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November 03, 2005

avoid sony music cds

Not just because they've got Jessica Simpson signed, although that should be reason enough. El-reg points us towards: "Removing Sony's CD 'rootkit' kills Windows". Basically if you use the bundled PC player that comes with the hyrid audio CDs it installs shit which, when you remove it can make it difficult to restore normal CD audio playing capabilities.

Theres a technical (but well written so it's pretty easy going) read at Sysinternals which explains the nuts and bolts. I was initially sceptical, but after reading it, the level of invasiveness and outright illegality of installing software that (until recently) isn't even mentioned in the EULA.. It's beyond scandalous. You can bet there will be sod all coverage in the mainstream on this one, but this is a big issue. Sony can get knotted. DRM that is this clumbsy, invasive and destructive in the event of the user wanting to remove it is abosolutely unacceptable. Get knotted Sony Music.

Sysinternals Blog - Sony CD 'rootkit' kills Windows Thanks Dylan! for story link.

Posted by funnelbc at November 3, 2005 09:30 AM

Comments

I am definetely boycotting Sony also, I saw switchfoot's new cd and the limitations and I couldn't believe it! I use iTunes for my music and if I can't put it on itunes, I won't get it. Not only are they doing all this junk with their cd's, but if you look at the band websites, they are starting to moderate those also. I tried to watch a music video of one band, but no... You have to sign up for sonymusic and register... so yes. Boycott Sony!

Posted by: Rick [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 15, 2005 10:17 AM

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