SafeDisc 2 Explained and Defeated...
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| Posted by | Dennis |
| Posted on | 17/08/01 13:57 |
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One of the most common and best known copy-protections found on games today is the SafeDisc protection which you must all have encountered sooner or later when you wanted to copy a game. SafeDisc is a protection that (in short) relies on read errors on the original disc and in order to copy this disc you needed a burner that could (read and) write uncorrected data so the errors were also present on the back-up. Since a couple of months now there's a new version of this protection called (how original) SafeDisc 2. In this article I want to explain what it is, how you can defeat it and which alternatives there are. First a little background info on the company that developed this protection:
Macrovision
Macrovision is a Californian company that earns its living by designing various protections for media content like VHS tapes and Compact Discs. SafeDisc is one of their best known CD protections and one of their recent developments is the Audio Disc protection called SafeAudio. This protection has already been cracked (for more information check here) and SafeDisc 2 is no exception.
Well you gotta love 'em for trying
SafeDisc vs. SafeDisc 2: The Technique Explained
SafeDisc 2 was first encountered on the game 'Red Alert 2' by Electronic Arts which caused a little shock in the back-up world… There were a lot of people who had problems copying this game while some seemed to copy it without any problems whatsoever. What was the deal here?
SafeDisc has a few hundred errors in the first 10.000 sectors of the disc but so does SafeDisc 2. The difference (and problem) lies in the first, what appear to be 'good,' 500 sectors of the disc. The reading of the disc is not really a problem but when you want to write these sectors something goes wrong. We have to get a bit technical now but I'll keep it simple so you can understand it:
The (estimated) first 500 sectors of a SafeDisc 2 protected game at first sight look like a collection of crappy data. It has a lot of zero's but is also has special 10 sector groups containing a regular bit pattern. When you read this data with a CD-ROM it will pass through a so-called 'sector scrambler' which is present in all CD-ROMs and Writers. A regular pattern like this will 'appear': XYXYXYXYXYXY…
But, like I said, the problem occurs when you want to write these regular bit patterns because there are a lot of burners that don't like to do this. A writer has to produce the same patterns and it uses a so-called 'EFM Encoder' for this. When a regular bit pattern goes through the EFM Encoder it is converted to a smaller value by converting bits to bytes (8 bit = 1 byte) in a pre-determined way. Now here's the problem: SafeDisc 2 tries to overload the EFM Encoder of the writer, by using the 10 sector groups, so it will loose synch and write wrong (irregular) bit patterns.
In short this is what happens when you write a SafeDisc 2 protected game. When you want to play a SafeDisc 2 back-up the game will check if there are regular bit patterns on the disc and if not it will give an error and refuse to play. We will call these sectors with regular bit patterns 'Weak Sectors' from now on.
Which Writer?
Some writers are more effected by the problem of writing regular bit patterns than others. Some writers (e.g. the Philips and Acer writers) have no problem at all copying these patterns while some simply can't do it (e.g. the Aopen and NEC writers). And then there are writers that will make a back-up that works in the recorder only like some Plextor models and Ricoh models. If you want to find out if your burner can handle SafeDisc 2 it's best to check the CloneCD Hardware Requirements and see if it supports 'Correct EFM encoding of regular bit patterns.' This list doesn't mention writers that will make a back-up that works in the recorder only so here's another list that does…
Now for the interesting part: how do we defeat this SafeDisc 2 protection?
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"CD Freaks doesn't support or encourage software piracy but people have the right to back-up their games (if they are the owner) for personal use. That's what this article was intended for. "
Why don't you ask the maker of the game if you can copy itfor your own use. You are being hypocritical. If people want to back a game, then they should send a letter requesting permission and a way to do so. You are being complicit and you completely advocate illegal pirating.
Why don't you ask the maker of the game if you can copy itfor your own use. You are being hypocritical. If people want to back a game, then they should send a letter requesting permission and a way to do so. You are being complicit and you completely advocate illegal pirating.
If you don't like this site get the f*ck out of it... :P
It is my right to make a backup... and when the software company is preventing me in doing that... I must search for a source which keeps it possible to make a good copy... so: great work, CDFREAKS! :7
It is my right to make a backup... and when the software company is preventing me in doing that... I must search for a source which keeps it possible to make a good copy... so: great work, CDFREAKS! :7
You do have written consent from the manufacturer. Read the EULA agreement, in most cases you are allowed 3 personal copies of the game. I think Macrovision_Rules should know a little more about what he is talking about, because I , as well as others I am sure, am getting sick if his comments that are supportive of protection, but have no base when it comes to the legality of copying a cd. I dont know how many of you have been happy you have that backup of a game when the original gets a nice scratch, or you left it in the sun too long. So cool it Macrovision_Rules
First off, I am no lover of MacroVision or CD copy protection, but the 'Legal right to backup' is apparently a myth.
I thought, at first that this was true, but after writing a e-mail to the european copyright council complaining about the infringment on my right by MacroVision and other copy protection companies, I was informed that Copying is Illegal, in any form and the EULA state that no part of the CD or product can be copied, not even with consent.
Now I know this will not change many poeple opinions on copying and copyright laws may be different in america but i just though i'd make the point.
I thought, at first that this was true, but after writing a e-mail to the european copyright council complaining about the infringment on my right by MacroVision and other copy protection companies, I was informed that Copying is Illegal, in any form and the EULA state that no part of the CD or product can be copied, not even with consent.
Now I know this will not change many poeple opinions on copying and copyright laws may be different in america but i just though i'd make the point.
Posted by trueice on Sunday 23 September 2001 23:10
It is true that some EULA state that no copies are allowed, however, some also state that a certain number are allowed as long as there is not intent to sell or distribute.
Posted by dado on Tuesday 25 September 2001 11:59
Very good article.. But I wasn´t able to make a backup of my Max Payne. When I tryed to install it it stopped and complained about the file data2. Is it anything wrong with the original cd?? I used CloneCD and BetaBlocker. What should I do??
I think that all legit purchasers should be able to make backups of their games. I have been told by a couple of companies (and my friends have also) that they are not allowed to make ANY additional copies at all of their PURCHASED software. One of my best friends had his house burn about 6 months ago and lost a lot of games, so we all started backing up what we could, but with copy protection today we often don't get very far. I believe that if I purchase a game, I should be able to make backups for myself with no problems, I bought it, I can do what I want with it, damnit! (within reason)
Posted by MozEs on Tuesday 30 October 2001 11:09
I live in Norway, and here everyone has a RIGHT to make copies of cd's and even share it with friends and family,so copy protection like this is actually against norwegian law...
-About the article: I got a plexwriter 24/10/40,and acording to the list in this article states that it supports correct efm coding, my backups of diablo2 will only play in the burner.. Does anyone know why?
-About the article: I got a plexwriter 24/10/40,and acording to the list in this article states that it supports correct efm coding, my backups of diablo2 will only play in the burner.. Does anyone know why?
Mozez. You're NOT allowed to make copies of cd's and share them with your friends in Norway. Where have you heard that? :4
Good site!:4 I have found where i was looking for! And now let's hack and crack some games!!!
perhaps if game makers made there games more affordable, we would not be looking to copy them for friends or family. I get a little PO'd when I pay 40-50$ only to see the price slashed in half 6 months down the road
Most EULA's state that at least one backup can be made of a program for your own use, and limit how many systems the program can be simultaneously installed or run on.
If the EULA does not permit backups of the CD to be made, then the company typically will provide you a backup in case of damage or loss to the cd.
Now not to insult anyone, but if you lose all proof of ownership, i.e. you don't keep the original receipt/box, you're accepting the fact that you may not be able to claim ownership if the original CD is lost. In the case of high-end programs like 3d modelling or CAD, you should have backups and/or proof of ownership off-site.
Simply put: most EULA's provision for replacement copies or allow you to make a "Fair Use" personal backup. If in doubt, read the EULA or contact the manufacturer.
If the EULA does not permit backups of the CD to be made, then the company typically will provide you a backup in case of damage or loss to the cd.
Now not to insult anyone, but if you lose all proof of ownership, i.e. you don't keep the original receipt/box, you're accepting the fact that you may not be able to claim ownership if the original CD is lost. In the case of high-end programs like 3d modelling or CAD, you should have backups and/or proof of ownership off-site.
Simply put: most EULA's provision for replacement copies or allow you to make a "Fair Use" personal backup. If in doubt, read the EULA or contact the manufacturer.
Posted by spin on Wednesday 30 January 2002 01:32
Well with respect to USA copyright law, ANYTHING can be copied. Period. There are perfectly legal ways a copyrighted work can be copied and publicly even used or distributed, such as Fair Use, or Parody. Of course there are certain limiting factors. Aren't there always.
There's a significant body of legal argument to suggest one can even copy say a music CD and give it privately to a friend. The big distinction is copying a work and then selling it as your own. That's obviously not going to work. But, USA copyright law does not prevent me from laying a book I've purchased across my scanner and printing copies of it so I can read it in my upstairs bathroom while I leave the book downstairs on my bookcase. It's simply not defined that way. The same would go for copying CD's. Regardless of what the EULA states. It's a common practice to put restrictions and limits on rights in a EULA to the advantage of the owner that are NOT legally enforcable in the hopes that the unwary consumer toes the line. I have small children, my smallest is now 2 and she used the computer by herself. But being 2 yrs old, I MUST give her COPIES of her games and activity programs. I date the copied disks and sometimes I'm making one I just made a month ago. You gotta accept this when allowing 2 yr olds to discover and learn.
Spin Out
There's a significant body of legal argument to suggest one can even copy say a music CD and give it privately to a friend. The big distinction is copying a work and then selling it as your own. That's obviously not going to work. But, USA copyright law does not prevent me from laying a book I've purchased across my scanner and printing copies of it so I can read it in my upstairs bathroom while I leave the book downstairs on my bookcase. It's simply not defined that way. The same would go for copying CD's. Regardless of what the EULA states. It's a common practice to put restrictions and limits on rights in a EULA to the advantage of the owner that are NOT legally enforcable in the hopes that the unwary consumer toes the line. I have small children, my smallest is now 2 and she used the computer by herself. But being 2 yrs old, I MUST give her COPIES of her games and activity programs. I date the copied disks and sometimes I'm making one I just made a month ago. You gotta accept this when allowing 2 yr olds to discover and learn.
Spin Out
First of all, Macrovision_rules doesn't know his head from his ass. Secondly, I'd like to say that I have the right to copy any game that I own. I'm the one who goes to work and works hard for the money that I spend on these games and If I want to copy those games I can. Thank you for the insight, CD Freaks. I now have working backups of all 4 Sims cd's.
Posted by skier on Thursday 28 February 2002 07:11
I recently had my half-life CD scratched, and
fortunately made a backup from a friend.
In a much worse incident, I had put all my
favorite game CDs into a travel case to take
to a LAN party. The case came home with
me and was sat by my phone. A few days
later when I went to play Diablo2, I couldn't
find the case. After searching multiple times
over the next 3 weeks, I finally decided that
my kids must have knocked it off of my desk
and into my little trash can.
I check with Blizzard about getting
replacement disk, and (if I remember right)
$15 to replace a disk, plus $5 for each
additional disk. (Recall that Diablo2
comes with 3 disks, all of which I lost)
They also would require me to sent my CD
case as verification that I actually owned
the game. Since the case was the only thing
I had a proof of owning the game, I'd have
to insure the shipment and ask for delivery
confirmation, because if it got lost in the
mail...
Anyway, going this route was going to cost
me about $30 after all three disk + shipping
, so I decided to go the cheaper route. I
just made copies of my lost CD from friends,
which cost me about $2 in CD-Rs for all the
disks I lost. If Blizzard or any of the
other companies who's original disks I lost
only wanted to charge me $1 and maybe $5
shipping, then I'd probably have done it,
just to have the original CDs again, but
at $30, yikes! I could just buy the game
again for probably cheaper, since they've
been out a while. Needless to say, I'm
happy that things like cloneCD and my
plextor 12/10/32 are available to make
my life easier. (and even a little
cheaper) :7
-Skier
fortunately made a backup from a friend.
In a much worse incident, I had put all my
favorite game CDs into a travel case to take
to a LAN party. The case came home with
me and was sat by my phone. A few days
later when I went to play Diablo2, I couldn't
find the case. After searching multiple times
over the next 3 weeks, I finally decided that
my kids must have knocked it off of my desk
and into my little trash can.
I check with Blizzard about getting
replacement disk, and (if I remember right)
$15 to replace a disk, plus $5 for each
additional disk. (Recall that Diablo2
comes with 3 disks, all of which I lost)
They also would require me to sent my CD
case as verification that I actually owned
the game. Since the case was the only thing
I had a proof of owning the game, I'd have
to insure the shipment and ask for delivery
confirmation, because if it got lost in the
mail...
Anyway, going this route was going to cost
me about $30 after all three disk + shipping
, so I decided to go the cheaper route. I
just made copies of my lost CD from friends,
which cost me about $2 in CD-Rs for all the
disks I lost. If Blizzard or any of the
other companies who's original disks I lost
only wanted to charge me $1 and maybe $5
shipping, then I'd probably have done it,
just to have the original CDs again, but
at $30, yikes! I could just buy the game
again for probably cheaper, since they've
been out a while. Needless to say, I'm
happy that things like cloneCD and my
plextor 12/10/32 are available to make
my life easier. (and even a little
cheaper) :7
-Skier
I tried to copy Red Alert 2:Yuris revenge expansion pack and it didnt work. The image was created and patched successfully. And it burned onto the cd fine but the disc kep saying it was full but enreadable?
Posted by cruicent on Sunday 31 March 2002 17:53
i hate not being allowed to copy games. i have a game i installed a while back, it takes up about 600 mb (and with my pc - lowest of the low/crapiest of the crap - its a lot of space). my cd (which was original - i didnt make a copy) is now messed up 4 some reason. the data on my pc is also messed up for some reason; i cant uninstall it cause somethings wrong with the installed data on my pc, i cant reinstall it to uninstall because my cd is messed up. all of this was in the days when i didnt do anything illeagal - which includes copying cd's. if i did copy the cd, i would have no problem.
backing up safedisk v2 i had problems but found that it was o.k.on a rewritable disk on cdr's it was no good any explanations of why?
Posted by sirvoid on Saturday 15 June 2002 01:38
I have 3 kids a wife and 6 computers. And I am not about to buy 6 copies at anywhere from 40 to 60 bucks a pop for newer games. I spent the hard earned cash to buy the product so if I want to copy it for my OWN home use, then I have the right to. Thanks CD Freaks. Got all of my games copied with your help.
I hate to have someone do my work, but I have encountered the uncopiable disk. If anyone has the Game Stronghold, and can make a copy of it, PLEASE tell me how. My brother, in college, wants the game, but I'm not done with it. I tried every given solution, it just wouldn't work, the closest thing was insektors, but that failed in the end. Help me CD Freaks you are my only hope
The newest versions of SafeDisk2 check the CD player for whether a CDR is in the drive. CDROMs dont report the CDR, but CD-R/W DO!! Daemon Tools SafeDisk Emulation and CloneCD's 'Hide CDR Media' Defeat this check. :9
Posted by TRACEY ROUX (guest) on Monday 01 October 2007 16:46
PLEASE ASSIST ME WITH THE PRICE OF SAFEDISC ADVANCE AND HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY
THANX
TRACEY ROUX
THANX
TRACEY ROUX
Posted by Mr.Mr. on Monday 16 June 2008 14:52
The hypocrisy that lives in the human mind is evident when someone pays $250.00 for a CD of some program, drops it on the floor and when it won't load in his/her drive secretly says to themself, shoot I wish I had made a back-up copy, when just a day or so they had said somethig about some EULA.
I can say with the utmost confidence,that anyone & EVERYone who pays a thousand times more than what a cd is actually worth and knows how fragile it is and it's ease of distruction as well, is saying one thing in a forum and behind closed doors is obviously doing another.
I would bet my life that each and every person who has said just a small sentence about how we should not copy, has a stack of blank CD's at his/her desk.
We are all human and and work hard for our money, so no matter who you are or what you advocate, we all cheat at something. It's in our blood.
I can say with the utmost confidence,that anyone & EVERYone who pays a thousand times more than what a cd is actually worth and knows how fragile it is and it's ease of distruction as well, is saying one thing in a forum and behind closed doors is obviously doing another.
I would bet my life that each and every person who has said just a small sentence about how we should not copy, has a stack of blank CD's at his/her desk.
We are all human and and work hard for our money, so no matter who you are or what you advocate, we all cheat at something. It's in our blood.
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