Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Key points
Fully remappable keyboard controls
Ability to import your music for your own custom radio station [1]
Supports many resolutions including 16:10 and 16:9 ratio resolutions [2]
There are many issues and it is very likely to encounter at least one [3] [4]
Vertical mouse sensitivity is nearly unchangeable
Lack of many important video options
Virtually no support on the Rockstar page of this game [5]
General information
Grand Theft Auto game series steam forums.
Steam Community Discussions
GTA: Vice City on GTA Forums
Information on all things game play related
Mods and add-ons for the Grand Theft Auto Series
[edit] Availability
Steam version is currently the easiest method of obtaining the most updated version
Steam version has no way of fixing the stretched UI issue
[edit] Game data
[edit] Game install location
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Location
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| 64-bit Windows
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C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\
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| 32-bit Windows
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C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\
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| Steam
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C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\
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[edit] Game save location
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Location
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| Windows and Steam
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%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\GTA Vice City User Files\
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| Windows 98/Me
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C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\GTA Vice City User Files\
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| Mac
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\Users\Library\Application Support\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\p_drive\Documents\GTA Vice City User Files
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Save file location is dependent on whether or not "Compatibility Mode" is enabled as well as the operating system selected. (i.e. GTA-vc.exe on a Windows 8 operating system set to run in "Windows 98/Windows Me" Compatibility Mode will create save files in the default Windows 98 folder and not the default Windows 8 folder.)
"gta_vc.set" which are the game's settings configuration file is saved in these folders as well
Note that save files are NOT cross-compatible between Mac and Windows
[edit] Video settings
[edit] "Wide Screen"
- An option located in the graphics settings that can be toggled on or off
May not be needed on the steam version.
When enabled, allows the user to play in unstretched 4:3 resolutions on widescreen monitors.
[edit] "Frame Rate Limiter"
- An option located in the graphics settings that can be toggled on or off.
When enabled, solves most issues when playing on modern PC's.
Limits frames per second to 30.
[edit] Input settings
[edit] Known issues
[edit] Cut scenes
When a cut scene starts, the game seems to be frozen.
- It is noticeable upon starting a new game, when a black screen appears with the writing "Marco's Bistro, Liberty City, 1986".
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Compatibility mode • Link
- Navigate to the folder where the game is installed.
- In this folder right click "gta-vc.exe" and select "Properties".
- In the "Compatibility" and check "Disable visual themes".
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 98 .
Compatibility modes for Windows XP and above do not work. [3]
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"Frame Rate Limiter" • Link
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- Try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
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[edit] Changing the resolution causes the game to crash
The game may crash when changing the resolution
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- The resolution setting should still be saved. Re-launch the game to confirm your settings.
- If the resolution setting was not saved, try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
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[edit] Cars reverse slowly and stop quickly
Cars either reverse extremely slowly and/or your car stops quickly after releasing the accelerator.
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"Frame Rate Limiter" • Link
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- Try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
- Alliteratively, if you do not want to restart the game, Alt-Tab out
- Open the task manager
- Locate gta-vc.exe under the "Processes" tab (or the "Details" tab in Windows 8)
- Right click and choose the option to "Set Affinity"
- Untick all options and only enable the CPU 0 or a single core
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[edit] Boat missions incredibly difficult
Boats accelerate and move slower than they should be
- Clock-based boat missions, such as "Stunt Boat Challenge", incredibly difficult if not impossible
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"Frame Rate Limiter" • Link
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- Try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
- Alliteratively, if you do not want to restart the game, Alt-Tab out
- Open the task manager
- Locate gta-vc.exe under the "Processes" tab (or the "Details" tab in Windows 8)
- Right click and choose the option to "Set Affinity"
- Untick all options and only enable the CPU 0 or a single core
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[edit] Mouse clicks do not register[6]
Moving the mouse has no effect outside of the menus
Clicks do not register at all outside (and/or inside) of the menus
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Refresh method • Link
- Alt-Tab out of the game
- Right Click anywhere on the desktop and select refresh
This method doesn't always work because the game automatically pauses which opens the menu where the mouse already functions [4]
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Steam overlay • Link
- Open the steam overlay and then close it
As the name of this fix points out, this method only works on the Steam version of the game
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Delete .set file • Link
- Alt-Tab out of the game
- Navigate to the folder containing the game's save files
- Locate and delete "gta_vc.set"
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Compatibility mode • Link
- Navigate to the folder where the game is installed.
- In this folder right click "gta-vc.exe" and select "Properties".
- In the "Compatibility" and check "Disable visual themes".
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 98 .
Compatibility modes for Windows XP and above do not work. [4]
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- Try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
- Alliteratively, if you do not want to restart the game, Alt-Tab out
- Open the task manager
- Locate gta-vc.exe under the "Processes" tab (or the "Details" tab in Windows 8)
- Right click and choose the option to "Set Affinity"
- Untick all options and only enable the CPU 0 or a single core
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Download the DINPUT8.DLL-file • Link
Follow the instructions of this guide on the Steam Community Hub of the game. |
[edit] Textures & models "pop in" too slowly[3]
Certain models such as bridges or stairs take a few seconds to "pop in" even if the character is standing near to or next to the model.
In the mission "The Driver", a character may fall through the a bridge.
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"Frame Rate Limiter" • Link
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Compatibility mode • Link
- Navigate to the folder where the game is installed.
- In this folder right click "gta-vc.exe" and select "Properties".
- In the "Compatibility" and check "Disable visual themes".
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 98 .
Compatibility modes for Windows XP and above do not work. [4]
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- Try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
- Alliteratively, if you do not want to restart the game, Alt-Tab out
- Open the task manager
- Locate gta-vc.exe under the "Processes" tab (or the "Details" tab in Windows 8)
- Right click and choose the option to "Set Affinity"
- Untick all options and only enable the CPU 0 or a single core
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[edit] It's a ghost-town
There are almost no cars or pedestrians on the streets. Completing any rampage is therefore impossible.
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"Frame Rate Limiter" • Link
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[edit] Game crashes after intro movie or fails to start entirely[3]
Nothing occurs, other than a possible quick flicker, when attempting to run the game (gta-vc.exe)
The game starts, however it crashes directly after the intro move with the error "gta-vc.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close."
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Delete .set file • Link
- Alt-Tab out of the game
- Navigate to the folder containing the game's save files
- Locate and delete "gta_vc.set"
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Compatibility mode • Link
- Navigate to the folder where the game is installed.
- In this folder right click "gta-vc.exe" and select "Properties".
- In the "Compatibility" and check "Disable visual themes".
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 98 .
Compatibility modes for Windows XP and above do not work. [4]
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[edit] Camera locks after a unique jump is performed[3]
The camera locks in slow-motion and does not release the view.
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Alt-Tab Workaround • Link
- Alt + Tab out of the game.
- Click on Vice City on your task bar.
- Alt + Tab back in.
- Repeat steps 1-3 a couple of times if it did not work the first time
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[edit] Game runs too quickly[3]
The game is running too fast sometimes comically fast.
Pedestrians seem to be "running" and cars move on and off screen extremely fast.
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"Frame Rate Limiter" • Link
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Compatibility mode • Link
- Navigate to the folder where the game is installed.
- In this folder right click "gta-vc.exe" and select "Properties".
- In the "Compatibility" and check "Disable visual themes".
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 98 .
Compatibility modes for Windows XP and above do not work. [4]
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Limit CPU cores to 1 • Link
- Try setting the game to run on 1 single core
-CPUCount:1 in the launch options
- Alliteratively, if you do not want to restart the game, Alt-Tab out
- Open the task manager
- Locate gta-vc.exe under the "Processes" tab (or the "Details" tab in Windows 8)
- Right click and choose the option to "Set Affinity"
- Untick all options and only enable the CPU 0 or a single core
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[edit] Crosshair inaccuracy
When playing on a higher and wider resolution, the onscreen crosshair is not accurate.
The real aim is slightly above and to the right of the displayed crosshairs.
The latest steam version[7] places the crosshair in the correct location on the screen.
[edit] Vertical (Y-axis) mouse sensitivity
Changing the overall mouse sensitivity setting in the options menu does not affect vertical sensitivity
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Computer settings • Link
- Set the mouse sensitivity to its default setting in the options menu of the game.
- Manually change the mouse sensitivity in the mouse options in the Windows control panel or Mac settings utility
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[edit] Improvements
[edit] Graphical tweaks & updates
Numerous texture packs and modifications can be made to improve graphical fidelity on higher resolutions, especially noticeable when playing in the 1920x1080 resolution.
[edit] Tommy Vercetti high res texture pack[8]
Tommy Vercetti rebuilt from the ground up to add some quality to the main player.
Includes a 3D model watch
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Tommy Vercetti high res installation procedure • Link
Requires the use of a TXD editor to modify gta3.img
- Download the pack from this page.
- Extract the
Tommy_HD_ModelTexture.zip to a convenient location
- Run
IMG.exe and open Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img using "File" -> "Open" on the top left of TXD Editor
- In the TXD Editor, find and replace
player8.txd.
- In the TXD Editor, add
tommy.dff.
- Click "Commands" -> "Rebuild Archive" to save the new .img.
- Copy the files
tommy.dff, tom.jpg, and player.png to Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\Skins
- Launch the game and load the custom skin in the options menu.
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ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
[edit] High quality weapon icons[9]
This mod replaces all of the weapon icons with high quality versions of those icons.
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High quality weapon icons installation procedure • Link
Requires the use of a TXD editor to modify gta3.img
- Download
HD_icons_VC_by_Zera.zip and extract the contents. There are three different styles included. The installation allows for mixing and matching or staying true to one style.
- Run
txd Workshop.exe and open Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img using "Open IMG" on the top left of TXD Editor
- In the TXD Editor, find the .TXD files that match the names of the images included in the recently extracted mod.
- Manually select the .TXD (example
bat.txd and select the picture that shows up in the contents window to the right of the files.
- Above, there is a menu with the option to "Import." Click on "Import" and select the corresponding image that is preferred. Repeat this process for all of weapons.
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ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
[edit] Particle effects
This modification adds effects such as reflections and improves upon other effects such as smoke and cloud cover.
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Particle effects installation procedure • Link
- Download
particle.zip and extract the contents.
- Copy and replace the recently extracted
particle.txd over Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\particle.txd
- Run the game to confirm the changes.
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ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\particle.txd before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
[edit] High resolution textures and GTA IV style streets[10]
This modification replaces most of the roads and many textures with high resolution ones.
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High resolution textures and GTA IV style streets installation procedure • Link
Requires an IMG script editor
- Download
GTA_IV_Streets__Hi_Res.rar (Part 1), Part_2.rar (Part 2 + Part 1 Update), and GrassFix.rar (Grass Fix). (Optionally) extract the contents.
- Run
GTA Mod Installer.exe
- Select continue, select "Install a mod [with a script file] for GTA3 or Vice City" and click next.
- Select either of the two options depending upon whether the mod was extracted or not and click next.
- Point the installer to either
GTA_IV_Streets__Hi_Res.rar or the script file EXTRACTION LOCATION\GTA IV Streets + Hi Res\Files+Installscript\installscript_gtavc.txt in the extracted folder depending on the option selected previously.
- Click next and then point the installer directly to the Game Install Location and click next.
- It is highly recommended that a backup is made. Backups create an uninstall script which can be used to recover the game without needing a reinstall should anything go awry.
- Let the installer run until there is a confirmation dialog. Repeat this process for Part 2 and Grass Fix.
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ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
[edit] High resolution radar mini map
[edit] Realistic
This modification to the mini map is a high resolution, realistic depiction of a mini map[11].
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Realistic mini map installation procedure • Link
Requires an TXD editor
- Download
HDRadar.rar and extract the contents.
- Run
txd Workshop.exe and open Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img using "Open IMG" on the top right of TXD Editor
- Delete
radar00.txd - radar63.txd
- Click "Action" -> "Add" -> Select the recently extracted
radar00.txd - radar63.txd
- Save the changes and launch the game to test that it still works properly
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ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
[edit] High quality original remake[12]
This modification to the mini map is a high resolution remake of the original Vice City mini map at four times the original size[13]
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High resolution true to game style mini map installation procedure • Link
Requires an IMG script editor
- Download
hqr-vc.zip and (optionally) extract the contents.
- Run
GTA Mod Installer.exe
- Select continue, select "Install a mod [with a script file] for GTA3 or Vice City" and click next.
- Select either of the two options depending upon whether the mod was extracted or not and click next.
- Point the installer to either
hqr-vc.zip or the script file installscript_gtavc.txt in the extracted folder depending on the option selected previously.
- Click next and then point the installer directly to the Game Install Location and click next.
- The backup feature was never fully implemented so don't select yes on the prompt that comes up directly after the previous step.
- Let the installer run until there is a confirmation dialog. Close the installer and run the game.
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ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
[edit] High quality mini map icons[14]
This modification is a great addition when paired with the high resolution radar.
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High quality mini map icons installation procedure • Link
- Download the pack from this page.
- Extract
hqri-vc.zip to any location.
- Follow the included
Extraction Location/HD_icons_VC_by_Zera/Readme.txt for further instructions
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[edit] Long distance pop-in mod[15]
Allows the user to change the distance limit of the "pop-in" effect.
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Pop-In Modifier installation procedure • Link
- Download the pack from this page.
- Extract
GTA_VC_HQ.rar to any location.
- Follow the included
GTAVCHQ_Readme.rtf for further instructions
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[edit] IMG script editor
Allows for modifications and image replacements to be made to game files contained within Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img automatically via an install script.
Modifications to gta3.img are compatible with the steam version of the game.
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gta3.img Editing • Link
- Download the
gta_mod_installer_v5.0_beta.zip and extract the contents to a convenient location.
- Run
GTA Mod Installer.exe
- Follow the on screen prompts to point the installer to the correct script and to the correct game install location.
ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img AND Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.dir before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
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[edit] TXD editor
Allows for modifications and image replacements to be made to game files contained within the Game Install Location.
Modifications to .TXD files are compatible with the steam version of the game.
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.TXD Editing • Link
- Download the
1338034483_TXD.zip and extract the contents to a convenient location.
- Open
txd Workshop.exe
- This is an excellent tool to double check the work made by the next tool because of the ability to see the images contained within the files.
ALWAYS make a backup of the files being edited before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared for the potential to have to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
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Non-script gta3.img Editing • Link
- Download the
IMG.zip and extract the contents to a convenient location.
- Open
Extraction Location\IMG\IMG.exe
- Has a fully functioning (CRTL + F) finding feature.
- Easily sorts files by type with the ability to hide file types by using "Edit" -> "Show Me" to select a specific type such as .TXD files only.
ALWAYS make a backup of Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.img AND Game Install Location\Grand Theft Auto Vice City\models\gta3.dir before attempting to make any changes to the file else be prepared to reinstall the game if anything goes wrong.
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A script installer host capable of injecting memory changes as well as modifying the scrips of the game.
CLEO is not compatible with the steam version of the game.
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Pop-In Modifier installation procedure • Link
- Download the auto-installer here and follow the on screen prompts
- A folder called
CLEO is created in the root of the game's directory.
- All mods using CLEO will have at least 1 file that belongs inside the
CLEO folder.
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[edit] Widescreen UI and FOV fix
Attempts to fix issues caused due to widescreen resolutions
Contains:
- A crosshair fix.
- A fix for the stretched minimap radar
- A configurable FOV setting
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Widescreen and FOV fix installation procedure • Link
This fix requires CLEO to be installed.
- Select the "Vice City widescreen fix v4" which will download
vc_proper_widescreen_fix_v4.zip.
- Extract the contents of
vc_proper_widescreen_fix_v4.zip.
- Move
20widescreenfix.cs to game install location/CLEO.
- Move
20widescreenfix.txt to game install location/CLEO/CLEO_TEXT/.
- If the FOV is not what is desired, change the number on on the front of both
20widescreenfix.cs and 20widescreenfix.txt to the desired FOV. For example, 15widescreenfix.cs and 15widescreenfix.txt would result with a FOV setting of 15.
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This fix will not work with the steam version of the game
Does not fix the rest of the HUD that is toggled from the video options menu
[edit] Windowed mode
Regardless of which method is used, this only seems to work for a select, and lucky few people.
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Windowed command • Link
- Navigate to the shortcut used to launch the game normally and open its properties window.
- Add "-window", "-w", or "-windowed" to the end of the URL. All three have been reported to work in different versions and machines. If using steam, try these options in the set launch options setting.
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Third party software • Link
It has been reported that 3D Analyzer and many other types of software can force windowed mode.
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[edit] Y-axis modifier
This will allow the user to modify the y-axis sensitivity.
This mod has not been updated in a long time and thus is not compatible with the steam version of the game.
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Y-axis mod installation procedure • Link
- Download the y-axis mouse sensitivity fix.
- Extract the contents of
racers_vcsens.zip to a continent location.
- Open
vcsens.txt and follow the provided instructions.
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[edit] System requirements
| Windows
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Minimum
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Recommended
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| Operating system (OS)
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Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
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Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
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| Processor (CPU)
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800 MHz Intel Pentium III or 800 MHz AMD Athlon or 1.2GHz Intel Celeron or 1.2 GHz AMD Duron processor
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Intel Pentium IV or AMD Athlon XP processor
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| System memory (RAM)
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128 MB
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256 MB
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| Video card (GPU)
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DirectX 9.0c Compatible with 32 MB
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DirectX 9.0c Compatible with 64 MB 1024 of VRAM
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| Hard disk drive (HDD)
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915 MB free
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915 MB free
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| Mac
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Minimum
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Recommended
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| Operating system (OS)
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Mac OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) or newer
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Mac OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) or newer
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| Processor (CPU)
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor or better
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor or better
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| System memory (RAM)
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1GB of RAM
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1GB of RAM
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| Video card (GPU)
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ATI X1600, NVIDIA 7300GT, Intel X3100 integrated graphics chip, or better
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ATI X1600, NVIDIA 7300GT, Intel X3100 integrated graphics chip, or better
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| Hard disk drive (HDD)
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1.7GB of free hard disk space
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1.7GB of free hard disk space
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References
- ↑ Custom Radio Stations in GTA Games Retrieved 11 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.widescreengaming.net/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto:_Vice_City Retrieved 03 January, 2013
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Vice City on Windows Vista & Windows 7" Retrieved 08 January, 2013
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "Bug List with Solutions (PC, PS2 & XBox)" Retrieved 08 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftautovicecity/pc/index.htm Retrieved 7 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.dedoimedo.com/games/gta-vice-city-windows-7.html Retrieved 7 January, 2013
- ↑ As of 14 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=409717 Retrieved 14 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=487050 Retrieved 16 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=438282 Retrieved 16 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtagarage.com/mods/screen.php?s=23792 Retrieved 9 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=413319 Retrieved 9 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtagarage.com/mods/show.php?id=6585 Retrieved 9 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=412318 Retrieved 10 January, 2013
- ↑ http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=449051 Retrieved 14 January, 2013