Best ASPI layer?
 

I have a problem - I cannot run CloneXXL without a proper ASPI layer.
I have an nVidia nForce 2 motherboard, and I use the optimized SW IDE drivers, which do not work through ASPI layer at all!

So, I wonder - can I use the NERO ASPI layer or maybe some other one?

I have Windows XP Pro SP1

I got Xactly the same prob - actually ClonyX does run on my system (win2000 + SP4) but it says that no ASPI layers are loaded. I ran Nero's Infotool, and it told me that system ASPI and Nero ASPI were installed and working properly ! :confused: :confused: :confused:

Actually I'm not too familiar with that ASPI stuff - how is it installed (is it just by copying some files into Windows system folder or something)? How to use, or even "switch" to a different ASPI ?? This is way beyond my scope...:mad:

Go search in Google for ForceASPI which will install ASPI layers 4.6 which are the most stable.

I tried those FORCE ASPI things and they screwed up my whole system!

Check this out

http://kcajjones.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Monarch/ASPI.jpg

See, the middle two are not the latest version. I keep running the update file, but it won't update the middle two files!

BTW, even when I used 4.6 ones, full set - ClonyXXL still did not detect ASPI layer and still cannot detect all the protections!

BTW, what is the difference between ClonyXXL and ClonyXL?

http://download.adaptec.com/software...aspi_471a2.exe

4.6 are the recomended version for Win95 and no higher should be installed on 95, else the system will become unstable.

This is the source of the rumours that 4.6 is the most stable.
They are, BUT only for Win95

Yes, yes, I downloaded those, but when I install them - you can look, it will not update all 4 files, and 2 are left with an older version!

ASPI destroyer
 

There IS a way to fully uninstall ASPI: type 'killaspi' & 'download' in Google. Ain't difficult to find. Killaspi should do the trick, then install ASPI 4.7...

BTW have-U tried reverting back to ASPI 4.6 (All 4 files)?

Yeah, the KILL thing does work, but then, once I update to 4.7... - it still says 4.6!

However, I looked in the readme that WindowsXP uses only the ones that are updated. It does NOT use those middle ones.
They are for Windows 2000, NT, etc, NOT XP.
Still, even 4.6 ones, ClonXXL did not work properly! Check out the other thread, I a picture of Tribunal CD thingy!

FLASH NEWS
 

I'm positively positive that you didn't succeed in fully installing ASPI version 4.6 : to that effect, U have to use - in DOS - the KILLASPI command, then reboot, then again in DOS run INSTASPI with the correct option according to your OS, then reboot, then run 'aspichk.exe' to make sure all 4 files are v4.6.

In my case, Clonyx (or Clonyxxl, whatever, just abbreviating) had some probs with versions 4.71 AND 4.72 - either it didn't load any ASPI, or it didn't recognize virtual drives, ... On the other hand, version 4.6 worked with Clonyx, but I still had some issues with (updated) Nero Incd's packet writing, or reading packet-written disks, ie. bluescreens at times, zut alors :mad: .

However, if you really did revert back to 4.6 and Clony didn't work for God knows what reason, I have discovered a (makeshift) alternative that could help: replace window's 'WNASPI32.DLL' file (which should be in c:\winnt\system32 or something) with Nero's version of the file, after having made a backup of the former if U wish.

This ASPI stuff is beyond my grasp, I'm not even sure what ASPI is: from what I've gathered so far, ASPI is some sort of generic driver for ANY optical device :confused: - which is why no drivers are ever provided when buying a CD/DVD reader/burner.

But what I can say is this: my "new method" (patent pending :D ) has solved both my Clony AND InCD probs & I've had no reading/burning issues so far :p :p .

PS. upon running 'aspichk.exe', it might tell U that ASPI is not properly installed. Pay no heed to this crap..

Well, I do not use Clony anymore, it does not detect protections for me, with 4.6 or 4.7 - it just doesn't!

... but HAVE U tried my aforementionned "Nero method" ?

As far as I know Clonyx is the only one that can identify ALL data/audio protections, in theory at least ;)

And if you've really given up on Clonyx, WHAT scanner d'you use ??

I mostly backup games, and I use Alcohol 120%'s forum thingy - there is a link to a list of all new games and their protections :D

I am not replacing Windows ASPI with NERO ASPI :p .
It works like a charm for SecuROM >4.84!!

Quote:

I am not replacing Windows ASPI with NERO ASPI ...

As U wish, it's your PC not mine :D

Perhaps a wise choice too, since I jus' read that even Nero ASPI layers, including the most recent ones, R known 2 have BUGS! Seems like we can't trust anyone these days... :mad: :mad: :mad:

Which brings back the question:

IS THERE ANY REALLY WORKING ASPI OUT THERE ???

That gives us a disadvantage because MAYBE CD Protection developers KNOW of ASPI bugs and USE those bugs to create protections!!!

Or maybe I just gave them a good idea...

U R right Dr Watson :cool:

Most software CD-protections make use of Microsh*t Windows bugs. This dates back to quite some time ago, with the advent of some types of C2 read errors.

Which is why many turn to Linux for backing up CDs, esp. protected ones. Much less risk of getting coasters, they say..

Only 2 of the four aspi files are needed if you are installing on a win2K or XP system. Thats why you have 2 files which seem out of date but actually you are on the latest version.
ASPI 4.6 is the best version to use for burning as 4.7 is quite unstable and causes more problems than it solves.
Try Compel ASPI. Works great but i cant attach it here

From what I heard - ASPi 4.6 is best for Windows95, but not for Windows 2K and XP...
I am not sure, I do not know what KIND of problem ASPI can cause...
All I know is that 4.7 alpha 2 did not cause any problems and I managed to get a good working copy of NWN: SoU!

Linux looks real good these days, but I'm a gamer :D .

ASPIrin, plz
 

Quote:

... Try Compel ASPI. Works great but i cant attach it here

First 'forceASPI', now 'compelASPI', what next: 'imposeASPI', 'coerceASPI' ? :D :D

Anyways, ASPI 4.6 is not intended for win95, true enough, but that's in theory. The facts say otherwise, indeed many claim to have had their reading/burning issues solved when reverting back to v4.6 even on recent OS platforms. Personnally, never read of a bug occuring with v4.6 that didn't arise with v4.7x too. And don't forget, ASPI is not the only source of burning problems, other parts of the OS can also be the cause, CD software bugs, etc, in fact there are parameters aplenty, it's a cruel world out there.. :(

Especially when you are so eager to burn a new game, and you got 4 hours of homework...

BTW, I'm doing my English presentation on CD protections (gonna confuse the hell out of my teacher and students)

Know any good newbie-friendly yet detailed articles on that?

Sorry for off-topic!

Ain't no real articles on CD protections as such. However U could try 'cdmediaworld.com', they've got a section which deals with the topic, to some LIMITED extent: protection manufacturers, their country of origin, a brief outline of how some work, etc...

Otherwise, nothing beats good ole' "type keywords in search motor" method :p

Groovy! :D