So, I go to install the Spore Creature Creator trial, and I check the System Requirements, and I appear to have everything needed.

I install it without a problem, and go to the Games folder, and see that EA thinks my machine doesn’t meet the requirements.  Whatever, I’ll try and launch it anyway.

It launched, and crashed.  So, I go through and find out that Data Execution Prevention was killing it because of SecuROM.  I hate SecuROM just as much as I hate EA.

So, I disable DEP on the application, reboot the machine, and I get a fair bit farther into the loading screens, but the application still crashes.  I decide to run the Analysis program that is embedded, and it runs and tells me to send the details to securom.  Well, No. I’m not going to provide them with my system details.  Why do I hate SecuROM so much?  It’s made by Sony. You know, the same Sony that made XCP?  You know, that little rootkit installed with your music?  Ya, THAT Sony.

Here is another reason why I hate them:

How do I remove SecuROM from my machine?

To remove all SecuROM related files (except the license data stored beneath the registry keys (see FAQ No. 5 above)) please follow the uninstall instructions below.

Before you start the uninstall process, close all programs which are running in the background, especially be sure that no instance of the Windows Explorer is running.

———————–

Emphasis mine.  How do you expect me to remove it if I’ve closed down Windows Explorer?  Explorer is the main process on Vista/XP, and closing it down means that I’d need to NOT have any File Manager windows open, which means I can’t run the steps.

So, Dear Will, I’m sorry that Maxis was bought out by EA.  I will NOT be buying your game, sorry.