My "original" purchase of Silent Hunter 4 was a DVD that I got just after it initially came out. There is no notation on the packaging or disk as to which version it is. I do remember looking at it in the software, but can't recall what it is (1.02??). I have encountered the SecureRom stuff multiple times with it, but what I've done before is, after installing from the DVD (NOT in the Programs directory), I do not attempt to open the game and play. I re-boot the computer and then "patch" it to v1.4 (downloaded from Ubi). I put a copy of JSGME and Multi-SH in the folder, and then copy that patched version to another location for backup. Rockin Robbins even mentions setting the entire directory to "read only" for safekeeping. I will also copy the directory again to another location, rename said directory, and then bring it back into the Ubisoft directory. I end up with something like "C:\Ubisoft\SH4v14" and "C:\Ubisoft\SH4v15" that will be the two "base" versions. I then apply my Uboat Missions Add-on to the copy in the "SH4v15" directory. I think I purchased my download from Ubisoft.
Now is when I try to "play" the "upgraded" v1.5 game for the first time. If I am remembering correctly, I will get a pop-up box that asks me a question about loading something... ratz, I had what it was last night before I slept... someone else will have to answer that. But anyway, if I tell it no, don't load it, it tries to load the game and that's when I get the SecureRom stuff with the Uboat add-on. If I answer in the affirmative to the pop-up, it will then bring up the input pop-up for the Uboat Add-on Serial Number. Once I've done that, I'm good to go. It then loads SH4 v1.5. I will then copy that elsewhere for modding and playing, etc.
I ended up buying a Gold Edition SH4 a while back, when after a re-install of my original SH4, I couldn't find my email with the serial number for the Uboat Add-on. I found it, of course, after the new disk arrived...
- Like I said, I now have two computers running SH4, and there's all sorts of fun you can have like that.
Sorry about the rambliong on. Too much coffee this morning...