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Thread ID: 85497 2007-12-12 03:13:00 BioShock 5 installation restriction qazwsxokmijn (102) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
620479 2007-12-12 03:13:00 I've just found out that BioShock can apparently only be installed 5 times, and after that is still a mystery to me.

So does that mean after 5 installations, the CD-key becomes useless and I'll need to buy another one?
qazwsxokmijn (102)
620480 2007-12-12 03:16:00 So?
Why would you want to keep installing and uninstalling it anyway?


And its the copy protection it has - if say, you were to install it, then format your PC and install it again, it would think that was once.
pctek (84)
620481 2007-12-12 03:27:00 I'm looking to buy a second-hand BioShock that had been installed twice, meaning there will be 3 installations left. From what I've heard, BioShock needs to be activated online, so doesn't that mean their servers count how many times the key had been activated? qazwsxokmijn (102)
620482 2007-12-12 04:09:00 The 5 installation limit was for initial release and was to be lifted after a time. Not sure if it has been lifted yet though.

I think the game does generate an uninstallation key when uninstalled too - though I'm not sure how they work that.
Deane F (8204)
620483 2007-12-12 04:19:00 In spite of what pctek says, u should be allowed to install and uninstall a piece of software u own as much as u want to and the activation credit system looks complicated with the DRM software doing hardware 'fingerprinting' and requiring a 'revoke' tool to remove the activation credit from a single installed system. Add onto that the fact the activation system has suffered technical errors in the past.

Personally, I wouldn't buy it unless u're sure how many activation credits remain on the game - presumably this can be read from their servers somewhere - and are happy with that number. If u can't get this number I'd get ur friend (the seller) to run the Revoke Tool - www.2kgames.com - on all the machines he's had the game running on (the link may answer some of ur questions.)

Oh, and DRM sucks
sprinkles (11943)
620484 2007-12-12 04:25:00 You can install it as many times as you like... AS LONG AS you UNINSTALL the install you have then it is fine The_End_Of_Reality (334)
620485 2007-12-12 07:47:00 In spite of what pctek says, u should be allowed to install and uninstall a piece of software u own as much as u want to

I certainly understand the sentiment, and I hate DRM as much as anybody.

But my understanding is that technically speaking a purchaser of software is not considered the owner of the software - but an owner of a licence for that software and is usually required to agree to licence conditions on installation.
Deane F (8204)
620486 2007-12-12 07:49:00 yeah he is right grahic (12930)
620487 2007-12-12 08:41:00 yeah he is right
Which "he"? :rolleyes:
Renmoo (66)
620488 2007-12-12 17:04:00 But my understanding is that technically speaking a purchaser of software is not considered the owner of the software - but an owner of a licence for that software and is usually required to agree to licence conditions on installation.I guess that's true but u still own the install disc or the harddrive the game is installed on.

With regards to Bioshock there's no indication the DRM has been removed yet and the link (from 2K software who published the game) I've given contains this passage:


Q: What version of BioShock does this Revoke Tool work for?

A: This tool works for the retail box copy of BioShock. The Steam version of BioShock already revokes an activation when BioShock is uninstalled on a machine, and does not need a tool. This tool does not work for Direct2Drive. So, apparently, only the Steam version of Bioshock gives u an installation credit back when you uninstall - ridiculous :groan:

Frankly, I could go on about this all, er, morning but it suffices to say that whenever someone says something like "Ah, don't worry about it, u'll be fine" about DRM I become irked
sprinkles (11943)
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