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Philips DVD8601 problem starting securom protected games
Dell 8400 w/ Philips DVD8601 combo drive
XP SP2 installed
System is three months old, purchased new from Dell w/ above combo drive installed. From the beginning I've had problems starting Securom protected games from this combo drive (drive spins but game doesn't start, and eventually the authentication process times out, displaying a short error message). Star Wars:KOTOR was first, then TRON 2.0, as I recall. Now I'm having problems with X2:The Threat, which refuses to start after a successful install. All programs were purchased retail at the local mall, and are authentic and legal. I uninstalled all DVD software weeks ago, and have tried every trick I've come across on this forum, including uninstalling the drive and rebooting. I've not tried to burn a DVD yet. I've had problems burning CD-RW, but CD-R burn fine.
Help, please.
I've otherwise been pleased with Dell products, and am a repeat customer (2nd Dell). I also recommend Dell to anyone asking, and am personally responsible for influencing the purchase of 3 additional Dell systems by family and friends within the last 2 years. I'm sure Dell values my business, and am looking forward to the swift resolution of this problem.
401
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Posted October 13th, 2004 14:00
I have a Dimension 4700, delivered last week. It has the same DVD drive, and the same problem. Tried uninstalling Sonic (all parts of it), no effect. Firmware is up to date, dell support couldn't help. The problem is getting worse too, games that were fine first off aren't now.Help much appreciatedGreg401
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Posted October 14th, 2004 10:00
Thank You! for this thread I thought it was just me having the problems you are having, if someone out there can help it would make my day.401
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Posted October 15th, 2004 10:00
Hi,
Recently one Member mentioned a problem with Direct X, consider updating it if you have not already done so, verify DMA is enabled for the drive as well. Due to the number of problems popping up with this drive, there may be a firmware update in the near future, I`ll keep a check.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link
401
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Posted October 15th, 2004 20:00
After e-mailing Dell Tech Support, I received an e-mail stating that a replacement for the drive had been mailed to a local Dell support contact.Just now had the drive replaced by a Dell contracted technician, and the game still will not start. Replacement was easy, and the tech was certainly nice enough, but a week has gone by with no change in the original problem. I am about to call Dell support online. Maybe they can walk me through the problem.And you can be sure I'll be hanging up on anyone with a heavy accent and a phone script. Sooner or later I'll get someone in the states.Does Dell even monitor this forum?Thin on Patience401
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Posted October 15th, 2004 21:00
(oops, last post was cut off somehow. Hope my spelling was okay)
...anyway...
To Predator: Thank you for you input. However, the Philips DVD8601 doesn't have firmware. And how current should my DirectX be? I'm running the latest version, having updated when I recieved the computer two months ago. I welcome any additional suggestions, but I suspect I am beyond even your help. Kudos on your website, though. Lots of good info, just none that applies to my problem, as far as I can tell.
To smarmy, zit-popping, software-pirate types: Bite me. It's because of the likes of you that this problem even exists. Regardless of your income, lifestyle or politics, you should pay for your software. And no, none of the games I'm having problems with are copied. All are authentic and legal original discs, having been purchased at the local mall. And yes, I saw you standing in line to see Shrek2, holding your little sisters hand, terrified that your psuedo-hacker buddies would see you.
I'm tired.
..End of Rant..
401
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Posted October 15th, 2004 21:00
Commence Rant......
Madness, I tell you! Absolute madness!
Of course, Dell tech support denies any responsiblity, instead passing the buck to Securom. "A problem specific to this model drive", they said (in grammatically correct but barely understandable english (I got impatient)).
Okay, Dell. So replace it. Or repair it.
It seems to me that Dell accepts resposiblity for any quality assurance issues when they offered the drive as standard equipment on a system sold through thier website. According to the various posts I've found on several different forums, the problem is, indeed, "..specific to this model drive".
So. What should I do, Dell? Call Securom for a solution to the problem that is...(wait for it)..."specific to this model drive" (do you see a pattern)? Why would Securom care? Securom protected games work on any number of different DVD/CD combo drives. That Philips engineered, manufactured and sold a defective drive to Dell, and Dell in turn installed/sold it to me is not Securoms' problem. And any time or effort they spend solving a Philips/Dell problem would fall completely under the heading of charity. The onus here is completely on Philips to design a product compatible with all existing, and at least semi-common, copy protection schemes.
In conclusion, a couple of updates/discalimers;
Predator,
401
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Posted October 15th, 2004 22:00
Sorry, got a bit carried away with that last post.
I didn't mention that I actually did try to contact Securom tech support. By email first, recieving an error stating that the message was undeliverable due to multiple entries for that address being found (or something like that). Then by phone (using a number given out by Dell tech support), getting a recorded message that said, in effect, leave your name, email address and a short description of your problem and we'll get back to you.
Yep. I'll bet. Get right back to me.
I've not yet emailed the publisher of any of the games using Securom copy protection, and I don't think I will. Instead, I'll use what free time I do have to call my credit card company and see what my options are for returning a defective product.
Unless, of course, Dell wishes to actually take ownership of this problem and acutally offer some help.
...I'm standing by....
401
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Posted October 20th, 2004 07:00
I had the same problem with mine. Eventually, I contacted Dell and threatened to return the entire system. (I was within the 30 day return period). The Dell customer care rep gave me a $500 credit towards my purchase, so I just went out and bought a Pioneer 108 DVD-/+RW and threw out the Philips that came with the Dell.
Do yourself a favor, and just replace the drive. The Philips drive is nothing but problems, and to add insult to unjury, it does not even write to -R Media.495
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Posted October 20th, 2004 20:00
After a few e-mails - The answer:
"Dear Customer,
This appears to be an anomaly with your Philips drive. Other users have also been experiencing issues with these drives. We are currently creating a patch to resolve this issue. Once the patch is available, we will contact you immediately. Sorry about any inconvience.
Best Regards,
SecuRom Support Team"
Predator
2 Intern
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15286 Posts
401
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Posted October 12th, 2004 07:00
Hi Lee,
Some Members have reported problem with installing games due to Sonic`s DLA being installed, if you have it consider uninstalling it and see if this helps.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link