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Oscar1978's avatar
Oscar1978
3 years ago

Red Alert 2 / YR From Original CD's to Windows 10

Hi, I've seen alot of Ra2 activity in YT lately so I felt like installing the game again and play the campaigns. But I was deeply dissapointed when I introduced my original Ra2 CD into my CD drive a...
Nyerguds's avatar
Nyerguds
Hero+
3 years ago
@Oscar1978 Unfortunately, the Red Alert 2 CDs use SafeDisc as copy protection system, and in 2015, Microsoft permanently withdrew support for SafeDisc for security reasons.

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

This means that sadly, Red Alert 2 can no longer be installed from CDs on newer Windows systems. The only way to still get it without some quite complex workarounds is to buy the Command & Conquer Ultimate Collection on the EA app.
Oscar1978's avatar
Oscar1978
3 years ago

Hi @Nyerguds 

Somehow I was afraid to get a reply like that, I had a feeling lol

In my honest opinion, it is a shame that the solution for this issue is re-buying the game I have physically right now on my desktop. And I understand this Safedisc issue is not EA's fault and/or neither Microsoft, but the solution to run Safedisc protected games on Windows 10 cannot be re-buying them, and even less when I have legit serial numbers for those games.

EA should give support for games they haven't released as freeware and customers who own legit serial numbers for those games, not just send back an automated pre-built message asking me if my PC meets the minimum requeriments to play a 22 year old game. That's a sign of how little interested they are on helping customers.

Otherwise I'm on the way to search on my own, and I'm gonna think twice before buying any EA's product. I'm sorry to say this.

Thanks for the help @Nyerguds it's so much appreciated.

Regards

  • Nyerguds's avatar
    Nyerguds
    Hero+
    3 years ago
    @Oscar1978 Honestly, they should just release RA2 as freeware as well, in my opinion :-\
    • Oscar1978's avatar
      Oscar1978
      3 years ago

      Hi, I'm agreed to that.

      Anyway I've found the way to run the CD's thanks to your help, it's all about the file secdrv.sys.

      The problem with this is that compromises in some manner the security of your system, but it's possible, and I'm gonna play right now xD

      Thanks alot again @Nyerguds 

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