Weak sector data: Difference between revisions

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= Weak disk data =
Some copy protections have what is described as “weak”, “random” or “floated” data.


Some copy protections have what is described as 'weak', 'random' or 'floated' data.
Each time the “weak” sector is read one or more bytes will change. Their value
 
Each time when the 'weak' sector is read one or more bytes will change. Their value
may be random between consecutive reads of the same sector.
may be random between consecutive reads of the same sector.


Weak data recorded with only modified hardware, so you cannot copy these disks without 'crack' the copy protection.
Weak data can only be recorded using modified hardware, so you cannot easily copy these disks.


Only two  disk image formats ([[DSK format|Extended DSK]] and [[UDI format#UDI: Ultra Disk Image file format Version 1.1|UDI 1.1]]) can store this type of data.
Only the [[DSK format|Extended DSK]] and [[UDI format#UDI: Ultra Disk Image file format Version 1.1|UDI 1.1]] disk image formats record this type of data.


== Copy protection ==
== Copy protection ==
Weak sectors used by [[Speedlock]] copy protection family for [[ZX Spectrum +3]] disks.
Weak sectors are used by the [[Speedlock]] family of copy protection routines for [[ZX Spectrum +3]] disks.


Usually weak sector data combined with other unusual things for copy protection, such as:
Usually weak sector data is combined with other techniques for disk copy protection, such as:
* different sector length for different tracks
* different sector lengths for different tracks
* different sector length within a track
* different sector lengths within a track
* sectors marked as deleted
* sectors marked as deleted
* sectors with CRC error
* sectors with CRC error
* wrong sector header informations e.g.:
* incorrect sector header information e.g.:
** track number
** incorrect track number
** too long sector length
** increased sector length


== Disk images with weak sectors ==
== Disk images with weak sectors ==
Unfortunately, disk images with recorded weak sector data is very rare (There is no any disk image with weak sector data on [http://www.worldofspectrum.org/ WoS]).
Unfortunately, disk images with the weak sector data recorded are rare, so if a program reads the same sector repeatedly then some emulators assume that this sector has weak data. (which emulators?)
 
So if a game read the same sector repeatedly than simulators assume that this sector has weak data..

Revision as of 19:55, 21 February 2016

Some copy protections have what is described as “weak”, “random” or “floated” data.

Each time the “weak” sector is read one or more bytes will change. Their value may be random between consecutive reads of the same sector.

Weak data can only be recorded using modified hardware, so you cannot easily copy these disks.

Only the Extended DSK and UDI 1.1 disk image formats record this type of data.

Copy protection

Weak sectors are used by the Speedlock family of copy protection routines for ZX Spectrum +3 disks.

Usually weak sector data is combined with other techniques for disk copy protection, such as:

  • different sector lengths for different tracks
  • different sector lengths within a track
  • sectors marked as deleted
  • sectors with CRC error
  • incorrect sector header information e.g.:
    • incorrect track number
    • increased sector length

Disk images with weak sectors

Unfortunately, disk images with the weak sector data recorded are rare, so if a program reads the same sector repeatedly then some emulators assume that this sector has weak data. (which emulators?)