The pre patch occurs once you exit the game. After you quit the game, the launcher will pop up and start the pre patch

My favorite thing about the pre-patch is I know its there before I even get into the game.

How, you might ask... Well its because my Iolo Startup Guard force closes the launcher

Ive done everything on my end to allow the program to run.... Since they've started the prepatch Ive had to disable a security measure

get better security software

I thought that's what their new employee was for.

Went through my mind as well. Time for a betting pool as to how long the downtime lasts?

im going to go for 6hrs or less but then a another server down time within a few hours for 2 hours

You'd assume since its preventing something from opening, its working. The problem is when the game is running its process is "gameclient.exe". The process doesnt exist to be added to the whitelist. I ran into this issue when using the Z Board keyboard software. I simply made a fake exe file to trick my keyboard into running the game profile I wanted. The startup guard knows its a fake. :p

Also...something constructive would of been nice....

ATM looks like you were just padding your post count...

paddoooooooooooming my post count.

Normally the patch or maintenance is 3 hrs so I believe it is Season 6 also may be the testing rewards for testing the Tholian mission and spending a hour doing so.

I'm betting on season 6. It's too soon for test rewards, and too much downtime for the zen conversion.

So,2pm till 9pm UK time,makes a pleasant change to have it done during our prime time in game ... ( Sarcasm Alert )