyaOtaro
Its all about choices I guess and your choice is to obviously use Linux? So what are you actually saying? You wont use windows or you cant afford to use windows? You seem to be whining more than 'dalver'! :confused:
And for those that cant find the 'hl2.exe' it obviously only installs after the game has been activated online! As I have more than one system in the house (Geez those poorer people arent gonna like that :D) I have been doin some testing and the other machine doesnt have the hl2.exe as it hasnt been activated on that machine. ;)
And just to rub some more salt into those poorer wounds I also have another system used to check my CD2DVD conversions on! :D
Yeah, yeah.
"Spit in poor peoples eye" is an exaggerrated-phrase used by me to spark a reaction, which I got. So don't do as I do and get hung up on that one thing, there are more points in there, to be considered than that.
Nevertheless, I choose to view this internet verification, as discrimination because it is presumed by steam/valve that anyone without an internet-connection is a thief, otherwise they would have used a system allowing even those without one to play.
As to the high system spec argument I will respond that in order for a computer to function it needs certain components. A graphics card is among those things. True that a computer can run with a 2MB graphic-card, but it still needs it. Internet on the other hand, is an optional device. Many use it from school or work and so they don't have it at home. And as I've heard many of the ports used by steam/valve for verification, or whatever, are closed on many such networks... and as I've further understood every computer with an installed copy of the game needs to have a connection to steam/valve to be "decoded". And - most - people play games at home.
Requiring a good/fast/expensive computer, to make the game-engine work is one thing. Requiring an internet connection to certify that you are not a thief is another.
Don't bring up SW Galaxies as it is a MMORPG, meant to be played online - at all times.
Brainman2k
18-11-2004, 03:10
Yeah, yeah.
Don't bring up SW Galaxies as it is a MMORPG, meant to be played online - at all times.
whereas hl2 doens't even come with a multiplayer-part....
;) :cool:
whereas hl2 doens't even come with a multiplayer-part
Why does it say on the box "Game Experience May Change During Online Play"?
evilclone
18-11-2004, 03:32
The activation process is very hit or miss as its the first game to try such as thing, I mean to decrypt files online based on your Key which could take anything between 15 minutes to over an hours is a nightmare, plus you need to download and create an account with steam. Its like hello. Its a computer game!
A single player game should be just that and if online feature is available then you use your internet connection.
If you think about it games companies ship the decryption key with the game which allows you to install it on your machine. Here they are taking it away and moving it online. We've all seen key generators based on the cryption algorithm, once this algorithm has been identified and files that are encrypted have been exposed all it needs is someone to write a program that instead of using your web connection to decrypt your files it will do it locally based on your key, or someone elses.
In the hacking world of no-cd cracks and patches stuff like this will only bring out the hardcore code breakers to prove yet again nothing is safe.
Brainman2k
18-11-2004, 03:34
Why does it say on the box "Game Experience May Change During Online Play"?
you're referring to cs:s? no offense, but that excuse of a game is not a worthy mp-part for hl2. in fact it has nothing to do with hl2, except for the source-engine. i assume thats why they put that sticker on.
you're referring to cs:s
Your possibly right there! A closer look at the box and the game experience may change bit is just underneath the ad for CS! So yes I also assume now that its for CS. Its a bit misleading if you ask me! Had me thinkin it was for hl2!
Oh and definately No Offensive taken. ;) Thanks for puttin me straight on the matter. :)
dernettemann1983
18-11-2004, 04:04
How can i make of the dvd 2 5 cd's. Have anyone a no cd crack.
Brainman2k
18-11-2004, 04:34
Your possibly right there! A closer look at the box and the game experience may change bit is just underneath the ad for CS! So yes I also assume now that its for CS. Its a bit misleading if you ask me! Had me thinkin it was for hl2!
Oh and definately No Offensive taken. ;) Thanks for puttin me straight on the matter. :)
i wish hl2 had an own mp-part. i ask myself: whats the use of giving a new engine to a rusted old car? ;)
I was thinking i'm clever and waited two days, before download my version via Steam. But now it is downloading since 8:45 AM !!! Steam tells me there are "only" 80 minutes left. And this with DSL1000...
Can anyone tell me which files i have to store on a DVD+R, so i don't have to redownload it, when my PC crashs?
EDIT:
Now it's ready!
It has taken much much time, 6 hours and 35 minutes !!!
(from 08:45 am to 03:20 pm) !!!
@GLH
Wouldnt you just burn them all? Didnt they download into a seperate folder or something? Im also curious to know the price difference between the Retail version and the downloaded Steam version? Surely it would have to be a lot cheaper for the Steam version! And yeh thats a long download alright!
And one more thing to all, who else finds the 'blurred' startup screen so very annoying on the eyes?? :D
After a few problems with starting the game, i found out that the problems are caused by my old graphic driver (Notebook with ATi Radeon 9600 mobile). The available driver are from 01-09-2003 !!!
Now i was using the DH MobilityModder Tool V2.0b to make the ATi Catalyst 4.9 installable on my notebook. This tool don't work with Catalyst 4.10 and 4.11 !!!
Then i was able to play the game.
@Grumpy:
In the Steam directory on my hd is a subfolder "SteamApps" with some big files (~ 4,5 GB). I will burn the complete "SteamApps" folder to a DVD !
sole_fish
18-11-2004, 08:56
Please don't be lame. That is the gayest ad hominem I've ever seen.
I hate the activation. Because of the activation, I wouldn't buy it even if I ran windows. I am also pretty pissed that it is windows only, but I understand that it is their decision, as is the activation.
The activation sucks, but I still think it is stupid to whine about it as though it was some form of discrimination against poor people. Maybe you didn't read the post I responded to.. Requiring an internet connection is no more discrimination against poor people than requiring a 3d graphics card and good computer.
Go ahead and say how much it sucks and I'll agree. But when someone starts talking about how it's "spitting in poor peoples' face" I call bull****. There's already plenty of things making it hard for poor people to get the game, starting with the 60-120 dollar price tag.
Claiming that activation discriminates against poor people is just stupid. It distracts people from the real reasons that activation sucks and makes one sound like a hysterical tin foil hat wearing nincompoop.
Oh yeah, Valve paid me to write that. haha you are so clever.
As for your last statement, i agree. It was clever of me to determine that you must be a Sierra/Valve flunky. Even if you're not paid to work for them, you are doing it fine for free. Keep supporting this crap and you may as well be a political voicebox for business. Oooohhhh, your tin-foil hat comment places you in a republican catagory too! That explains the arrogance and elitest attitude. Hey, screw the incompetence of the Softwear developers and publishers. Wait a minute.... wasn't there a day when softwear developers would actually give you a part of their game for FREE??!!?? Tell me it isn't so! How could they afford to give us that with 'piracy' no 'internet connections' no 'copying safeguards' AND the finished product was far less expensive than games are these days?!?!? I know they stopped doing that. The greed of the Gaming industry is coming to a head. And, people like you, who will not discriminate a particular point, are going to be the catalyst for this. Your point all along is, 'There are so many other things wrong, how dare you pick only one thing to talk about!' Ridiculous. That is called DISCUSSION. Not one sided drivel from a Nazi-conspirator. This is a FORUM for DISCUSSION about topics of interest. IF YOU ARE NOT INTERESTED, THEN GO AWAY. We are interested here. Find a place where your input is a topic of discussion. We have shown we are not interested in your views. Goodbye. :cool:
hm, when i backup the complete steam folder i dont need to decode a second time the files after a crash ?
Now, now, be nice. And remember - discussion.
Whos_Ur_Paddy?
18-11-2004, 11:06
bump
EDIT BY MODERATOR: banned for 3 days !!!
munsterbuster
18-11-2004, 14:05
You really want to get banned hm?
The link is not forbidden for fun.
Dimensio
18-11-2004, 15:07
You really want to get banned hm?
The link is not forbidden for fun.
What does it matter? The "no-CD" dll doesn't work. It's total crap.
Seems the crackers are working on bypassing the authentication by releasing the steam-download files, but totally ignoring the issue of people with the retail box version who need a noCD fix.
FREEMAN100
18-11-2004, 15:23
well i didnt bother reading any of these posts before buying this game today at woolworths for a massive £35...it took 1 hour to install then crashed on me 5 times while waiting to unlock file (wtf) unlock what i bought the game lol, anyway after that i tried to get it to run without connection didnt no i needed it..started net up authenticating cd key wtf again we cant authenticate cd key due to the...(f*ckin wank steam servers being gay as ****) anyway after 4 hours with a 1 meg bt bb connection the game starts up jerk like **** cos xp had installed the game in all the spaces on my drive lol 2 hours later my drive is defragged...yipee ready to play....
f*ckin bollocks its goin back to the shop tomoz with a note in the cd case saying "valve are nothing but a bunch of **** s*cking totalitarianistic russia loving twats"......i mean is this game reflecting the state of russia in its demands ffs i live in the uk we buy a game we play the f*ckin thing not all this crap.halflife 2 is a total load of crap i only bought it cos im a big cs fan play it all the time..........ill stick to cs1.6 and halflife i think
munsterbuster
18-11-2004, 15:28
I won't take the game back. With the code gone to steam, you could retrieve the game without paying for it.
I see lawyers rubbing their hands.
FREEMAN100
18-11-2004, 15:32
valve can blow my d*ck i couldnt give 2 f*cks about it woolworths will take it back cos ill say its faulty ive looked the word up in a dictonairy and as far as im conserned this game fits the f*cking bill...
and on another note no one should buy this game as all it does is vindicate the use of this type of protection....
sole_fish
18-11-2004, 15:42
Now, now, be nice. And remember - discussion.
Sorry. I just get off on telling certain types of people off. It's a strength and a weakness. People like..."Hey,I'm mad about something else and you're not paying attention to me"..or like...."Hey, i'm over here. I have nothing important to say, but I'm gonna say it." Kind of like this post. Pointless.
Floodblue
18-11-2004, 15:53
What does it matter? The "no-CD" dll doesn't work. It's total crap.
Seems the crackers are working on bypassing the authentication by releasing the steam-download files, but totally ignoring the issue of people with the retail box version who need a noCD fix.
Well, if that's the case, then where the hell are these files? I'd be very appreciative if someone could direct me to where I might download these. I have no internet at home (not even a phone line) So I seriously need a way to bypass steam authentication. I've already tried dragging my computer all the way to work and hooking it up to the net, but the net wouldn't let me connect because it didn't recognize my MAC address or soemthing, I guess. Really lame, I own the game, but I cannot play it yet...
Edit: I've been frantically searching since the 16th, but I haven't come across anything that anyone says actually works. Even tried playing with the dlls and other files in Visual C++, but since I know veyr little about programmings I didn't make any progress.
FREEMAN100
18-11-2004, 15:58
i beg to differ i own the origional dvd playing the game without the dvd is second to being able to play it without the w*nky internet.
MamiyaOtaru
18-11-2004, 16:13
Yeah, yeah.
"Spit in poor peoples eye" is an exaggerrated-phrase used by me to spark a reaction, which I got. So don't do as I do and get hung up on that one thing, there are more points in there, to be considered than that. Haha ok you exaggerated a bit and I don't like exaggeration, but it looks like we actually agree about activation sucking ;) Works for me.
Its all about choices I guess and your choice is to obviously use Linux? So what are you actually saying? You wont use windows or you cant afford to use windows? You seem to be whining more than 'dalver'! Yawn. If I can afford hardware good enough to run Half Life, I think I could afford Windows. In fact, I had both 98 and XP on here before I deleted them. I just choose not to use them. This means I can't play Half Life 2, but I'm not screaming about it. Life goes on. I only mentioned it to make the point that I wasn't whining about it, even though I am prevented from playing just like someone who has no net access. THe point, in simple terms is this: I am moving on, people without net access can too.
But this just in: Transgaming's Cedega will support Half life 2 on Linux, so looks like I can play after all. Probably still won't, 'cause activation sucks ;) (why do you think I don't use windows anymore?)
Bottom line: activation is dumb. But it is not discriminating against poor people, and since dalver said he was just exaggerating to get a response anyway, I don't think I disagree with anyone here. I just think it's possible to point out the drawbacks to activation without breathless hyperbole.
That is called DISCUSSION. Not one sided drivel from a Nazi-conspirator. This is a FORUM for DISCUSSION about topics of interest. IF YOU ARE NOT INTERESTED, THEN GO AWAY. We are interested here. Find a place where your input is a topic of discussion. Apparently people are only allowed to discuss things if they agree with you? After you rant about how this is a place for discussion you tell me not to discuss? You probably don't even realize how hypocritical that is. But please, stick by the weak claim that Valve is paying me off. And try to draw politics into it as well. Violate Godwin's Law while you're at it.. And do it while all the while you try to shut someone up, cause this is a place for DISCUSSION don't you know!
How clear can I make it that I am not buying Half Life 2 because of the activation, which I find ridiculous and unnecessary? As far as I can tell, you are pissed at me because I am not denouncing it with the same frothy mouthed rabidness that you are. I hate it, but not because it discriminates against poor people. Oh fark, I don't hate it as much as you do, I must be silenced! Fark, even dalver said he was just exaggerating about the discrimination. "'Spit in poor peoples eye' is an exaggerrated-phrase used by me to spark a reaction, which I got." Going to try to shut him up too now?
Since you appear to be dense: my point was not that activation is good, it was that it is not discrimination. If you're going to say activation sucks, use real reasons. Here are some of them:
1) it annoys the tard out of people who pay for it legally
2) it doesn't inconvenience people who download it illegally at all.
3) it is therefore a waste of money, moeny which could be spent on other parts of development
4) pissing off people who buy it legally will likely cause more of them to get it illegally, thereby defeating the purpose
So .. wow. One guy accuses me of not being able to afford Windows, the next accuses me of being a republican elitist. And for what? I didn't disagree with dalver's point (activation=bad) I disagreed with how he made it. For that I am accused of being poor, or rich, or something bad. Good grief.
Bout time some proper discussion took place in the PC Forum :D
Anyways, concerning the Steam cracks you people are trying to use. Dont that just apply to the Steam version of the game? Good luck trying to get them to work with the retail.
sole_fish
18-11-2004, 16:39
Apparently people are only allowed to discuss things if they agree with you? After you rant about how this is a place for discussion you tell me not to discuss? It's sad that you are too stupid to see how hypocritical that is. But please, stick by the weak claim that Valve is paying me off. And try to draw politics into it as well. Violate Godwin's law while you're at it.. And do it while all the while you try to shut someone up, cause this is a place for DISCUSSION don't you know!
How clear can I make it that I am not buying Half Life 2 because of the activation, which I find ridiculous and unnecessary? As far as I can tell, you are pissed at me because I am not denouncing it with the same frothy mouthed rabidness that you are. I hate it, but not because it discriminates against poor people. Oh fark, I don't hate it as much as you do, I must be silenced! ****, even dalver said he was just exaggerating about the discrimination. Going to try to shut him up too now?
Since you appear to be dense: my point was not that activation is good, it was that it is not discrimination. If you're going to say ti sucks, use real reasons. Here are some of them:
1) it annoys the tard out of people who pay for it legally
2) it doesn't inconvenience people who download it illegally at all.
3) it is therefore a waste of money, moeny which could be spent on other parts of development
4) pissing off people who buy it legally will likely cause more of them to get it illegally, thereby defeating the purpose
Some strength and weakness you have there.. I agree with the second part.
Well, it's been nice talking to you! You do have some nice comebacks. But, this is no fun. You start off pissed off. You remain that way. Try smiling. Your face won't crack. Oh, and i forgot.... shut up. :p
>Oh, and please let's stop this. There's more important stuff to talk about here. Like how to get software developers to stop killing the industry. K?
Dimensio
18-11-2004, 16:55
Well, if that's the case, then where the hell are these files?
Presumably a "fix" for the broken EMPiRO release, though apparently that 'fix' is also broken, hence the byte-patcher fix. Or maybe there are two fixes for the broken release, and that's a drop-in replacement while the other is a patcher. I don't know. Whatever it is, replacing the original game file with the one linked at the allegedly forbidden site (it's just client.dll, that's it) does not remove the CD check done at startup. Thus far there is no known method for bypassing the CD check on the box retail version of the game, however people who purchased and downloaded the game through Steam do not have to deal with such a hassle.
Whoever made this decision should be tortured.
MamiyaOtaru
18-11-2004, 16:55
Well, it's been nice talking to you! You do have some nice comebacks. But, this is no fun. You start off pissed off. You remain that way. Try smiling. Your face won't crack. Oh, and i forgot.... shut up. :p
>Oh, and please let's stop this. There's more important stuff to talk about here. Like how to get software developers to stop killing the industry. K?
OK OK, my skin is a bit too thin sometimes ;) We agree about activation. I won't be mad at you for reacting to my posts, cause I did the same. It's cool :)
I'm not whining because I can't play HlafLife2. I'm not buying or, er, "pirating" it for the same reason I have yet to see anything more than the teasers for any of the new star wars movies. And I own ALL versions and releases of the old ones.
What did upset me was the rabid commercialism that Valve shows and their assumption that everyone without internet is a thief. It is a bit of a stretch to come to this conclusion but it is nevertheless how I see it.
The 4 numbered points mentioned by Otaru, go without saying, for everyone I presume.
Another point that seems to have got overlooked, from my original post was this:
What an internet-online-account-copy-protection means to me is that the pirates and hackers and crack programs will need to change direction and also become better and more specialised, meaning the internet security will drastically drop. As it is now hackers are hacking cd-s and copy-protection-specific programs not online databases, at least not to crack a mere game for a no-cd crack - which will need to be done in order to crack this sort of “future” protection.
Floodblue
18-11-2004, 17:09
Presumably a "fix" for the broken EMPiRO release, though apparently that 'fix' is also broken, hence the byte-patcher fix. Or maybe there are two fixes for the broken release, and that's a drop-in replacement while the other is a patcher. I don't know. Whatever it is, replacing the original game file with the one linked at the allegedly forbidden site (it's just client.dll, that's it) does not remove the CD check done at startup. Thus far there is no known method for bypassing the CD check on the box retail version of the game, however people who purchased and downloaded the game through Steam do not have to deal with such a hassle.
Whoever made this decision should be tortured.
Is there actually a way to bypass activation through steam for those of us that bought the retail version of the game. Seems some files are missing from the cd install. This is very frustrating, maybe I should just give up till I can get internet connection about a month from now.
@ManiyaOtaru
So what are you actually saying? You wont use windows or you cant afford to use windows?
I didnt accuse you of not being able to afford Windows! I merely asked a question on why you dont use it! It now seems it is because you choose not to! Like I said "its all about choices" and you made your choice! Thats all I was asking you! Note the '?' at the end of the sentence! ;)
Seems a lot of people are very frustrated with the activation and as Ive mentioned in another post previously, a good discussion will usually become heated or hostile! Many people have differences of opinions thats what makes discussions heated. We all think we are right until thru discussion we get another insight into what others think. Only then can we maybe learn that there is another point to every argument and maybe then we may actually learn from them and become a little more tolerent to others ideas or way of thinking. Sometimes things seem very obvious until someone gives another insight into it. Alot of things I read here I think to myself "thats a good point" then someone else says something to make me again think "Hmm thats also a good point". A lot of people tend to write things in the heat of the moment, me included, but that is what happens when we all think we are the ones who are right!
P.S: My appolagies to any 'poorer' people who got offended at my comments directed to them. It was a cheap shot! I do appreciate its not their fault they were born in their countries and I do feel very lucky to have been born and bred in Australia. I also appreciate that even if people are born in a richer country that circumstances, sometimes beyond their control, can make them poor!
Dimensio
18-11-2004, 19:44
Hmm. Apparently there is a way to get around the CD check by ripping an image via BlindWrite, with a SecuROM 5 ini file. Unfortuntely, for some reason BlindWrite does not like my DVD-ROM drive, and as such it bails before it even begins extracting my DVD image.
Perhaps someone else could have better luck pulling a DVD image via BlindWrite?
Instructions (in German), were found here http://forum.copybase.ch/de/index.php?showtopic=3526
Apparently it also involves tweaking the registry to hide Daemon Tools from the SecuROM check.
sole_fish
18-11-2004, 20:26
OK OK, my skin is a bit too thin sometimes ;) We agree about activation. I won't be mad at you for reacting to my posts, cause I did the same. It's cool :)
Well, I'm glad that's over. I thought i was gonna pop a vessel in my head. :D
IMMANUEL
19-11-2004, 01:45
I won't accept this condition by Vivendi/Valve, also I won't buy this fantastic game.
We don't need this game, but the companies depend on selling their products!!! :p
We have the power, they have to serve ! :)
Don't forget, unconditional love in eternal living is reality! ;)
Lets show the companies, who is master who is slave! :)
so, i have buyed hl2 via steam
after 3hours of decryten,registering and installing i backup my hl2 folder.
are the backup.exe encryted oder decrypted ?
Hmm. Apparently there is a way to get around the CD check by ripping an image via BlindWrite, with a SecuROM 5 ini file. Unfortuntely, for some reason BlindWrite does not like my DVD-ROM drive, and as such it bails before it even begins extracting my DVD image.
Perhaps someone else could have better luck pulling a DVD image via BlindWrite?
Instructions (in German), were found here http://forum.copybase.ch/de/index.php?showtopic=3526
Apparently it also involves tweaking the registry to hide Daemon Tools from the SecuROM check.
Cool, now we need someone from Germany to translate this for us english folk :P
howz_dis
19-11-2004, 07:10
im trying 2 copy half-life 2 but securom 5.03.06.0002 is giving me :mad: probs :mad: when i try 2 play it.it comes up with a emulator software error msg if somone can help me here it would be more appericated then you think..ok anways thanks in advance guys
howz_dis
19-11-2004, 08:12
Could somebody with the originals please scan the disks and find out what protection (if any) HL2 has.
yeh no probs m8 its securom 5.03.06.0002..do u no how 2 copy it by anychance?? as i burnt a workin copy from my mates orginal but im getting a emulator error msg..ok & thnks in advance
MODERATOR-EDIT:
Read the board rules !!!
You're banned !
My head has a problem with everything related to the HalfeLife engine. The first engine. All games that are made on that engine (like HalfLife 1, Counter Strike, Gunman Chronicles, Opposing Force) give me an instant headache. And I mean it in the biological way. Doesn't matter if I'm tired or not, if I play in the morning, at noon or at night. After 5 minutes MAX of playing I get a serious headache, complete with nausea and everything and it lasts, half a day.
That is the only engine that I have experienced something like it. It is very strange, because I play games, many games, different games - but only HalfLife engine has a headache incorporated.
Does anyone recognise this, has it happened to you?
For uk/usa People where don't understand german :)
You Need Blindwrite5
First download this
http://forum.copybase.ch/de/uploads/BlindWriteProfil_SrNew5.rar
then extract it to your B5 Profile
Then go to the "READ" Menue
Push the Read Button, wait until blindwrite5 is finish with reading the dvd.
push your start button go to "implement" push it
For Winxp give regedit in the implement on.
for win2k give regedt32.exe in the implement on.
The DVD are protected with Securom 5 and has Blacklisting of Daemon Tools and Alcohol here the trick to make securom5 happy
then goes to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DEVICEMAP\Scsi\
you must find d347prt for Daemon Tools
and you musst find a347scsi for Alkohol120%
in the scisi under folder you must find the ports thats belong to the two tools
by me are it scisi port 2 and 3
then under winxp right click the port
and under win2k marks with the left button
under winxp select characteristics
under win2k goes to Security
Under winxp and win2k are the "read" whery important under characteristics of scisi port.
Makes a chop by "read" refuse an goes to "take over" then goes to ok and make the same by the other scisi port.
You must make this each time you start window new.
then you can mount hl2 the image and play
before the first troll or flamer cames :)
this manual was maken with school english and google
Excellent procedure, never thought of doing that,
here's what I did with the registry (on winxp)
Start -> Run -> Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DEVICEMAP\Scsi\
look in the port keys (scsi port x) for one that has SCSI Bus X\target id x\logical unit x with a value of the device name used for demon tools "generic DVD" for example or whatever you called it in the daemon tools config
right click on that port entry and select permissions
check "deny" on "read" and "full control" for the list of users/groups that are there.
apply.
do the same for the port that has blindwrite
now my question is this: do i need to deny all users or just "administrators" or "system"
just administrator everytime you reboot your pc
kondekas
19-11-2004, 11:33
How large is the launcher.exe file, i have 196 608 bytes.
launcher.exe and hl2.exe has a DOS application icon. should it be so or there is another icon?
is there any encryption used?
i copied hl2 from DVD iso.
thank you!
Dimensio
19-11-2004, 12:05
I already deciphered the BlindWrite instructions.
My problem is that, for some inexplicable reason, BlindWrite refuses to extract the DVD image. It gives me the error "Can't find a method to read a CD DATA track".
Does anyone else have this problem? Has anyone been able to extract the image via BlindWrite? Does anyone know of a possible workaround?
I've used BW in the past (previous installation of XP), and I don't remember having this problem.
Dimensio
19-11-2004, 12:44
now my question is this: do i need to deny all users or just "administrators" or "system"
I had to do it for "Everyone", because my main playing account is not an Administrator-level account (because only an idiot runs as Admin all the time :p )
I did not change it for "RESTRICTED" or "SYSTEM".
Hmm. Apparently there is a way to get around the CD check by ripping an image via BlindWrite, with a SecuROM 5 ini file. Unfortuntely, for some reason BlindWrite does not like my DVD-ROM drive, and as such it bails before it even begins extracting my DVD image.
Perhaps someone else could have better luck pulling a DVD image via BlindWrite?
Instructions (in German), were found here http://forum.copybase.ch/de/index.php?showtopic=3526
Apparently it also involves tweaking the registry to hide Daemon Tools from the SecuROM check.
I have never used BLindwrite before. Does this method only work with the DVD version of this game? or can I do it with my 5 cd retail copy??
Can anyone tell me which files i have to store on a DVD+R, so i don't have to redownload it, when my PC crashs?So now i found out, there is a "Backup files" option in the Steam-Menu (right-click on the game title).
But when i do that, Steam tells me "Half-Life 2 kann erst gesichert werden, wenn die Aktualisierung abgeschlossen wurde."
(english: Half-Life 2 cannot be backed up until it has finished updating.)
Which actualization/update?
When will it be ready?
I can play the game without problems!
How can i tell Steam "update now"?
PS: It's a very cool game!
Dimensio
19-11-2004, 15:32
I have never used BLindwrite before. Does this method only work with the DVD version of this game? or can I do it with my 5 cd retail copy??
The .ini file linked at the forum is just for SecuROM on DVD. If you could find a similar .ini file for CD-ROM, you could probably use it for the first disc.
I'm still trying to figure out how to make BlindWrite work with my DVD-ROM drive :\
doctor_kaz
19-11-2004, 15:45
I guess that I'll ask this question here since it's as good a place as any....
Is it impossible to transfer ownership of this game? I want to sell my copy as soon as I am done playing it through. Or am I permanently stuck with it?
TRICHOMEZ
19-11-2004, 18:35
Two Scenarios:
1. My friend has no Internet connection, how can he set things up so he can play offline?
2. I want to be able to play at a LAN party and they won't have an internet connection there, how can we all play offline?
Answer:
There are several ways to do this that will work for players without Internet access as well as for LAN Parties where there won't be internet access.
Note:
You have to be online somewhere at least once to perform all of the following steps.
The first step here is to perform the latest update and capture it. This is very important to make sure you get the latest content and bug fixes. Everyone that will be participating at the LAN event must have the latest update!
Easiest way
Bring the computer that will be playing offline to an available internet connection at a friend's house, school or perhaps business. Log into the account and do all the updates, make sure it all works.
Then "exit" (do not log out!) from Steam, go to the Steam folder and make a copy of the clientregistry.blob file (just in case). Write-protect the copy (mark it Read/Only).
Physically unplug the computer from the internet, start up Steam and let it fall back into offline mode. Make sure the computer will play both Listenserver (LAN), client and the single player ok, then exit from Steam again.
WIN98
If this is a WIN98 computer, it will act like it's stuck updating and not logging in, JUST WAIT! It will take about 90 seconds for it to finally figure out that there isn't an active internet connection then it will prompt you to retry or go into offline mode.
The computer is now ready to play offline at home unless he accidentally logs out ...
If he does this he won't be able to play unless he verifies online again >> or << exits from Steam, then copies the copy of the clientregistry.blob file back which will restore his offline play.
NOTE: MAKE SURE THE ACTIVE ClientRegistry.blob FILE IS NOT WRITE PROTECTED!
It certainly wouldn't hurt to burn a CD of the working offline installation for him.
Next Easiest way
Do all the above on a different computer, IE: install Steam, log into his account, do all the updates, exit from Steam, make the copy of the Clientregistry.blob file, start up and let it fall back into offline mode, make sure it all works, then exit again.
Then burn a CD of the install and take the CD to the remote computer and copy the install there.
Very Important! Make sure the files are placed on the exact same Disk and Path!
LAN Party Setup:
Clients
All clients that are going to play on the LAN should have unique Steam Accounts. You might also have to assign unique clientports to each computer if they are going to play online as well as offline. Please refer to this FAQ for help in configuring multiple clients behind a router.
Most home DLS and cable connections will only be able to support 6 or 8 players on a 128K uplink and 12 to 16 players on a 256K uplink, assuming that they are using a reasonable rate (7500) and cl_cmdrate (30) settings. You might have to lower the cl_cmdrate to 20.
The Server
The first step is to decide if the server is going to be a Listen Server or a Dedicated Server.
If this is a small party (4 players or less) just for fun, then a Listen server will probably be the easiest way to host a quick party, but it's important to remember that the player who's computer is running the Server has an advantage over all the other players.
If there are going to be more players, or if the players are more serious players and want a level playing field, then a Dedicated Server is the best way to go, and assigning a computer to run only the Dedicated Server (no clients) is the very best.
If this is for a Stand-Alone Dedicated Server, be sure to get the latest Server update.
If family and friends want to watch, then it is a good idea to set up a couple of extra computers for spectators and run the HLTV spectator proxy.
The first requirement is that you need a 10/100 switch or router for setting up the core network. This can be part of a router, and you can daisy-chain several switches to connect everyone else if you need more ports.
The key here is to use that one switch or router (we'll call it switch #1) to join up to 4 additional switches (assuming it's a 4-port switch) which then can support up to 16 players (at 4 ports each). This way, there is one central switch/router and up to four other switches.
If there is internet access available, then the central router can connect everyone on the network for authentication and web browsing if they need to.
For best performance, plug the Game Server into the central router or switch, that way it will have 1/2 the delay to everyone (you'll only have 3 ports then to connect additional switches to). It's a good idea to make sure the Server has a 100mbit Ethernet adapter.
NOTE: Do not use mixed ethernet speeds with "dumb hubs" they can't handle it. If you have a hub and not a switch, you'll have to make sure that all ethernet connections on the network are all 10MBit only.
Speeding up Fallback into Offline Play:
It's actually quite easy to make Steam fall back into offline mode with almost no delay.
1. go to network properties
2. right-click on your internet connection "local area connection"
3. disable it
4. start Steam - it only takes about 2 seconds to pop up to the start in offline mode.
5. then re-enable your connection and you can play on LAN.
One warning, XP might get upset if you disable your NIC and think that you are changing the hardware in your computer (happens when you re-boot, so enable the NIC before rebooting!).
XP identifies 7 devices on the system when it is installed and if the identity of those devices changes too much then XP will complain and may require you to re-activate.
TRICHOMEZ
19-11-2004, 18:36
I guess that I'll ask this question here since it's as good a place as any....
Is it impossible to transfer ownership of this game? I want to sell my copy as soon as I am done playing it through. Or am I permanently stuck with it?
YES YOU CAN TRANSFER....IF YOU REMOVE THE ORIGINAL FROM YOUR PC........YOU CAN GET ALL THIS INFO FROM THE VALVE WEBSITE.
TRICHOMEZ, it says in www.play.com *you need access to the internet to be able to play this game* so im guessing theres no way of playing it without having to activate it through the internet.
YES YOU CAN TRANSFER....IF YOU REMOVE THE ORIGINAL FROM YOUR PC........YOU CAN GET ALL THIS INFO FROM THE VALVE WEBSITE.
Could you be a little more specific? A link or an e-mail address perhaps?
Is it impossible to transfer ownership of this game? I want to sell my copy as soon as I am done playing it through. Or am I permanently stuck with it?
In the forum at steampowered.custhelp.com (http://www.steampowered.com) is a thread with this question:
Can I transfer my CD Key to another Steam Account?
The Answer is:
Transferring CDKeys from one account to another is not supported at this time.
So now i found out, there is a "Backup files" option in the Steam-Menu (right-click on the game title).
But when i do that, Steam tells me "Half-Life 2 kann erst gesichert werden, wenn die Aktualisierung abgeschlossen wurde."
(english: Half-Life 2 cannot be backed up until it has finished updating.)
Which actualization/update?
When will it be ready?
I can play the game without problems!
How can i tell Steam "update now"?
PS: It's a very cool game!
Ok, now everything is fine.
I let my PC online (and also Steam) over the night.
Now i can use the "Backup-Files" option.
ill_mefs
20-11-2004, 03:57
Sorry to bring up wat may seem like old news but i bought a copy of half-life 2 on 16/11 and took it home eagerly awaiting wat adventures Valve had instore for me in the perspective of Morgan Freeman. I was angered to observe that an online activation system had been put in place and before the 16/11 i only really used the internet at home to get the occasional no cd patch from gcw. I wasn't too angry at this point though because i had bought the game with hard earned cash and i'm not planning on selling it. The thing that has really been annoying me for the past 4 days is that i cannot login into the steam system to create an account and activate this eagerly awaited title. Apparently the high demand for activation across the world has brought the servers to a somewhat grinding halt. Some people apparently have activated the game ok but, call me paranoid, i think my internet connection at 36k has been given lowest priority and the faster DSL connections have had better luck connecting. Even if this isn't true for a hardcore Half-life fan such as myself, having Half-Life 2 sitting in my room that i have paid for and by all means should be playing right now is driving me crazy, and the prospect of playing the game is fading away to a distant dream each day. The reason I write to tell you all this is because I just wanted to say:
**** VIVENDI AND ALL THOSE ****HEADS WHO ****ED UP THE RELEASE OF THIS ****ING GAME. I SPENT £40 ON THIS GAME WHEN I COULD HAVE JUST DOWNLOADED AN ILLEGAL COPY. I THOUGHT I WOULD SUPPORT VALVE AND ALL OF ITS TALENT BUT NOW I SEE THAT THEY ARE ALL A BUNCH OF PRICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ill mefs
Firstly I do understand your frustrations! If you only have a 36k connection you could be in for a long wait! There are many people I have read about who have a 1gig connection and some of them have waited for a few hours! Have you tried leaving it connected all night? I may very well take you this long just to activate it! Once it is activated you will be able to play it without the need to be connected to the Internet. But it will take some time to activate on a 36k! Sorry to have to tell you this but bare with it as it is worth the wait!
Yep, ill mefs is a hard to the core Half-Life fan. Its clear for everyone to see. This aint a forum to vent. Go piss and moan on the official forums
TRICHOMEZ
20-11-2004, 05:55
Move my post if you need to. I just hope someone notices this...
Apart from the game itself I notice that nobody picks up the issue of the internet activation. There is a big world out there that is not USA, UK, Germany or France (this is probably a shock to the developers) but "unfortunately" true. And this big world out there filled with people and gamers don't have a superfast connection to the net, many of them don't have an internet connection at all. Many of them don't know that PC stands for "Internet Machine". It would seem to me that the developer-thought behind this is: "if you don't have an internet connection then you probably can't afford the legal copy anyway, so you don't get to play" or "you have a code on your games box and with it you can download a decryption key from us, if you can't do that, then you are a thief and we will have nothing to do with you". Spit in the face to poor people and people not residing in the beforementioned countries, by the developers.
Valve/Steam/VU Games basically say: This game can only be played by people with access to internet. I ask you: Where will this lead? Will games in the future be made specifically for countries with a certain BMP? For people of a certain sexual preference? Certain skin colour? Religion?
Am I going to far and off topic? Maybe, maybe not.
By all means, copy protection, yes. Invest and make a disc that can't be copied. Do whatever but don't make the internet a requirement for a singleplayer game.
What an internet-online-account-copy-protection means to me is that the pirates and hackers and crack programs will need to change direction and also become better and more specialised, meaning the internet security will drastically drop. As it is now hackers are hacking cd-s and copy-protection-specific programs not online databases, at least not to crack a mere game for a no-cd crack - which will need to be done in order to crack this sort of “future” protection.
Games for me are meant to be – p l a y e d - and enjoyed, for relaxation or recreation, not to be bartered like an economical investment... a pity that commercialisation kills yet another form of relaxation/entertainment. A low down, dirty, pity!
You couldn't have said it any better.....it's a scary thing when I start to think about consoles again....I'll feel like I'm going back in time like 6 yrs with a console, but, it might be worth it with the @$##%%$## pc companies put us through.....between unfinished crap that's released.....needing an internet connection to download 20 patches by the time these morons get it right...and now protection using online authentication......wtf......I had to wait 12hrs before I could use the offline feature.....but you know what, I figured this bs out......mf'z........I no longer need your steam bs to play offline.....look and ye shall find.
http://hijack.abs*********/
Stupid Virus/Trojaner Poster :)
@ente
Is Hijack's crack a fake? Have you tried it? I would try it but I dont have Steams exe!
Have u even tried it?
I made it myself and it works fine for me, but feel free to not use it...
I released the source code so if you don't trust me, check the code and build it yourself.
@ Hijack
No I havent tried it as I only have the retail version of the game and dont have the Steam hl2.exe! I was merely taking 'ente' word for it! But for now I will give you the benefit of the doubt and edit my previous post to something more appropriate! For now anyway until someone confirms it!
I included hl2.exe in the package
Your readme says to put three files in the directory or is the hijack_hl2.exe actually the steams exe?
Put the three files in your steam directory and run hijack_hl2.exe. It'll run your normal steam.exe and modify it while it's running.
You don't have to overwrite any file to install it.
Ok done that so i will just disable my internet to make sure its not connecting to steam! Then i will come back and verify if it worked. ;)
It WILL and MUST connect to steam!
This is not a crack, it'll only allow you to play the game without the CD in the drive. Nothing more!
Just a nocd, as explained on the web page.
I open the site with mozilla firefox
and loaded the side, my virusscanner says there where a trojan/browser hijacker on this site
Read your last post just before i went to disconnect so i left internet on but still got the 'Insert CD' message! But the thing I dont understand, the hl2.exe is not in the package? The other two files are there but not the hl2.exe?
I open the site with mozilla firefox
and loaded the side, my virusscanner says there where a trojan/browser hijacker on this site
Your virus detector is stupid. Did it panic when it found the word "hijack" on the webpage?
Everything is availiable to ensure there's no trojan: you can check the HTML source, the program source, build the source with Dev-C++ (free software) or something else and get hl2.exe from a friend you trust.
Grumpy: download it again or get it directly from the webpage (refresh it).
Ahh I see you added the hl2.exe after I had already downloaded the original package!! But guess what? IT WORKED!! Played without the CD!
You my friend are a legend in my views!! ;) ;) ;) :D
At last we dont need the CD but as Hijack has stated it still needs to connect to steam. :)
Thankyou very much for that Hijack ;) (sorry I doubted you but we are a suspicious bunch here) :D
P.S: You should post it to GameCopyWorld. Send it to here: http://gamecopyworld.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?sm_gcw
Benlehot
20-11-2004, 07:44
It WORKSSS
****ING NICE hijack !!!!
I love u :D :D :D
Make a release now, all people around the world need it!!!
i am very sorry hijack :(
my virus scanner is at "high and bloodhound" adjusted.
This and your name and that your have only one posting thats make me paranoid :)
I sent an email to GCW already, but they haven't published it yet (maybe because I didn't include hl2.exe). Feel free to promote it. I'm tired.
I announced it on daemon-tools forums, they removed my post. I posted on Steam forums, they banned me. I finally found this place. It's a pity helping people is soo hard.
Anyway, I understand your fear about trojans. That's the main reason I published the source code.
It possibly wont get posted on GCW til sunday/monday depending on when Empire starts week 48.
What's with GCW? From daily to weekly updates? Legal, technical problems or something else?
Floodblue
20-11-2004, 09:45
AAAAAhhh,
so can someone now figure out how to get it to work without Steam verification. All these hackers have gotten to play the game, and I, who bought the game for 55$, have yet to see the title screen b\c I don't have internet at home. Even bringing my pc to work to connect to the net did not work, very frustrated...
Big Country
20-11-2004, 09:57
I doubt anyone is going to get around the steam verification anytime soon. I have a 3mb connection and it took 10 minutes to unlock all my files. If it took steam 10 minutes to do that and they knew what to do it will take someone else a year to figure it out.
Bratmaxe
20-11-2004, 11:49
@hijack
You Crack fix also work with the retail Version is protected by Securom
Good Work!!!
However, let me put this straight: With hijack's modification, you don't have to put your DVD into the drive, but you have to be online EVERY time you start HL2 instead (NOT just only for the first activation)?!? Is that right?
(I really can't wait to buy that game, however I've sworn not to buy it till there's an offline activation and a nocd-patch! I just hate that steam nonsense!)
i bet the 2 first questions will be:
1.) can some1 please make a crack for this gameWon't the crack for CS Source's exe (used as "HL2.exe -steam -game cstrike") work for this game too.
Dimensio
20-11-2004, 15:11
I ran hijack's fix through a virus scanner, and it came out clean. Tested it, and it works.
Thanks, hijack!
EDIT:
Hijack's fix works for offline mode, also. I unplugged my Cat-5, launched hijack's replacement Steam launcher, went into offline mode, and played HL2 with no DVD in the drive for about 30 minutes without a problem.
Dude! Hijack! Your the best! My bro scratched my copy of HL2, so I was'nt able to load it up anymore - but you saved me!
I just joined this forum to tell you that you sir are awesome!
#makes sweet love to hijack#
steveo6269
20-11-2004, 19:12
Hijack's crack is used to eliminate the use of a dvd, but you still need to connect to Steam. How long will we have to wait before a patch comes out that gets rid of having to go online all together? Earlier in these Forums, someone mentioned EMPORIO. They have posted a patch (Half-Life 2 (c) Valve *PROPER* *STEAMRIP* *DVD*) http://www.nforce.nl/index.php?m=nfo&id=79344 Does anyone know if this patch eliminates the Steam Actvation? And if it does, will Hijack's patch be good to use along side of this? I bought the game and im also one of the people that doesnt have the internet on my computer. I just want to play Single Player and not connect to Steam.
Dimensio
20-11-2004, 19:13
I would also like to note that this is the first noCD crack that I have ever seen that has been released under the GPL.
Nice going! :)
Hijack's crack is used to eliminate the use of a dvd, but you still need to connect to Steam. How long will we have to wait before a patch comes out that gets rid of having to go online all together? Earlier in these Forums, someone mentioned EMPORIO. They have posted a patch (Half-Life 2 (c) Valve *PROPER* *STEAMRIP* *DVD*) http://www.nforce.nl/index.php?m=nfo&id=79344 Does anyone know if this patch eliminates the Steam Actvation? And if it does, will Hijack's patch be good to use along side of this? I bought the game and im also one of the people that doesnt have the internet on my computer. I just want to play Single Player and not connect to Steam.
I have the dvd version of HL2 and used Hi'jacks crack and i was able to connect with it to steam in offline mode.
To start steam in offline mode you must have "remember my password" option on the logon screen checked.
Also dont check "dont save account information on this computer" on the steam account settings screen.
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