The first Black Mirror game star force encryption

I'm trying to replay this old game, have the original 2 disc version, and I installed it on my Windows 7 laptop. It installed no problem, but when I try to launch the game, the starforce encryption window pops up and keeps saying "You must reboot the computer to complete the installation of the Black Mirror protection drivers," even after I've already restarted the computer twice. It won't give me the option that I can see to type in the encryption code at all. Not sure what to do...

The old version of StarForce on Black Mirror doesn't work on Windows 7.
You have to use a NoCD to get it to work.

Oh ok, Jenny. I was worried I may not be able to play it on this computer. So, are you saying I have to download the game from somewhere, and if so where is it available to buy for download? Or did you mean I just have to tweak it to get this version to work?

If you don't want to use a NoCD, you can download the game from Gamersgate.
http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-BLMI/black-mirror

How do I use a NoCD?

It depends on the NoCD. The NoCD's I've checked require you to

• download the NoCD (usually compressed into a .rar file, occasionally into a .zip file or other archive file type),
• use a program like WinRAR or 7zip to extract the files from inside the .rar (or .zip),
• replace the file(s) from the game with the file(s) of the same name from the .rar file.

Often all you have to replace is the game .exe, but with Black Mirror you had to replace a few files other than the game .exe. For example, one file was majerk.chr.

There is at least one alternative to Gamersgate. Amazon sells it for $4.99
http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Games-Black-Mirror-Download/dp/B00B7S3KX8

Is there somewhere safe to download the NoCD for The Black Mirror? I'm trying to replay the game on my Win8.1 machine

If you Google
Black Mirror NoCD
you'll find at least three websites with a NoCD for Black Mirror.

I bought the game from GOG when it was on sale so I didn't have to mess with the NoCD.

Early versions of the NoCD had a file misnamed, so installing them was more complicated than simply replacing files -- you had to rename one as well. Current versions seem to use some sort of installer. It was just a whole lot easier for me to buy this particular game from GOG at $5 or less when on sale.

I see that Steam has the Black Mirror trilogy for $6.24 through 9/11. I've never used Steam so I'm not familiar with it. Are these game downloads that I have on my computer that I can play at any time or do I have to have an Internet connection to play?

No, you do not need an internet connection to play. You may have to change a setting to play offline, but that's it. I play the majority of my Steam games off line. I usually leave new games on line as there are often updates to the games I would miss otherwise. But for old ones, you can play them off line to your heart's desire.

GOG has it for $9.99 and then entire series for $29.97.

Any games you buy from GOG are DRM Free and so can be downloaded (AND burned to disk if you wish) and be available for re-play at any time

You can also use the Steam backup utility to do the same thing. I have some of the really big downloads backed up that way. You then just use the Steam utility to restore the game and you're off and running again. And you still don't need the internet connection to play - just play them offline like I do.

Yes, and thank you, Draclvr

I was just pointing out that to play DRM Free and with no internet connection required - there is an alternative to having to have Steam installed on your computer in the first place

That's what makes some of the newer gaming options great... having alternatives! I have both GOG Galaxy and the Steam app installed on my computer. I still much prefer boxed games, but now that I have gotten a better internet connection, the downloads are no longer so painful for me.

I don't have either of those apps installed myself and use only my browser to download - but I absolutely agree that "choice" is the byword !!

Back in June 2017 "Monokuma" posted that Steam's "offline mode" only lasts 10 days. After that, if you don't go on Internet again, it shuts down your Steam games. So if you have a computer you want to keep offline, don't use the Steam version.

http://www.gameboomers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1115492/Re:_Buying_options_for_adventu

I used to use my browser to download from GOG, but I got burned a couple of times in the middle of a download and lost the whole thing. With the GOG app, at least if there is an interruption, I can pick up where I left off. The joys of living in the country!

Hmmm...Sounds like I don't want to get involved with Steam. Buying from GOG is more money but seems to be a safer option.

Although I like and use both of them, I much prefer GOG and use them whenever possible.