important Windows Update KB3086255 blocks SC4 from starting

[rsc204 21,865]

This problem is usually where the shortcuts still link to the original CD version. Per-chance did you forget to uninstall the previous install of SC4 before installing the digital version? If so you need to remove everything and start from a new clean install of the digital version.

[johnnybnjp 11]

Thanks rsc204.  This makes sense.  Do I really need to uninstall everything in order for the digital version to work?  I have over a year of work put into my region and about 2 gigs of mods.  Should I just put these on a separate drive and install them later?

[Compdude787 916]

Did you uninstall the disc version of the game first? That may be causing problems.

EDIT: Oops, didn't see that there were replies to your post already.

  Edited November 30, 2015 by Compdude787  

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

Thanks rsc204.  This makes sense.  Do I really need to uninstall everything in order for the digital version to work?  I have over a year of work put into my region and about 2 gigs of mods.  Should I just put these on a separate drive and install them later?

Yes, I agree that'd be the best way forward.

Uninstalling should just remove the game's installation structure (Program Files), not any content stored in your personal "Documents" user space. However, having a content backup is always a good idea. This would be the entire SimCity 4 folder containing all Plugins, Regions and Albums.

Once you've completely removed SC4, restart your system, and then try reinstalling the digital game.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I think first you have to uninstall the CD version and install the Origin version.  Once installed you should be able to play the game without an Origin login.

[rsc204 21,865]

As was confirmed, during uninstallation it will give you the option to remove SC folders or keep them (your regions and plugins). However I'd simply move the plugins and regions folders elsewhere before uninstalling and put them back afterwards. Otherwise just make a backup before you start in case something goes wrong.

The only things you might need to do upon reinstalling the game is remember to setup any target switches once more for the shortcut. Setup of any graphics options, redoing the I-HT fix and patching the game (although usually this is not necessary for the digital versions as they are pre-patched). One thing I forgot was to run the NAM installer as it adds a 4GB patch to the SC4.exe file. This can make a huge difference to your game on a modern PC, especially if you have a larger plugin suite.

[johnnybnjp 11]

Thanks for your help.  Yes, I needed to remove the old CD version first before Origin would allow me to download the new digital version.  I am up and running again.  So long real life!

[Odainsaker 2,136]

On ‎9‎/‎9‎/‎2015 at 4:17 PM, Cyclone Boom said:

• To disable the driver's service, type the following command:
  sc config secdrv start= disabled
   
• To set the driver's service to manual, type the following command:
  sc config secdrv start= demand
   
• To enable the driver's service (and to set it to automatic), type the following command:
  sc config secdrv start=auto

The last command actually has a typo by Microsoft that has since been carried over on every site quoting Microsoft's instructions.  It should actually be:

sc config secdrv start= auto

The space after "=" is required as part of the syntax, as seen in the previous two commands, and the system will gently point this out with a syntax error message if the command is entered without the requisite space.  I learned this the hard way, but once learned and resolved, the corrected command does work and allows SimCity 4 discs to play normally after the Windows security update is installed.

Along with reductions in its quality control testing and debugging workforce, Microsoft apparently also cut down on its proofreaders.

 

[rsc204 21,865]

4 hours ago, Odainsaker said:

Along with reductions in its quality control testing and debugging workforce, Microsoft apparently also cut down on its proofreaders.

Conspiracy theory: MS wanted you to fail perhaps?

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

9 hours ago, Odainsaker said:

The last command actually has a typo by Microsoft that has since been carried over on every site quoting Microsoft's instructions.  It should actually be:

sc config secdrv start= auto

Good catch, thanks very much for the info.

Along with a brief note, I've updated the initial post here, on the homepage news article, and in the Omnibus.

If they'd like to correct it, I also let them know of the error through the article's feedback form. Misinformation can so easily spread.

 

5 hours ago, rsc204 said:

Conspiracy theory: MS wanted you to fail perhaps?

Since the error was made on a command to enable the service, it certainly makes you wonder...

[CorinaMarie 29,875]

As part of our ongoing reorganization, this topic has been unpinned. You can still post in it and the master list is the Crashes and Problems - Look Here First thread.

-Cori

[fordfjord 3]

I dusted off the old CDs several weeks back, and SimCity 4 (Deluxe) would not start. Spent a month of weekends trying different things, and KB3086255 was the answer.

Many thanks to Cyclone Boom for posting this, and to any and all who worked on figuring this out.

I run Windows 7 (Professional) at home, mainly because that's what my company uses for its proprietary software. And, yes, Windows 10 update policies regularly break our work software suite, as well. Microsoft can take a flying leap, for all the trouble I've had "repairing" my company's customers' building automation servers and software installations.