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Re: Command and conquer: Generals Zero Hour - the game won't start on Windows 10

@Eremzii 

Sadly, this is due to the DRM system of the game, SafeDisc, no longer being supported by Windows.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SafeDisc#Withdrawal_of_support

On Windows versions before Windows 10, this withdrawal of support was done through a patch (KB3086255), and there were ways to uninstall that patch. However, in Windows 10, all traces of SafeDisc support have simply been remove from the operating system from the start.

The only ways around this are:

  • Run the game on an older Windows version (like on an older PC or in a Virtual Machine) where the copy protection system still works.
  • Circumvent the copy protection system using a 3rd party patch (which, I believe, in this case, is certainly a justified case).
  • Buy the game again in digital format, by getting The Ultimate Collection on Origin.

2 Replies

  • So if I understand you, EA does not support a game that they still sell in the Origin store? Am I the only one finding this ridiculous? I'm honestly outraged because I'm unable to play any of the games from the Ultimate collection that is not Red Alert 3, C&C 3. Thus making my purchase 4/5 waste. 

    Anyhow, I've noticed by installing the origin launcher in VBox on a Windows 7 machine, the exact same issues appear. Unable to run

    • Command & Conquer
    • Red Alert
    • Tiberian Sun
    • Red Alert 2
    • Generals

    I don't know who is in charge of supporting games at EA, but I would fire the guy straight away because this is not normal. :/ 

  • mrtnptrs's avatar
    mrtnptrs
    Seasoned Ace
    6 years ago
    @bertalanimi Yeah, EA's support for this collection isn't super. There is currently a known issue that with some computer configurations the CNC games from Origin won't launch. So, please apply this workaround: https://answers.ea.com/t5/C-C-The-Ultimate-Collection/Can-t-launch-C-amp-C-The-Ultimate-Collection-games-after-24-01/m-p/8716040#M17504 If that doesn't solve your issues, then please make a new topic and describe your problem(s) in detail so the community can help you out 🙂

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