StarFoce in malware guide?

sk545 · Feb 2, 2006

Today i found out that Starforce had been installed on my computer. Not sure how it got there, but it was there. The malware removal guide doesn't make mention of removing Starforce, so i was wondering if it was a good idea to put it in there. I don't know if Starforce falls under the Malware category, but here is a quote of the bad things it does:

“some users report difficulty in keeping their systems stable due to conflicts, and think they’ve tracked it down to the StarForce protection.” and Broadbandreports “Users report that the software gobbles up computing cycles, slows CD drive read-times, creates CD-R read errors even after removal, and is responsible for a number of device conflicts - particularly with external USB drives. Users who have tried to remove the product manually have often damaged their systems to the point of needing a fresh OS install.“
Click to expand...

There is even a website devoted to boycotting Starforce:

http://www.glop.org/starforce/

After reading it, i found out how you look for Starforce in a computer. Basically, you open up Device Manager and enable "show hidden devices". After that, look in "Non Plug and play" section, and you will see it. Here is a pic from my computer:

http://img120.imagevenue.com/loc153/th_5b70a_ScreenShot001.jpg

I ran their "Removal Utility", and it did work for me. After rebooting, the drivers were gone. Other people have reported that the utility doesn't even work, so i guess i got lucky or maybe the utility hid the drivers further.

Anyhow, i am just giving a FYI or a suggestion to put in the guide, since NONE of the antispyware suites detect Starforce.

Thanks.

/edit: I don't want to bring you guys grief either, i mean, people who spoke out against it are getting threatened:

http://www.boingboing.net/2006/01/31/starforce_threatens_.html

chaslang · Feb 2, 2006

It is not considered malware (obviously this status could change at some point). That is why we do not have it in the list. It is no different in some regards to C-Dilla and Macrovision stuff that gets installed on PCs to allow people to play their games. If people do not want this stuff on their PCs then they should not purchase software (most games) from companies using it. If no one bought their software, they would soon get the message.

sk545 · Feb 2, 2006

Yeah, i didn't think it fell under malware either.

Its closer to a rootkit (not the same, but close) in that it doesn't tell the user that its installing the thing on their computer. That, i think, is a cause for concern just by itself.

Anyways, thx for listening.

chaslang · Feb 2, 2006

sk545 said:

Yeah, i didn't think it fell under malware either.

Its closer to a rootkit (not the same, but close) in that it doesn't tell the user that its installing the thing on their computer. That, i think, is a cause for concern just by itself.

Anyways, thx for listening.
Click to expand...

Yes it is a cause for concern. Just like the Sony rootkits, the C-Dilla Macrovision, and others who install stuff that you do not need or want and don't tell you about it. AOL does the same thing (does not inform you) with stuff like Viewpoint Manager and Toolbar.

As I implied, if things keep getting worse with this StarForce software, it may get reclassified by everyone and may be added to a removal procedure.

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StarFoce in malware guide?

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chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

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chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member