I had to install this full game through "origin"
online and picked up 3 trogens, even hijacking my browser.
As a consequence, Iv formatted and reinstalled
win 7. Im now told to play the game I have to be online which I am reluctant about
does anyone know any different

Merric, I installed this game through "origin" as well but I had no difficulty and I also have Windows 7. Maybe your experience was a bad coincidence.

But did you have to be online to play single player, because that's what I don't fancy doing.
I don't normally play online games

I am online all the time. My tv service is fibre optics and it uses a modem to operate. I share the same modem with my computer. That's why I'm automatically online. I am playing as a single player. I believe "origin" is similar to "steam". Getting your game files online seems to be a copy protection gimmick for the game makers.

I don't mind the downloading files and the activation system, its the playing of the game after. Unlike Steam where you can play the single player offline, and all this depends on your connection speed.
I notice it dosn't tell you on the box that its an "online" game

I play offline. When I start Origin in the morning, it opens online. There is a little wheel at the top with a menu where you can make choices. Almost at the bottom, you can go offline. It stays offline as long as you dont turn off your computer.
No problem when installing the game.

If I start the game "offline" I get a box asking for my username and password and then tells me there is no connection

Yes You must be on line to start Origin but you then get the chance to go offline after you login. I have my PC remember Name and Password for this game (I never do usually but did it for this game) So I open Origin, the game connect itself to EA, then I get the choice to go offline to play. Start the geme and it says you are offline, all day if you wish until You turn off your computer. Each time you restart your machine , then you must reconnect to EA site but after that, it is up to you to stay online or not
Yes you must connect to internet first then login for Origin after, it is as I said.

Thanks Jacline, I can always count on our members to help each other.

Merrick, does that help?

I will try it later and see if that works.
thank you

Let us know how it goes

That seem to work allright, many thanks.
but why do I feel I'm cheating, playing a game I paid for

I know...sometimes it feels like you can't win for losing. I'm glad it is working for you now.

Let you know what you think as you play it.