important Windows Update KB3086255 blocks SC4 from starting

[rsc204 21,866]

If it's Windows 10 there is no update, the O/S as of it's release does not support the required files full stop so the workarounds here are only for Windows Vista, 7 and 8.

[dfnva 34]

I uninstalled the update... does that means it will never be reinstalled again when future Windows updates are installed, or will it be installed during each successive Windows update?

[Mister Giggles 310]

@Mister Giggles:  What version of wine are you running? 

I am running wine-1.7.50 on Ubuntu 15.04 using an AMD RS750 embedded chip with the X-Org default driver (AMD no longer supports this chip set). 

I do not have the problem you've described running with the DirectX 9.0c interface.

I did run Mint for a month or so, but concluded that, since it is a Ubuntu derivative, I'd rather deal with the front of the horse.  Debian is too elementary.  Whatever floats your boat.

I'm not sure it's WINE for the graphical issues. Could be several things. Need to test them. Bleh...

  Edited September 13, 2015 by Mister Giggles  

[rsc204 21,866]

You can choose to stop an update from reappearing by right clicking it and selecting "hide update". The problem is that Microsoft sometimes decide to offer it again, even though you've told it to stop doing so. For example this is most commonly done with applications like Skype and Silverlight (a product even MS have said should not be used anymore) and other MS software that at one point or another was on their agenda to install everywhere. They like to pretend it's a bug, but it's really not, it's frankly a disgusting abuse of power.

Personally, I'm not sure I could recommend to regular users not to install Windows updates, despite my feelings there could indeed be a security risk at the heart of this. However, over on SC4D Vortext posted some information that can be used to only disable whilst your game is running, in this case SC4, but it could be applied to other affected titles also. To be on the safe side, disconnect from the internet before play. Myself, I just won't install the update and will face the consequences, but then I know how to recover my system from any nasty's that may appear on it without too much fuss.

[dfnva 34]

I've changed from automatic updates to choosing which updates I install because the dang-blasted KB3086255 was installed on my computer overnight despite having deleted it last evening.  This was the main reason I downgraded from Windows 10 back to Windows 7. #Ridiculous

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

@Mister Giggles:  Perhaps the Linux problems should be brought to the Linux Corner thread.

[unnamed 174]

Which version of Windows are you on?  If it is 10 this cannot be undone.

I'm on windows 10, aww. I'll try to get origin to transfer me to digital. Thanks anyways. 

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

I've updated the article to include additional workarounds (e.g. purchase SC4 digitally, redeem key with Origin), and a notice about the potential risks of not installing the update. These changes have also been mirrored to the News & Omnibus copies.

However, it's worth remembering that the security risks are most likely nothing new. Vulnerabilities in secdrv.sys have been known as early as 2007, and KB3086255 seems the by-product following Microsoft's direction with Windows 10. Also like with any software, just because a flaw isn't discovered, it doesn't mean no flaw exists and something is immune to possible exploits. Just take Flash Player for example...

It's really a shame the flaws couldn't be investigated at least. But as already mentioned, going digital will be the way of the future.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

In my many years of experience with computers and programming I can safely say that no program is ever fully debugged.  The best ones can be considered release candidates only.

  Edited September 13, 2015 by A Nonny Moose  
fix grammar

[Jasoncw 11,949]

I just want to say that when I contacted Origin/EA support, they were prompt, courteous, and added my serial key to my origin account. 

I also asked them if they could add SC3K, but it doesn't seem like there is a digital version of that game for me to add.

Playing SC4 again from origin for the first time was strange because when it was loading up my computer was completely silent. I was so used to hearing the disc spinning! 

It was also novel to see the opening animation, the music turned on, the default tutorial region, and no modds.

So I recommend everyone contact them about this. Even if you do a workaround for the disc version, at least get it added to your account just in case they stop adding it in the future. 

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

@jasoncw: You can turn off the movie and add your options and plugins in the usual way.  Just find where Origin put your user structure.

[Stefan95 2]

I have read through this thread and just wanted to reassure myself of what I was reading.

My understanding is, if I have Windows 10, this update does not exist and is fact included as part of the OS.

So, in order to play my SC4 CD version, I would have to get a digital version from Origin, or else buy a new digital version elsewhere

I believe this is a shame that a game like SC4 could be essentially killed off in such a way. I have loved playing this game since I originally got it in 2010. 

  Edited September 14, 2015 by Stefan95  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

^ That is correct.  MS has discontinued support of the old safe disk protection mechanism and killed the library that supported it on all systems from Vista forward.

The game was released in 2003 and if you read my screed on being a software chair in a user group it sort of illustrates the attitude that MS has taken.  There is no telling what it has cost them to continue this support over the years, but they've decided that it is a security hole (maybe it is), so they've fixed everything retroactively all the way back to Vista.

One of the maxims my development shops always lived by is "If it is not broken, don't fix it."  MS doesn't seem to understand this.

[Xander Dax 310]

I Highly recommend this https://www.reddit.com/r/simcity4/comments/3kmfmi/quick_and_dirty_solution_to_recent_windows_update/

i tried it and my cd copy of simcity 4 works no problems now, and i didn't need to remove the update either.

only thing is the resolution he has on this made my game look squished so you might need to change the resolution numbers, but other than that perfect.

[Tropod 144]

MS did it again , they even reset my settings on updates to "update automatically" . So I set updates to , not at all . Funny that I played SC4 last night , but could not load game this morning . Finding this very discouraging . I hope that the most resent updates don't continue to reset my update preferences . I am using my second purchased copy of SC4 , even though nothing was wrong with the first . Just letting everyone know to check their Update preference . Good luck everybody . 

If you're tech-savy and inclined as such, you're better of actually disabling the service itself instead.

[raynev1 1,887]

MS did it again , they even reset my settings on updates to "update automatically" . So I set updates to , not at all . Funny that I played SC4 last night , but could not load game this morning . Finding this very discouraging . I hope that the most resent updates don't continue to reset my update preferences . I am using my second purchased copy of SC4 , even though nothing was wrong with the first . Just letting everyone know to check their Update preference . Good luck everybody . 

 

If you're tech-savy and inclined as such, you're better of actually disabling the service itself instead.

Tech savy I'm not .Only have learned through experience and self taught . Same thing happened to my first PC an old XP unit several years ago , then I knew much less . Live and learn friends. It's a tough world out there . And it's even tougher for the lesser educated . So those out there in school , stay in school . Trust is a choice , choose carefully . It's easier to learn from others mistakes . Thanks Tropod .

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

@raynev1:  You are quite right, of course.  It is important to choose the right school if you are looking at post-secondary work.  University isn't for everyone, and unless you are inclined to be a greasy grind, take a hard look at trade schools and apprenticeships.  Best thing about apprenticeships is that they are usually on-the-job or at least co-op, so you get some income along the way.

Some university programs in some schools (e.g. Engineering at University of Waterloo) are co-op as well, so you get to earn while you learn.

[CJDJ 0]

As an FYI, I have the Direct2Drive version (purchased back in 2012), and that one doesn't work.  I had it installed on an external drive when I upgraded to Windows 10, but I had to do a reformat/reinstall of Windows 10 (bad beta driver install).  Their version claims to be "DRM Free" but it won't install from the setup files.  Since I had it installed on my External, all I had to do was use a No CD Crack.  I'm kind of skeptical doing it that way, but it is a workaround. 

[matthew lofland 0]

Hi guys I was hit with this the other day. So l looked here and a lot of people are having the same issue. So I when and looked up my update s here on my windows 10 pro and the kb3086255 is not listed. But I cant play SimCity 4  so I uninstalled the one for September and no luck and then when I connected to the internet again the pc update to the one I just uninstalled so I think A Nonny Moose is right if u are running windows 10 your going to have to get the download for SimCity 4 . For me I have a Windows xp machine I picked up at a pc shop in my area just for my old games that ran under 98 and 2000 ect. so I will play SimCity 4 there for now. I  may  get the steam version this week when I get paid.

  Edited September 17, 2015 by matthew lofland  
miss spelled word

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

You didn't read carefully enough.  The fix does not apply to Windows 10 which doesn't have the capability anymore.  SimCity 4's safe disk protection is ancient history and it is not terribly surprising that support has ceased, even if the reason is probably spurious.  Get yourself a digital copy.  Many methods have been discussed.

[QuantumChicken 89]

Wth! they are also doing this on server OSs... Even Server 2003. I will say this is a reason why aliens don't talk to us...

And sorry for da bump,,,

  Edited September 27, 2015 by KillrChicken  
upps...

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

It would be nice if they would explain what security vulnerability they found in Safe Disk.  I really suspect it was simply a matter of cussedness.

[Abrams 1,744]

Thank you so much!I've wanted to start sc4 for weeks but didn't succeed.now i've found this topic yesterday,uninstalled this useless windows update,sc4 works fine now!Thanks!

[rsc204 21,866]

It would be nice if they would explain what security vulnerability they found in Safe Disk.  I really suspect it was simply a matter of cussedness.

The simple fact is, for years now it's been a widely held belief (even within MS) that being open about bugs and such issues, ultimately provides a safer environment for end users. So either there is an issue and MS have stopped being open (bad news), or this is as I suspect simply done for commercial reasons. Perhaps to stop older Windows versions looking better than Win10. Even that I don't believe, honestly still no one can come up with a compelling rationale for including this functionality all the way up to the release version of Win10, then dropping it. That tells me they wanted to can it, but didn't want users to know about it any sooner than absolutely necessary. Does that sound like a security vulnerability?,  because if that's how a company treats security, it's pretty darn worrying.

Personally I've never installed the update. But for those rushing to remove it, be warned, if this truly is a security issue with a flaw, code will almost certainly be made to use the flaw to compromise machines. That's not saying the code will come your way, but if you don't know what you are doing, it's probably inadvisable to remove such patches from your system.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I wonder if MS gets a kickback from EA for purchases of the digital version of SC4 Deluxe?

[Snugies 91]

I see it keeps auto downloading so I keep having to uninstall it.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I see it keeps auto downloading so I keep having to uninstall it.

Turn off automatic updates.

[Ro-Bo 183]

I just got back from 6 months SC4 hiatus. No suprise I can't start SC4 since I've been updating Windows regularly. The script from Reddit works like a charm. Thanks.

[Grayham 2]

Asked a stupid question I realized the answer to, this comment can be deleted.

  Edited October 12, 2015 by Grayham  

[johnnybnjp 11]

Hello, this thread has been very helpful.  I finally decided to redeem my product code from EA/Origin but am now experiencing a new issue.  Perhaps someone who has redeemed their code from Origin can help me.  I am new to Origin (just downloaded it).  The representative I chatted with was able to add SC4 deluxe to the "My Games" folder but when I select "Play", I get the same "Please login with administrator priveleges..." message I received when trying to play with the game disk.  The rep. then suggested that I right click on the SC4 icon in my Start menu and select "run as administrator".  I am then asked if I want EA to make changes to my hard drive, I select "Yes" and then nothing happens.  So, I am still stuck not able to play and not sure how to proceed. Has anyone else found a work around for this issue?  Should I be asking EA/Origin for a downloadable version of the game as opposed to the Origin "My Games" play window version?  Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated.  Thanks!