important Microsoft releases update, blocks SC4 from starting

I won't discuss "other" workarounds for this problem as this appears to be a taboo subject here (and is likely illegal).

However, I'd like to go on record to say that officially suggesting to bypass a security update seems a bit irresponsible to me. If the vulnerability turned out to be actually exploited in the future, those instructions would potentially have exposed thousands of users - not to mention the risk for inexperienced users to screw something up when playing with their update settings. At the very least, I'd advise you guys to add some kind of "At your own risk" mention to these instructions in bold letters to cover your behinds in case something happens...

Unless anyone has actually had a different experience, I think the best idea would be to get in touch with EA customer service and to request a digital copy of SC4/Rush Hour/Deluxe on Origin. This can be done in a matter of minutes by using their live chat. You will need to provide proof of physical ownership (a picture of your CDs and/or game manual with serial should suffice). Earlier this week I was able to activate a copy of Battlefield 2 that way, even though it had been purchased nearly 10 years ago and is even no longer for sale on Origin. I've got to hand it to EA, my experience with them was surprisingly very pleasant. IMO, this is the easiest, safest, most cost-efficient and most legit solution. 

I've had problems with SimCity 4 every windows update for its disgusting. some scheme to make us buy new games. its one of the few games I can play that doesn't make my eyes tired and sore. Do I have to spend my time reading books now? nice way to ruin a sunday.

  Edited September 13, 2015 by Snugies  

Thanks for the suggestions.

The article has been updated with additional workarounds, and a notice about the potential risks of not installing the update.

Go on Linux
Microsoft must die

Here is another suggestion. If disabling the security is too dis-comforting, Get an alternate computer, set-up UntangleOS (Debian), which is free, then configure it as a gateway. I have been using it for years and have not the need for a firewall or ANY anti-malware software on any of my computers. It nukes viruses, malware, and hackers at the gateway before it even gets onto the user's computer. (http://www.untangle.com/). This is for those who can afford an alternate machine.

This update has also prevented me from playing Simcity 3000 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, Microsoft what have you done?!! Guess i'm just going to have to uninstall the update, and i'm definitely not upgrading to Win10!

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.

I uninstalled that POJ update as soon as I saw what was going on.  Given the way they're pressuring W7 users like me to upgrade, I'm calling Microsoft's bluff on the security issues.  I may still try Xander Dax's recommendation later on, though.

  Edited September 15, 2015 by metarvo  

mines will not start at all

Hello City89,

You can probably keep the critical update and still run SC4. But in that case it might be necessary to first enable the service before you can start it manually (it was in my case). What helped for me:

1. first enable the service manually: 
   start a command prompt as administrator
   type in command prompt: sc config secdrv start= demand 
2. reboot
3. start the service manually:
   start a command prompt as administrator
   type in command prompt: sc start secdrv
4. start SC4

Alternatively you could also set the service to start automatically every time you boot up your machine. The howto is described in Cyclone Boom's post. Just make sure you reboot one time after auto-enabling the service before you start SC4.

Best regards,

kaduuken

As an FYI, the Direct2Drive version doesn't work.  It claims to be a "DRM Free" version (i.e. no Serial number provided).  I purchased it back in 2012 after losing my SC4 & Rush Hour CD during a move.  It won't install on my Windows 10 Machine, but I did have it previously installed when I was on Windows 7, on my External.  Even that wouldn't run, so I checked for a "Fixed EXE" file (i.e. cracked executable), which worked... but I don't like using it as a workaround...

is anyone els getting this ok i uninstalled it ok thats fine but every time i reload the game i have to uninstall it agien y is this

Sure glad I never updated after XP.  What a huge mistake that would have been.  Oh, and my pc wasn't hacked, taken over by some nefarious group like Micrsucks claimed would happen, didn't even update XP with their XP updates.  All I get a smooth running pc with no hiccups with the os.

i removed the update, and it works fine.

now, if only i could play simfarm...

Sure glad I never updated after XP.  What a huge mistake that would have been.  Oh, and my pc wasn't hacked, taken over by some nefarious group like Micrsucks claimed would happen, didn't even update XP with their XP updates.  All I get a smooth running pc with no hiccups with the os.

If that's your machine to do nothing but run vintage games on, sure. If you're using it normally, I'm sorry, but that's asinine and dangerous and you will get that confirmed not only by Microsoft. Your machine is extremely vulnerable and the "with no hiccups" part I consider to be entirely a subjective experience. You should really consider updating. I'm using Win 7 and considering it the best release so far. The fact that we're running into a very specific combination of circumstances here leading to a need to choose one from a pretty sizeable list of perfectly doable workarounds in my eyes fails to serve as an argument to stay 10+ years in the past, OS-wise.

i removed the update, and it works fine.

I suggest not doing that. If you stick to the instructions, manually reacivating the driver in question takes five minutes, is safe and it's a one-time thing. That way you don't rob yourself of the other security functions of the update.

The same thing has happened 2 me as well. Is there a way around this by all means please let me know.

If the update in uninstalled and I never play the game over the Internet should my computer be safe for harm?

The autoenable option works like a charm. I would suggest that anyone with administrator access to their machine use this method, as it also leaves you fully eligible for Microsoft support should any other unforeseen problem arise.

I would advise, however, to seek a digital version ASAP. Hopefully they will have a sale soon, so I can pick it up for $5 on GOG or Amazon or something. That would be the best.

Ha, already downloaded a crack for it before I even knew what the problem was. So physical copies of the game are now rendered virtually useless? Pretty weird though, I uninstalled the game and reinstalled it with no hiccups; thought it may have been wear and tear on the discs but no, just Microsoft being paranoid.

If the update in uninstalled and I never play the game over the Internet should my computer be safe for harm?

Without knowing the extent of the security flaws, it's hard to give a definitive answer really. What we do know is they're most likely nothing new, and there's been vulnerabilities in secdrv from as far back as 2007.

In theory, disconnecting from the internet should reduce risks from remote exploits. This is because there'd be less chance an attacker could exploit the flaws remotely (when the service is on). Of course, having an updated anti-virus / firewall will also increase your system security, along with running frequent malware scans.

Jeeeez, people. Enough hate already, don't exaggerate. Microsoft is a really OK company.

What?!? they are so paranoid about piracy that they completely disabled the older games from running...

The update is security-related, has nothing to do with piracy. But I guess MS is also to blame if you ignore their update and get compromised, right?

  Edited September 24, 2015 by Judazzz