SafeDiscShim RibShark
winget install --id=RibShark.SafeDiscShim -e SafeDiscShim is a compatibility tool that allows for SafeDisc protected games which utilize the insecure Macrovision Security Driver ("secdrv.sys") to run on modern versions of Windows.
SafeDiscShim is a compatibility tool designed to enable the operation of SafeDisc-protected games that rely on the Macrovision Security Driver ("secdrv.sys") on modern versions of Windows. This driver has been blacklisted in newer operating systems due to security concerns, making it difficult or impossible for these older games to run without additional intervention.
Key Features:
- Driverless Operation: Unlike previous solutions that required installing potentially insecure drivers, SafeDiscShim operates without any kernel-level components, enhancing system security.
- Automatic Compatibility: The tool automatically integrates with most SafeDisc-protected games, intercepting and responding to communication requests that would otherwise be directed to the blacklisted driver.
- Selective Game Support: For certain games using SafeDisc v1, manual removal of "drvmgt.dll" may be required for proper functionality. Specific compatibility profiles can be created for problematic titles upon reporting.
- Logging Functionality: Beta versions include logging capabilities to aid in debugging, which can be disabled by setting the environment variable "SAFEDISCSHIM_LOGLEVEL" to "none".
- Installation via winget: SafeDiscShim can be installed using winget, ensuring a seamless setup process.
Audience & Benefit:
Ideal for gamers looking to play older SafeDisc-protected titles on modern Windows systems without compromising security or system stability. By eliminating the need for outdated drivers, this tool provides a safer and more reliable way to enjoy classic games while maintaining the requirement for original discs, ensuring compliance with copy-protection measures.
This solution is designed to help users preserve access to legacy software while adhering to modern security standards.
README
SafeDiscShim
Disclaimer
SafeDiscShim is purely designed as a compatibility tool: no security mechanisms are bypassed in the operation of this tool and SafeDisc protected games still require their original discs in order to function, even when using this tool. Certain games may have additional compatibility issues outside of the SafeDisc protection; this tool makes no attempt to fix such issues. Due to the techniques used, certain anti-malware programs may wrongly detect this software as being malicious.
Introduction
SafeDiscShim is a compatibility tool that allows for SafeDisc protected games which utilize the insecure Macrovision Security Driver ("secdrv.sys") to run on modern versions of Windows which have said driver blacklisted. Previous methods to restore functionality to these games relied on forcefully installing the driver, potentially opening security risks.
In contrast, this tool does not rely on any drivers to function. Instead, it automatically loads alongside SafeDisc protected games and intercepts any communication requests that would have been sent to the driver, instead sending the expected response itself and allowing the game to boot.
Installation Instructions
Simply download the latest release and run the installer. Once installed, SafeDiscShim should automatically insert itself into most SafeDisc protected games.
For a few games utilizing SafeDisc v1, SafeDiscShim may not work properly without first deleting the "drvmgt.dll" file that is located in the same folder as the game executable. If you find a game where this is the case, please write an issue report detailing the name and specific release of the game so a specific compatibility profile can be created to bypass the problem.
Logging
To aid with debugging, beta versions of SafeDiscShim will automatically create log files in the same folder as the executable. If you wish to disable this, set the environment variable "SAFEDISCSHIM_LOGLEVEL" with a value of "none".