Console Ban 3-9-11 (Mod Warning Post #755)

RangeR · 10-09-2011 05:41PM

NORTH1 wrote: »

Does Microsoft make mistakes?

Of course they don't. They are the only infallible company in the world.

NORTH1 · 10-09-2011 07:02PM

Advice on this please.....

Not sure if you guys are still checking the forums but a Uer named I3lue D just posted this.
"Since my son got banned one week ago now I have been posting on these forums looking for answers and trying to keep this issue alive like many others. By the looks of it a new wave of bans were issued in the last few days, so it seems like the selective culling is rolling on.

I wouldnt keep this up if i didnt think there were great injustices being done. Of course I can only speak with 100% certaintly for our console but I am pretty sure that means a lot of other users are being tarred with the same brush.

I want everyone to try this test because I am getting more and nore convinced this is all down to a copy protection system used on newer game disks which by mistake is flagging innocent users as using pirate copies. It seems like playing a scratched genuine game disk with this copy protection can be enough to trigger a flag on your Xbox, which more or less makes it dead certain you will be banned.

The console sends this info to Xbox Live while you are online. There is a way to see what the current error staus is for your Xbox. I would ask all users who are already banned to try this test to see if we can get proof that a faulty copy protection system could indeed be the cause of all our woes.

You need to download a small PC program which you run on your PC, NOT your Xbox. The program is called XVal 2.0 and if you do a search you will easily find it. The program decodes the error status info which you can read on your consoles System Info page on the dashboard. You punch in two numbers which you will find on the System info screen, the cosole serial # and an X: value which is the error code info. No information is transmited over the internet (you can disconnect you PC internet if you like). The PC program will decode the X value you punched in and tell you if it has flagged copy protection errors - "AP25 Challenge Failed" in which case that is most likely why you got banned. If your machine is not in any way modded and you get this message then the explanation is most likely the copy protection has gone wrong and triggered on a scratched disk (I am pretty sure this is what happenend in my sons case). I double checked this program with info from my nephews (not banned) console - the program reported his console was clean, lucky him. If you get the report that your console is clean and you were still banned then that must be due to something you did online - too bad for you.

Please, everyone try this test and post the result. I wouldnt mind betting that banned consoles show they reported an error. If you can prove your console is unmodded then we have a good case that something has gone wrong with this pirate reporting system most likely due to errors reading legit game disks."

I downloaded and ran the program and mine gave me the Failed AP25 Challenge. Could very well be on to something.

I tried running this and my anti virus keeps deleting it saying....

This is a trojan Artemis!04430C37BBBE

Jackobyte · 10-09-2011 07:22PM

NORTH1 wrote: »

Advice on this please.....

I tried running this and my anti virus keeps deleting it saying....

This is a trojan Artemis!04430C37BBBE

Could be a false positive? SuperOneClick for android is always picked up by McAfee as well and it definitely doesn't contain a virus.

Varik · 10-09-2011 07:57PM

So how many times is it now that Activision have released something that ****ed Live up.

Varik · 10-09-2011 08:07PM

NORTH1 wrote: »

Advice on this please.....

I tried running this and my anti virus keeps deleting it saying....

This is a trojan Artemis!04430C37BBBE

Did you use any games that would have xgd3.

I think

Driver: San Francisco
Dead Island
Rise of Nightmares
Warhammer 40000: Space Marin

are the only games that are xgd3 only

NORTH1 · 10-09-2011 08:31PM

Varik wrote: »

Did you use any games that would have xgd3.

I think
Driver: San Francisco
Dead Island
Rise of Nightmares
Warhammer 40000: Space Marin

are the only games that are xgd3 only

I have no idea what xgd3 is but I have not used any of the games you listed.

This can only be the zombie maps I downloaded on the Friday and didnt use until the Saturday morning very breifly, went out for the day the whole family came back that evening to find the console was banned.

It could be nothing else that I'm aware of!!

I have noticed the MS support people on the xbox forum seem to thing this is the same as any other ban wave, cause if it was a mistake Microsoft would have said something by now, hence we are all whining cause we got caught...

I have now been seven day without the console, now most weeks this would not bother me but the fact that I cant use it makes it a lot worse.

Back to Bloody X factor god its bad tonight.......

Varik · 10-09-2011 09:36PM

NORTH1 wrote: »

I have no idea what xgd3 is but I have not used any of the games you listed.

It's the newer copy protection method used on 360 games that your quote refereed to.

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 01:15AM

I have just lodged a complaint against Microsoft on BBB.ORG. I seems Microsoft are registered to handle Microsofts complaints, and Ireland seems to be covered by them too.

Anyway this is my post.

My console has been banned of the Microsoft Live network since 3rd of September 2011, Claiming I had broken the terms and conditions of the network. I contacted support and they directed me to section relating to console bans on the web. I read through the section and found I had not broken any of the listed rules.
On contacting support again I was informed that there was nothing they could do as the enforcement team does not make mistakes and that I would have to buy a new console. I have checked every aspect of my console and there has not been any tampering to it, and ever game on it is fully paid for. The removal of service which is paid for in advance by the blocking of the console is in breach of the Sale of goods and Supply of services Act 1980 and the Consumer protection Act 2007.

I have posted to complaints section on the on-line forum, which have not been posted up, I have sent two e-mails to both Larry Hryb and Stephen Toulouse The second one a formal complaint and I have only received an automated response from Larry Hryb.

I do not want to proceed down the legal route as it is clear to me that there has been some mistake, but Microsofts failure to communicate on this matter is leaving me no choice.

My terms of resolution

1. I want the circumstance of the blocking of my console reinvestigated and a reason for the blocking of it, this does not have to be in great detail just this is what went wrong or you did this....
2. If my console is found not to be in breech of the terms in want the following,
3. I want the blockage lifted immediately.
4. I want compensation for loss of access to xbox live network.
5. I want an apology for the wrongful blocking of the console as it is assumed by my peers that your guilty first and have to prove your innocents.
6. I want a notice posted that I did not break any of the rules or terms of xbox live on the following forums
a. Boards.ie
b. Xbox Forums
c. xbox360achievements.org

I await your response.

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 01:17AM

I have just lodged a complaint against Microsoft on BBB.ORG. I seems Microsoft are registered to handle Microsofts complaints, and Ireland seems to be covered by them too.

Anyway this is my post.

My console has been banned of the Microsoft Live network since 3rd of September 2011, Claiming I had broken the terms and conditions of the network. I contacted support and they directed me to section relating to console bans on the web. I read through the section and found I had not broken any of the listed rules.
On contacting support again I was informed that there was nothing they could do as the enforcement team does not make mistakes and that I would have to buy a new console. I have checked every aspect of my console and there has not been any tampering to it, and ever game on it is fully paid for. The removal of service which is paid for in advance by the blocking of the console is in breach of the Sale of goods and Supply of services Act 1980 and the Consumer protection Act 2007.

I have posted to complaints section on the on-line forum, which have not been posted up, I have sent two e-mails to both Larry Hryb and Stephen Toulouse The second one a formal complaint and I have only received an automated response from Larry Hryb.

I do not want to proceed down the legal route as it is clear to me that there has been some mistake, but Microsofts failure to communicate on this matter is leaving me no choice.

My terms of resolution

1. I want the circumstance of the blocking of my console reinvestigated and a reason for the blocking of it, this does not have to be in great detail just this is what went wrong or you did this....
2. If my console is found not to be in breech of the terms in want the following,
3. I want the blockage lifted immediately.
4. I want compensation for loss of access to xbox live network.
5. I want an apology for the wrongful blocking of the console as it is assumed by my peers that your guilty first and have to prove your innocents.
6. I want a notice posted that I did not break any of the rules or terms of xbox live on the following forums
a. Boards.ie
b. Xbox Forums
c. xbox360achievements.org

I await your response.

cruizer101 · 11-09-2011 02:21AM

I've actually gone and read this whole thread even though i don't even own an xbox (an xbox sounds much better than a xbox not sure whats correct). Anyway woud just ike to add my support to north.

Just because microsofts systems are great doesn't mean they can't make a mistake why the presumption of guilt on his part.

Also why the lack of information from them would it really be so hard or be such security risk to give an automated general non specific response to bannings.

Anyway just want say i hope works out for OP and if, as it would seem, microsoft are in the wrong they admit and apologise for it.

Helix · 11-09-2011 02:44AM

parts 5 and 6 are ruining the credibility of any point you may have tbh north

Jackobyte · 11-09-2011 07:36AM

Helix wrote: »

parts 5 and 6 are ruining the credibility of any point you may have tbh north

I agree, expecting Microsoft to admit a mistake in public isn't going to happen. It'd be a PR nightmare. If they admitted that their ban system makes mistakes in public, they could end up with everyone who was ever console banned on to them looking for compensation. Settle any grievances with them in private. They still are a multi-billion dollar corporation and if you expect them to willing put their public image in danger, they won't settle and will invite you to see them in court tbh.

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 07:47AM

Helix wrote: »

parts 5 and 6 are ruining the credibility of any point you may have tbh north

I'm not sure how point's five and six have any barring on the rights or wrongs of the issues?

Part of the complaints process is what is my resolution to this issue.

I have pointed out that if the console is not in breach of the terms I am looking for the following 3-6. Microsofts policy of guilty until proven innocent with out recourse has lead to comments of "look you most have done something wrong" and in worse cases as I have posted previously "Do I stutter your a thief".

So under any normal resolution to a complaint I am looking to clear my name of any hints of wrong doing.

Microsoft have already ruined my creditability I just want to defend it do you not agree?

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 07:53AM

Jackobyte wrote: »

I agree, expecting Microsoft to admit a mistake in public isn't going to happen. It'd be a PR nightmare. If they admitted that their ban system makes mistakes in public, they could end up with everyone who was ever console banned on to them looking for compensation. Settle any grievances with them in private. They still are a multi-billion dollar corporation and if you expect them to willing put their public image in danger, they won't settle and will invite you to see them in court tbh.

And would this be the reason why we have the comments "I have never seen microsoft make a mistake"?

You would want to be mad to try and defend yourself against a company of this size, my favourite comment on here so far has to be "Just suck it up" as it sort of assumes I might be innocent.

darklighter · 11-09-2011 08:15AM

Jackobyte wrote: »

I agree, expecting Microsoft to admit a mistake in public isn't going to happen. It'd be a PR nightmare. If they admitted that their ban system makes mistakes in public, they could end up with everyone who was ever console banned on to them looking for compensation. Settle any grievances with them in private. They still are a multi-billion dollar corporation and if you expect them to willing put their public image in danger, they won't settle and will invite you to see them in court tbh.

MS havent exactly got the best public image in the world and if it turns out that they have been banning people in error, trying to cover it up and not admitting their error will do more damage than just admitting the error

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 08:35AM

darklighter wrote: »

MS havent exactly got the best public image in the world and if it turns out that they have been banning people in error, trying to cover it up and not admitting their error will do more damage than just admitting the error

In fairness to Microsoft I never had a problem right up to last week end. They repaired my first 360 out of warrant no questions asked.

Up until last week end I was not aware of console bans.

Its amazing what one week can do to someone's image.

XG4M3M45T3RX · 11-09-2011 08:47AM

NORTH1 wrote: »

Advice on this please.....

I tried running this and my anti virus keeps deleting it saying....

This is a trojan Artemis!04430C37BBBE

Lads, if we have people on here actually downloading suggested programs from other online users to download onto a disc and install onto your XBox we have bigger issues then a console ban...:eek:

Hand...Fire??? :rolleyes:

But lets keep on point, I really believe that you did loose all credibility asking for a formal apology on an online forum to a personal issue with your hardware. If you are really looking to get your point across, trying to do it VIA a public forum is not suggested...

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 08:58AM

XG4M3M45T3RX wrote: »

Lads, if we have people on here actually downloading suggested programs from other online users to download onto a disc and install onto your XBox we have bigger issues then a console ban...:eek:

What are you talking about? Nothing has been installed to the xbox. Inform yourself before giving an opinion.

Foot...Mouth??? :rolleyes:

XG4M3M45T3RX wrote: »

But lets keep on point, I really believe that you did loose all credibility asking for a formal apology on an online forum to a personal issue with your hardware. If you are really looking to get your point across, trying to do it VIA a public forum is not suggested...

I also believe comments like this are designed to muddy the issue especial since it was answered above.

XG4M3M45T3RX · 11-09-2011 09:04AM

NORTH1 wrote: »

Advice on this please.....

I tried running this and my anti virus keeps deleting it saying....

This is a trojan Artemis!04430C37BBBE

NORTH1 wrote: »

What are you talking about? Nothing has been installed to the xbox. Inform yourself before giving an opinion.

Foot...Mouth??? :rolleyes:

I also believe comments like this are designed to muddy the issue especial since it was answered above.

My mistake, however you are still entering your Serial number into a program that you downloaded from the internet...correct??

Im not here to ''Muddy'' any issue, merely to offer my support and try and help with suggestions to get the issue resolved for you...

Don't fancy a bickering match...:D

gizmo · 11-09-2011 09:25AM

NORTH1 wrote: »

I'm not sure how point's five and six have any barring on the rights or wrongs of the issues?

Part of the complaints process is what is my resolution to this issue.

I have pointed out that if the console is not in breach of the terms I am looking for the following 3-6. Microsofts policy of guilty until proven innocent with out recourse has lead to comments of "look you most have done something wrong" and in worse cases as I have posted previously "Do I stutter your a thief".

So under any normal resolution to a complaint I am looking to clear my name of any hints of wrong doing.

Microsoft have already ruined my creditability I just want to defend it do you not agree?

Your credibility was more than likely ruined with many when you admitted, in the most round about way possible of course, that you downloaded illegal movies for your kids to watch. Not only is that wrong in principle but what kind of message does that send to your other kids, one of whom I assume is over 15 years old given the rating of Black Ops, with regards piracy?

Anyway, if Microsoft find the error has been on their end they'll most certainly compensate you, whether it's a new console if the bans really can't be undone (which isn't that far fetched an idea) or simply an unbanning coupled with a couple of months XBox Live Gold time. In terms of admitting their mistake, if compensation is given to those affected then they'll probably have to say something unless they give you some sort of NDA to sign along with it. Personally I don't think the latter would that bad an idea given the immense harm an admission to guilt would do to the efforts of their Policy Enforcement Team as Jackobyte said above.

To reiterate though, if you truly have been banned in error then you have my utmost sympathies, I can only imagine the frustration it is causing you. If it had been me I would have certainly pursued the issue in a similar manner to you although as you can guess from the above, my letters would be slightly different.

VALIS · 11-09-2011 12:22PM

I support your cause NORTH1; I believe that you're innocent (or at the very least believe that you believe!) and while asking for a public apology across different forums from Microsoft is overreaching significantly, I hope you are satisfactorily vindicated and compensated.

pH · 11-09-2011 02:10PM

NORTH1 wrote: »

Microsoft have already ruined my creditability I just want to defend it do you not agree?

It feels really wrong to be defending Microsoft (a company I have little love for) but to be fair ...

MS didn't announce you as a cheater to the world, either here, on XBL or on any forum, you announced the ban yourself - I really fail to see how MS can be to blame for that.

Add to that, what appears to be a genuine complaint on your part has been interspersed with a number of frankly outlandish accusations - that MS has been banning consoles to make money, and there is some form of conspiracy of posters from MS muddying the waters here and on other forums.

You must see this from an outside perspective, we have no access to the truth of your claim, you're some random guy on the net complaining about a console ban, and (AND NO I'M NOT CALLING YOU A LIAR) the net is full of people telling untruths, half truths, trolling, lying, exaggerating etc.

If everything you have said is 100% correct, then on the face of it this console ban is very strange and you have a point - however there are thousands of people on the net complaining that MS have done them wrong and turn out it was correct, and as far as I can see no real verifiable cases of MS banning consoles incorrectly.

The last big one was "Autistic boy banned from XBOX because he plays too well the system thought he was cheating", turned out he'd given his gamertag to a friend to use a PC program to unlock Halo armour
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107371-Autistic-Xbox-Players-Mother-Admits-He-Cheated

I think MS should have a system whereby you can lookup a reason for a console ban - I think a number of things about bannings online are very very unfair and I'd like to see much stronger rights for consumers enshrined in legislation (for example I don't think that MS should be able to ban an account for breeching T&C and yet keep unspent money/MSPs on that account - that's like a breaking a bank's T&C and them banning you and keeping all the money in a savings account)

I still think it's unlikely (but not impossible) you've been banned incorrectly, however you absolutely should be entitled to an explanation and an escalation procedure in these circumstances.

NORTH1 · 11-09-2011 03:06PM

I announced the ban as I have had no experience of this before and wasn't sure what had gone wrong. I still don’t know what has gone wrong but in my enquires it became very clear very quickly you don't question Microsoft openly. I have posted the evidence of this. This is purely down to Microsoft’s actions not mine.

It could also be a good reason why people don't follow through as the MS reps in the call centre will tell look there’s nothing can be done just buy a new console.

Yes there are assumptions but from the inside looking out they seem hardly outlandish. Do you know what its like? It would be like a phone network sending out a signal to block phones of its network so the costumer has to buy a new phone saying you broke our T&C’s now just buy a new phone from us. Microsoft has not helped itself in this matter either, there will always be theory's where there is no fact’s.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 11-09-2011 03:43PM

Why the heck should they post on those forums? You raised the matter here, not them. An apology to you personally may be in order but you went to your peers (as you put it) they didn't publicise anything. I honestly think you are going overboard on this. Just go through the channels and perhaps let us know the result in a week or two.

Varik · 11-09-2011 04:06PM

Kenny Muscular Valor wrote: »

An apology to you personally may be in order but you went to your peers (as you put it) they didn't publicise anything.

Yep.

It's not defamation if there was no third-party communication.

hightower1 · 11-09-2011 04:25PM

This thread needs a poll!

1.Go Microsoft!
2.Go North!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 11-09-2011 04:56PM

hightower1 wrote: »

This thread needs a poll!

1.Go Microsoft!
2.Go North!

1

XG4M3M45T3RX · 11-09-2011 04:59PM

hightower1 wrote: »

This thread needs a poll!

1.Go Microsoft!
2.Go North!

Agreed...

When will the madness end!!! haha

Elmidena · 11-09-2011 05:33PM

At best MS will have a press release announcing their mistake and for anyone who falls within the false cachement detection area would be compensated. Why in the hell would they (most likely) set up their accounts to apologise to YOU out of all victims? I don't mean that unkindly but be realistic. They'd need some way of establishing their identity is true and if they do it to you they do it to everyone. So you want three forums? They'd have to potentially sign up to 3xhowever many victims were involved. Dream on. You'll get an umbrella press release apology and new console+gold in absolute best case scenario.

This is one of the more intriguing threads I've read on boards, and have followed it over the last few days, but it's a case of having supporters on your side to those supporters going "yeah that's not gonna happen...be realistic" I know you're infuriated but really, look at the bigger scheme of things. Don't go on a power rush to see a corporation prostrate itself at your feet. That's being correct and abusing it to where you're wrong again. Enjoy what you get out of them; it's saved you a LOT of court hassle!

Incidentally, did anywhere run what you mailed off? Haven't read the paper in a few days, but am curious about that

luckyfrank · 11-09-2011 10:44PM

Just read this whole thread, im with north on this one, i believe somwwhere somehow the system has failed and he and others have being banned, after watching the video graham posted and listening to north's account of things, im sure it has to do with black ops

PS Still in the back of my mind there is a lingering doubt i cant shake that somehow MS have got it right and unknowingly north's ban was correct

CANT TAKE MY EYS OFF THIS THREAD

:D:D

Console Ban 3-9-11 (Mod Warning Post #755)

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