<![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM - Kotaku Comments]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM - Kotaku Comments]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Wow, I was genuinely under the impression that "e"'s 101 tip on Major Nelson was the answer. Just redownload and it gives you a new license. Not so, as I've just proven to myself. No change at all, prior purchases are still locked. I'm a post RRoD Canadian, so that instantly means new console.

To Microsoft's "credit", when I pressed this issue while calling about my RRoD replacement, the nice fellow did say that yes, if this issue causes me problems, to call and get it straightened out case by case. But no offer of preventative measures.

Disappointing to say the least.

Brackynews

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Don't hold your breath. I've had a case open SINCE AUGUST trying to get them to do this for me.

On my last call (March 20th), the gathered the last few pieces of information they needed (which they asked for on every previous bi-monthly calls) and promised it would be done within 3 - 4 weeks. Of course, they promised me that every two weeks since August 2007.

In case anyone from Microsoft is reading this, it's case #1045527374.

Nekura20x6

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> It took me 108 days and 16 phone calls to get the licenses from all of my content transferred over to my new console. They told me it would only take 14 business days. What a joke.

Now I am sure my console will die again pretty soon and I'll have to go through it all again.

EnragedGnome

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Commander Tim's Method Worked great for me! Keep up Kotaku!

ShreelaInsana

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> 210 Days!!! 7 months for Microsoft to get around to fixing our DRM issues! The day they finally decided that my wife and I were worth there time, we bought a PS3. I have been a loyal X-Box fan, even after going through 4 360's.

We were told the 30 day wait over and over. Every time we were treated like they had no clue what we were talking about. During several calls, we knew more about DRM issues then their customer service.

As much as I dislike Sony and the way they do things, Microsoft made them seem much more appealing and that is where I will now spend my money.

lkgemini

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> It would be fine if they would automatically transfer the DRMs when changing consoles in for repair but

The DRMs are the only way they can copy protect the games they sell on eBay.

DEAL WITH IT.

interstate78

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I heard this a loooong time ago from The Commander Tim cast.
[www.commandertim.com]

It's a tad disappointing that Kotaku's only picking it up now when I got it back in August.

jack_of_knaves

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> It took me over 3 months to get MS to transfer the license from my old 360, but it did indeed work.

I still don't agree with their DRM policy though.

AnTi PRO

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> this "fix" was also applied to Mr Shipwreck (of cheap ass gamers' CAGcast Foreplay podcast).

to hear him describe it, this "fix" was done on the back end with some Microsoft employee pushing the liscense information to his hard drive. They say it takes about a month because that's how long it takes to get around to it.

He said the "fix" itself only took about ten minutes when the microsoft guy actually got around to doing.

now he can play puzzle quest offline...but it took him about five weeks.

teknohed

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @grampaspanky: That second-to-the-last sentence should be "you can deauthorize your old machine yourself and your content should work fine on a new one." I fail proofreading 101.

grampaspanky

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Kazzahdrane: While getting licenses transferred when Microsoft services your console can be a hassle, it's getting easier. However, they make no allowances for people who electively choose to upgrade their consoles. Case in point: My launch 360 red-ringed for the third time a couple weeks ago. I bought it second-hand from a friend (mistake #1) just after it had been refurbished the second time, so the warranty was not in my name. I decided to avoid that particular hassle and upgrade to the Arcade model with the Falcon chipset and HDMI out. Most importantly, the warranty would be in my name. I had read all of the articles on their DRM nightmare and knew what to ask the customer service reps. After putting me on hold for 10 minutes to "talk to a supervisor", they just stonewalled and told me that I was violating the user agreement to put the content on a new 360, even after I told them that I would happily deauthorize the old console. They wouldn't initiate a license transfer, the rep just kept repeating the same statement over and over with her apologies. While I HATE DRM in general, Sony and Apple don't have the same contempt for the consumer-- you can deauthorize your old machine yourself and your content should would find on a new one. M$ needs to address this immediately because sooner or later, just about every 360 owner will be affected.

grampaspanky

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I hope Microsoft announce a way to do this normally, I'm on my forth console and I can't be arsed to switch the modem on everytime I want a quick blast on doom!

EdwinJ85

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @xvitium:
Yeah, and it would be nice if it actually worked that way too, but...

My first replacement unit came back to me and for whatever reason the DRM was not an issue. I plugged in my HDD and was able to play XBLA purchases I had previously made on my original console offline from day one.

This was not the case with replacement units two and three. When I got replacement unit two back, I first noticed this issue. Talking to MS support got me nowhere, but since I only have one profile on my machine and have a good internet connection, I kind of gave up because it wasn't worth the frustration. Replacement unit three came back to me about a week ago and also had this issue, so as of that time they were not automatically addressing this issue on repairs. Well, at least not with any consistency considering if they were trying to, they missed my unit.

First thing I did when I got the console back was check this. Hooked everything up, fixed all my display and network settings, logged on to LIVE, went to download history and re-downloaded one of my arcade purchases (Contra I think), restarted the box when that was done with my ethernet cable unplugged, found I could only access the trial version when not signed in to LIVE.

I suppose I'll be giving them a call this evening to try and request this re-licensing thing. I talk to them so often at this point (why I just had an arguement with them yesterday regarding warranty status of repairs which is now 90 days instead of a full year) I should have an account manager or direct contact or something.


dbushik

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> i did the same thing and they were going to re-liscence me until i told them my original box was a Pro and my new box is an Arcade (bought the first one used and after going through 6 used consoles took the money i paid for the used and put it towards a new arcade unit)they have a "Policy" that they wont reliscence products to a new machine if the old machine and the new one are different types(ie. pro, core, elite, arcade)after hasseling with them for over 2 weeks to get a game back that didnt work at all i fanally said screw it and just give me a refund on the game that doesnt work. I wish they would have re-liscenced me but alas they did not :(

Rastaman4200

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Correct me if I'm wrong but, I restored my DRM-locked X360 content by:

1. Loging into my XBL Account that had downloaded the content
2. Going to said locked content, and re-downloading content
3. Using said content, now unlocked since my XBL Gamercard shows that I paid for it.

It worked for my on my 4-5 paid Arcade games I bought,when my X360 RRODed, and I recieved a different X360.



mrstickball

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> almost everything w/msft is f'd. i'm on my THIRD 360 since launch (all rings of death, all replaced under warranty). i can't believe you can't transfer game saves btwn 360's. they could easily tie them to your user acct to prevent achievement tampering. the DRM is a TOTAL joke. it's a nice console, but at the same time it's also a big piece of junk. every single one of my friends has had to replace their 360 @ some point due to R.O.D. i wish there was some way i could just trade it for a Wii. haha. i remember when video games used to be fun AND simple...

jesseofalva

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @fleshribbon:

It was me that went through the relicensing process. And, like everyone is saying, it takes around 30 business days for them to fix it after it has been escalated to the proper people.

So from the day our original 360 broke to the day we had the content back to normal, it took a little over 2 months.

shipwreck

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Dave, I think you are triing to access the games you have buy, and hare protected by DRM. I cant able that Dave.

Tei

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Grumps: Yep, this is the case exactly. I just upgraded to a new Pro, so I could use the HDMI port, and I spent 40 minutes on the phone with XBox Support last night. I elevated the call to a supervisor, and they were adamant about the fact that they could only transfer the license for a machine they've repaired or replaced.

I told them what they were saying was that someone could never upgrade to use the best system out there if they wanted, and they confirmed that. That's just ridiculous if you ask me, and I'm going to file a complaint with the BBB...

Skywarpgold

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> So uhh, what happens if your console is brand new (and your first console) and it still requires you to connect to the internet to use any DLC or play games?

I was under the impression this is something normal with the 360, but if it isn't maybe I can get it fixed =\

robodex

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @bennybenbenj: Actually I went ahead and redownloaded everything, it works only with some corrupted expansions (I noticed it on Carcassonne XBLA) and also it makes some games "work" like Track and Field which would not load at all after the hard disk transfer. But as far as using ANY XBLA games from a secondary Silver account, IT DOES NOT WORK, PERIOD. ALL the games are listed as trials, so no more gamerscore for my wife and she doesn't like it one bit.

XBOX customer reps either don't know about the issue (mine was telling me that after a download everything would be fine again, but it't just not true) or have been told to ignore customer complaints.

Microsoft would need to come up with a KB article detailing this procedure internally so that customers calling in could simply mention this KB number and start the process without having to argue, it would save Microsoft's face publicly and let them save call center time too. Time is money after all.

FredQC

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Amsterdaam - KEEP SMILING: You complained about FredQC's punctuation and then proceeded to make several mistakes yourself.... Way to go there.

eastx

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I still can't see how people put up with these things.

fuchikoma

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Grumps: I was thinking the same thing. I upgraded to the Elite on the first day of launch. I never noticed that I couldn't play most of my games until I brought my 360 to my girlfriend's parents house and they didn't have internet at the house. So, when I went into my XBLA games list about 80% of my 48 arcade games were trials. WTF.....!
So no fast forward a few months and my 360 died not RRD but CD Drive died..? I wonder how many games will not run with out me actually being logged into live. I wonder how M$ is gonna keep this up? My guess is never as long as people like myself keep buying tons of shit from the service.


JorgieX

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> So if they can do it why is it such a pain and they act like they have no clue what the hell you are talking about when you call them - after 3 days of calling them and repeatedly explaining the trouble and having them try all these router based fixes that I knew wouldn't work I gave up -

So now we know they can do it - make it easy and don't jerk people around. Make it something on the dashboard to transfer the rights - make it one way if they are worried about some one scamming them.

Limafoxtrot

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> My 360 red ringed back in January. I got a replacement in 4 weeks and called MS complaining about the same thing and they told me they would transfer the DRM in about 32 days and and that someone would call me in 10 days to see if it had been fixed yet.

I'm still waiting for that call. My DRM problem was never fixed.

Deekman

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @xvitium: Sadly thats not always the case

It is how they are suppose to do it but......

I, like the guy in the story, was left out in the cold on that one. Took them from december 14th to march 16th to fix my dlc issues. And yes i tried those steps several times. Finally i got the call that said i would be able to have that work. I still think it needs to work like I-Pod does, in that the user can re-license it to a new device. (mainly cause if it could id buy a new 360 with hdmi port.)

Meanwhile mine all works now, the question is how long will this console work? My launch day lasted from nov 05 to dec 06. my replacement as sent by M$ worked from dec 06 to dec 07. This replacement is from dec 07 - ??? I dont hold much hope for it making it past december 2008.

ShaggyB

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I heard this ages ago. Go into your download history, re-download all the headers for all the content onto the new machine, and it should work. www.commandertim.com worked this out an age ago, get with the times Kotaku!

bennybenbenj

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I believe Shipwreck or Wombat on CAG got this done too from what I remember from their podcasts.

fleshribbon

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @MugiMugi: that's a bit different. Problem you'll find like everyone else here is that your DLC doesn't work unless you are online with your account.

SAKY

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Doesn't help, I have have two 360's. guess I could get the licenses xfered over to one of them as my original console broke.

SAKY

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> How I transfered my old content to my new console:

Swaped the HD's, :P thats all I needed to do pretty much. Everything worked on my new console at once so fast I logged into my user account.

I once switched from an PAL to NTSC console so :P ditto, I had no problem transferring my files there that way.

MugiMugi

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Amsterdaam - KEEP SMILING: Well i DO write a boardgame critic every other week and my wife is writing it the week when I don't write it. It is published in La Presse, a french canadian daily newspaper that has 1 milion daily print, and customer horror stories like these are a great topic for any newspaper. As for my writing maybe you could have guessed it but english is my second language, I'm a native french speaker. So I try my best. ;-)

FredQC

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Tretoff....honestly, I can't believe you're comparing an (admittedly lousy) hiccup with Warhawk, and a download limit to the 360 issue. I have never seen any real information on someone with a failed PS3 needing a sixth download to restore and being refused...part of that is probably due to the fact that the PS3 doesn't die quite as much as the 360.
Obviously I'm curious, but I would imagine (with as much data as you have, anyway) that IF you had a failed PS3 and needed a sixth download, they could reset the counter. You're right that most DRM stinks, but what we have here is an extreme interaction of a not-so-great DRM system tied to the hardware, and a piece of incredibly lousy hardware...sure, this DRM might not have been such a big issue and might not have gotten so much press if MS hadn't made the worst console in history in terms of reliability.
When my PS3 fails, and I find I'm out of downloads, then I'll gripe...but this DRM issue is uniquely MSs, and is far worse than other DRM because they made a lousy product (again, in terms of reliability).



phloog

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @FredQC: If you decide to tell Microsoft you are a newspaper game critic maybe you should put some punctuation in your statements because like I dont think they will believe you in your current state of writing and like a stunt like that would fall on deaf ears anyways because youd be speaking to a customer service rep in India that wouldnt give a crap or understand you at all.

Amsterdaam

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Wasn't this known for a while now?

I have 2 consoles and some have rights to some games while the other doesn't, but since i'm always connected to LIVE I don't have the DRM problem.

But when or if it comes to a time where I lose all internet for more than a day i'll call up and cause havoc. And last time I caused havoc at the Support Center I got a free Xbox.

Collapse The Control

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Kazzahdrane: So maybe i'm not SOL after all, do you think I should start pulling strings as a newspaper game critic although I'm writing boardgames reviews I know the editor and could pass this story as custumers being cheated by Microsoft when they perform an upgrade to Elite.

FredQC

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> What this really means is that Microsoft is perfectly capable of fixing this issue for everyone RIGHT NOW.

One can only wonder why they aren't.

I do not understand why they are not doing this for every replacement 360 BEFORE it is sent back to the customer. It really makes no sense. It's as if they WANT people to get screwed.

Pixelantes Anonymous

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @xvitium: Hmm, gonna have to try that.

eastx

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @psycoking:
I agree.
As much as I dislike "steam powered" games for masquerading as real hard copies on store shelves; I have to say(even as an avid "try before I buy" pirate) the DRM method they use(as un-pirate-able as it is) is still very respectable and consumer friendly.

There is something neat about being able to install and play my games from anywhere(with a high speed connection) on any (gaming)PC with only my user name and password. Their servers are fast to. That is why steam is posed to be the savior of the (non-MMO) PC gaming world.

I defy any fellow pirates to go pirate Half-Life 2. I did it once just to see if I could and it was a pain in the ass. Not at all viable for mass piracy.

+1 to Valve for properly maintaining the security their intellectual property without sodomizing their customers(for the most part).

VishusBurn

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Too bad I upgraded becuase my system was craping out and I didn't want to wait for a crappy refurbished unit. So now I pretty much have to rebuy everything or just deal with it.

BaronVonCrogs

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> i barely had to complain, and this is what they told me they are doing to my xbox. I'm on day 15 or something, i dunno, i've lost track. Just waiting for the update to hit my console....

Gadzooks149

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @TrettOff: No different than Steam? Sorry man, I've formatted and reinstalled my OS, I even bought a new machine, and Steam never asked more from me than my user name and password.

psycoking

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> 32 days my arse, their customer service is the worst I've ever encountered. I'm over 90 days waiting just for them to delete my effing credit card details!

TyrannosaurusRox

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> is there a chance this could work if i send in an email for said request, it may be easier and quicker...

karmakid

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> This function sould be implemented on the console, so the user be abled to unlock the data that legally own.

Tei

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> As far as I understand this has always been the case...in theory. Unfortunately in my case, both times I have tried this - and spent ages on the phone with them giving them all my details - they have promised to "escalate" my case to a technician who'll sort it out and call me back. "Sometime in the next 65 days" as they put it.

Guess what hasn't happened both of those times. Yeah.

j0hn

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I called and bitched up a storm the other day, talking to a supervisor. They asked me to write to Microsoft directly and try to get someone there instead. :( Not sure if thats legit (since the customer service seems to be in another country anyhow) or if I'm getting the run around.

Zakuen

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> this is not new
this is from
[www.xbox.com]

Important Information About Your Downloaded Content After Console Repair/Refurbishment

Notice to customers who have had their Xbox 360 consoles serviced by Microsoft: If you previously downloaded content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace prior to your console service, you need to connect to Xbox LIVE to restore the licenses for that content on this console. If you don't, you'll only be able to use that content when signed in to Xbox LIVE with the profile that originally downloaded the content.

To restore your licenses:

1. Attach your hard drive or memory unit.
2. Turn on the console.
3. Sign in to Xbox LIVE with the gamer profile that originally downloaded the content.
4. Go to Xbox LIVE Marketplace and select Account Management, Download History.
5. Select an item and then select Download Again.
6. Repeat step 5 for each item in your download history.

After you download your content again, anyone on this console can use it, whether you're signed in to Xbox LIVE or not.

License restoration will only work on the console as returned to you by Microsoft's service center.

If you need further assistance contact Customer Support.

MS is now automatically transfering licenses to replaced units. Mine was on the unit i got sent yesterday

xvitium

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I just went through this a month ago. It's not that hard. They will, however, ask a lot a of dumb or pointless questions. Questions like, what your isp is, your router, wired or wireless, how long have you lived at your address, etc.

The problem for me was that I called and had them 'repair' my console (I actually got a new 1 and It only took a week) but when I called and asked to get the license transferred they acted like it was my first time calling them. They asked me for a new receipt number or exchange number to proof that I had a new console. I had to convince them that the new console came from them but it worked out.

You do, for whatever stupid reason, have to wait at least 30 days though. When I asked why I had to wait 30 days they said they had to contact the different parties involved with each market place item. Which sounds like a load of bs to me but whatever. Also, make sure to call if they end up not doing what they're suppose to in the time they say they will. I know a lot of people who'll just wait for MS to call them even if it's be 2 months and with no call.

TeknoVagrant

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Luke Plunkett:Luke, where's your indignation at Warhawk's DRM where you can't use your own game on another machine within 24 hours even when you are logged into your account? Or how about the fact you can only download PSN content five times total and then you have to pay again? As it is, MS allows potentially two copies of downloaded games and content running at the same time (one offline and one online). You can't say the same about a physical game disc. No DRM is perfect, but you seem to find an excuse at least once a week to post an article targetted at XBLM when it is no different than Steam or Gametap and miles better than what is used in Warhawk (and PSN IMO).

TrettOff

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> good news this, Bought a new hdd, and have had my x360 die 3 or 4 times, and can never play my arcade games when i am home. Been wondering what I would do once i finish school and no longer have a sweet connection.

Cactuar

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I spend about two seconds dealing with DRM. If a product I pay for Jerks me around at all I return it and pirate it.

With MS products I generally just save myself the time and pirate a working product in the first place.

Jimbo4

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Starsmore: Good for you dude. This sort of crap needs to be out in the open for all to smell. Don't let the bastards get away with it!

ErskinPig

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> For the record, I didn't really complain much. Three phone calls, the first two because they wanted to string me along on doing everything ASIDE from waiting for them to do their job... recover the GamerTag, redownload, etc etc etc.

It was only on the third phone call, when I expressly asked for a refund of points to rebuy the content, that they mentioned the relicensing and started that spiel.

The only reason I sent the story into the Consumerist is because I honestly expected it to be next year sometime before they got it fixed, based on everyone else's experience with it.

Starsmore

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Kazzahdrane: This is typical MS I'm afraid. In a nut shell, they are control freaks and seemingly paranoid as an organisation.

ErskinPig

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> This method has been available for months now, it just takes a LOT of phone calls and complaining. My co-worker managed to get his stuff transferred to his Elite when he upgraded, but only after a couple of months and eventually playing the "I work in a games store and will tell all the customers to buy a PS3 because MS have shitty DRM and customer service."

They helped him out quite quickly after that. They needed copies of all his receipts and stuff too, massive pain. (i.e. including the receipt for his original box).

I don't get what the problem is - why can't MS make this an automated system that you do with a form on xbox.com? Just don't let people move their content for 30 days after doing it. And maybe if someone does it a lot a flag could be raised and customer service could e-mail the customer and ask what's going on.

The way they treat their customers like criminals by assumption is really insulting, and probably means when Rock Band (eventually) comes out in Europe I'll be buying it for the PS3 that I don't even own yet. Sony's "You can download this five times after purchase" seems much more fair to me (I believe this is the way it works, correct me if I'm wrong).

Kazzahdrane

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Roto13: Thanks for the support. I'll see if I can work around this P.O.Box issue.

But those Elites sure look tempting... and I'm assuming far more reliable. Can we get our XBLA games re-licensed to a newly purchased 360, as opposed to a MS replaced 360?

I am ERROR

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I got my downloaded content from my old console to work as soon as my console got back (First one to break down) The only time I mentioned it on the phone was once. My console took two months to come back though.

flukielukie

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Grumps: Someone needs to let us know if this will work for upgraded (not repaired/replaced by Microsoft) consoles. I went out and bought an Elite because I was too impatient to wait for my original RRoD console to come back. I assume I'm SOL.

pixelate

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> So... how is this console popular?

It breaks all the time, the content on XBL has DRM, and the only way to get your content back is to wait a whole month for them to swap it over?

Within a months time you could have already gone through another 360, and then what? Another 32 days while they transfer it?

Sailorcancer

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @I am ERROR: Your home probably has a physical address. :P It's all done by courier. If that's a problem, you can have them send the coffin and then your Xbox somewhere else, like your place of work or a friend's house. You should be able to get it all delivered to your home, though.

Roto13

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> It has nothing to do with his complaining. The thing is, with Microsoft, once someone's DRM issues slip under the radar, the system makes it difficult for it to find it's way back into sight, if that makes any sense.

What I mean to say is Microsoft likes to lose track of these things and even if the customer calls and complains every day, the only thing they ever have to tell them is to wait for a call back that never, ever comes.

Roto13

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> This isn't really news; I've known this for a while, and even did it... and I found it via old message threads on Xbox.com.

Does Not Equal

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Good old MS.

[img301.imageshack.us]

ErskinPig

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> You could just play Ring of Red on the PS2 during your wait. One of the last CDROM based games for modern consoles! I came across this gem a while back discussing RRoD and wanted to share. ;)

[en.wikipedia.org]

Mongoosekun

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> This was found and discussed by Commander Tim on his show in August last year: [www.commandertim.com] and picked up by Hawkes: [hawkes.pinkninjastudios.com]

Come on Kotaku, pay attention and stop recycling old news.

CountZer0

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> they really should just remove this DRM crap its more of a hassle to the people who really care than it probably would be to the people who want to rip it off

TheExiledLeader

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @ocalot: ...and yet, they're still complete bastards about removing credit card information.

Chef

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Why doesn't Microsoft make a console that works and they would have this problem.

Schoolimangooli the doogie mag goosie!

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Also, I should add that I suck at complaining. I'm usually a push over, but I asked for this because of problems accessing content on different gamertags.

Drake Lake: Palms Fitted Black

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I've just recently had my launch day 360 die on me -- in the middle of playing Condemned 2! I don't know if I can send it in to have it repaired, since Microsoft won't deal with P.O.Boxes. Just as well, I've been thinking about upgrading to an Elite for some time now. But is it true that this re-licensing is reserved for MS replaced 360's?

I am ERROR

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> "RED RING OF DEATH, Console's hotter than a dragon's breath" can't get enough of that funny song.

Sweet Tooth

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Wow, way to report on this Kotaku. I discovered and reported on this way back in August of 2007.

Hit the link for a real news source.

[www.commandertim.com]

CommanderTim

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @psycoking: Live Marketplace content is tied to the Gamertag that downloaded the content and (inexplicably) the console which did the download. Post replacement, the Gamertag can only access the content while logged into Live, and no other Gamertags on the console can get to it at all.

Theoretically, Microsoft is supposed to 'relicense' the files to the new console. However, in some cases, the relicensing seems to be asymptotic behavior and does not occur in finite time.

Nimrandir

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> The problem has actually been solved. I just read about it on the xbox customer support page. On you xbox go to my account, and then download history. Click download again on anything that you had to be connected to xbox live to play before (for me it was about 10 arcade games). Now my problems are solved and I can play everything when not connected to xbox live. The only annoying part is that I had to search through 750 previously downloaded items to find my arcade games to download again but oh well it was worth it.

jaredbat

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> This is new? I should have wrote in about it then, sorry.

This happened to me in January. I called them up and they did it. They said it takes 30 days after you receive a refurbished console for them to transfer all the licenses, supposedly in case the new console is crap, too.

Drake Lake: Palms Fitted Black

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Does this mean that XBLA content is tied to the machine and not the XBOX live account it was purchased with? Is this true for PSN and WiiWare as well?

psycoking

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Luke Plunkett: Don't I know it. Bought a nice new elite and can never use my content, it's tied to a system with an out of warranty broken drive. I will try this... I guess positivity is in order but I just can't seem to muster it for a company that tries to keep me from using virtual goods I paid for.

Grumpz®

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> lol perhaps "easy" is not the right words, but this will help cheer people up.

goldwings

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @ocalot: Amen. Unfortunately for me, most of my customers know this infallible truth, and will say or do almost anything to get thier way. You would think personal accountability...or, I don't know, SHAME would come into play at some point. But, no.

(BTW I'm not referring to this story...Microsoft should damn well pony up. I'm more or less venting about people. Free life lesson: don't go into retail management.)

Cogito

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> @Grumps: Can't see the difference myself. You paid for the content, you should be able to use the content.

Luke Plunkett

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Once again, as always, the solution is to bitch like hell and not let up until you get what you want.

TheEngineer

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Everyone needs to test this out and see if it works. Because I do NOT like dealing with non-native English speakers about customer service issues. :\

eastx

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> I suppose this isn't for people who have replaced one out of warranty or upgraded to an elite tho. Just for the ones replaced through MS within warranty and not upgraded.

Grumpz®

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> It still holds truth that if you complain enough you will get what you want.

ocalot

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Great -- I'm currently over seventy days since the relicensing was escalated. This story gives me warm and fuzzy feelings inside, since this guy somehow jumped ahead of me in the queue.

Nimrandir

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> Luke, you are my best friend right now.

Seriously. Reading that has made my week so far. I've been searching for ages on how to play stuff on my new console without having to re-download it (Puzzle Quest is by far the worst to deal with).

edb87

]]> <![CDATA[How To Get Around Microsoft's Shitty DRM]]> almost seems too easy...

kickass solo

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