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Difference between revisions of "Grand Theft Auto IV"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎Issues fixed: moved above infinite loading loop (by importance, but it's also kind of hard to distinguish with "early startup stuck") and fixed what references were even meant to say)
(→‎SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error: added other possible cause. Technically, it should only be required for LaunchGTAIV.exe to have an equivalent setting..but having to force programs to run as admin is just dumb, in 2021 as 2008)
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===SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error===
 
===SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=14431 Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 SP1] and [[Microsoft Windows#.NET Framework|.NET 3.5]]|ref=<ref name="securom"/>}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=14431 Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 SP1] and [[Microsoft Windows#.NET Framework|.NET 3.5]]|ref=<ref name="securom"/>}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Remove any [[Windows Compatibility Mode#Run this program as an administrator|administrator compatibility fix]] from <code>{{p|game}}\GTAIV\GTAIV.exe</code>
 +
}}
  
 
===Fatal error: WTV190===
 
===Fatal error: WTV190===

Revision as of 00:24, 19 January 2021

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Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV cover
Developers
Rockstar North
Windows Rockstar Toronto
Publishers
Rockstar Games
Russia 1C-SoftClub
Engines
RAGE
Release dates
Windows December 2, 2008
Reception
Metacritic 90
IGDB 88
Taxonomy
Monetization Expansion pack
Series Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto IV on HowLongToBeat
Grand Theft Auto IV on IGDB
Grand Theft Auto IV guide on StrategyWiki
Grand Theft Auto IV on MobyGames
Grand Theft Auto IV on Wikipedia
Grand Theft Auto 1997
Grand Theft Auto 2 1999
Grand Theft Auto III 2002
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 2003
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 2005
Grand Theft Auto IV 2008
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City 2010
Grand Theft Auto: iFruit 2013
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 10 Year Anniversary 2014
Grand Theft Auto V 2015
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars 2021
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (series)

Warnings

For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.

Key points

The March 2020 update upgrades the game to the Complete Edition, introducing the Rockstar Games Launcher DRM while removing Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM DRM entirely and adding achievements to the Steam version of the game, but also removing multiplayer[1] (see Network for solutions).
Extensive modding community, along with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Downgrading.
Ability to import your music for your own custom radio station.
Some graphical details are worse than the console versions (e.g. less grass, more texture flickering, weaker volumetric lighting).[2]
Rockstar has removed music from the game due to expired licences. Same with Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. See Restore removed music.

General information

Rockstar Support
GTA Modding - A wiki hosting mod information for the GTA series.
GTAForums - Grand Theft Auto IV Discussion
GTA Network - A huge network of fansites all dedicated to the Grand Theft Auto series
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Icon overlay.png
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
Requires online activation
Uses SecuROM 7 and SecuROM PA DRM for disc checking.
CD keys can be redeemed on the Rockstar Games Launcher. Doing this will activate the Complete Edition.[3]
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Official website
Icon overlay.png
Complete Edition.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Complete Edition.
Windows
Complete Edition includes Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.

DLC and expansion packs

DLCs are now a part of the Complete Edition. All previously purchased copies on Steam were upgraded for free to that version, while original retail versions can be freely upgraded to Complete Edition, by registering a Games for Windows - LIVE key on Rockstar Games Launcher.
Name Notes
The Lost and Damned
Windows
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Windows

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Use FusionFix for v1.2.0.30 and above[4]
Use ZolikaPatch for v1.0.4.0, v1.0.7.0, or v1.0.8.0[5]
Apply the GTA IV Intro Patch[citation needed]
Edit loadingscreens_pc.dat[6]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\common\data\
  2. Open loadingscreens_pc.dat with Notepad
  3. Change the value of "duration" for sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to 0.
For the Rockstar Games Launcher version, run the launcher with the -scOfflineOnly parameter to avoid restoring original game files.
Apply XLiveLessAddon (old versions only)[7]

Patches

For patch releases after Patch 1.0.8.0, you must update through Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher.
Patch 8 updates the game to version 1.0.8.0
Patch 7 is also available (may be required for some mods, as much as Patch 4).
Since Patch 6 Rockstar Social Club is no longer required to run the game.[8]

FusionFix

This projects aims to fix some issues in Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition.
FusionFix · GitHub
Applying FusionFix[9]
  1. Download the Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip file.
  2. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game>\.
  3. Download the GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix.zip file.
  4. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game>\ (replace the file(s) when prompted).
For the Rockstar Games Launcher version, run the launcher with the -scOfflineOnly parameter to avoid restoring original game files.
For Patch 1.0.8.0, see here. Otherwise, it is recommended to use ZolikaPatch (see below)

ZolikaPatch

For use with Patches 4, 7, and 8. It cannot be used for the Rockstar Games Launcher version.
Fixes several issues that FusionFix has not.
Applying ZolikaPatch[10]
  1. Download the Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip file.
  2. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game>\.
  3. Download the ZolikaPatch_v#.#.zip file.
  4. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game>\ (replace the file(s) when prompted).

GTA IV&EFLC Graphics Fix

For Patches 7 & 8
Fixes some minor graphical issues

ColAccel

Greatly reduces loading times
Does not work for versions older than Patch 1.0.6.0
If editing .IMG archives you need to delete colCache.dat and let it get re-created
Place ColAccel script in <path-to-game>[11]
Requires an ASI Loader.

Extend GTA IV Memory Graphics Settings (512 MB) (1.2.0.30)

Download

Download Link:

Click on the link to download: dinput8.dll

Virus Total Results:

Virus Total results for dinput8.dll 26 out of 67 detected as of 1/8/21 1:36:07 PM UTC

Source Code

Source code (If you want to compile it yourself):

https://github.com/colistro123/GTAIV_ExtendVidMem

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting

Q: My game is crashing.

A: Delete hints.dat from the GTAIV folder, or install "dinput8.dll" and place it on the game's root folder.

Q: My anti-virus/web browser marks this file as a virus, what do I do?

A: It's normal for anti-viruses or browsers to mark certain system files as viruses and since "dinput8.dll" is a system file which gets loaded by the game, most anti-viruses will detect it as such since it's not signed, hence why the source code was provided if you want to read the code and compile this yourself.

Q: What does this do?

A: It returns the max available video ram in GTA IV and modifies it to return something else. A hook was also created for Direct3DCreate9 to get the D3D device the host application creates and figure out the amount of available VRAM by creating a dummy DXGI adapter.

Q: How do I run this on Proton/Linux?

A: To run on Proton/Linux simply add WINEDLLOVERRIDES="dinput8=n,b" %command% as a launch option. Thanks to @Managor

Restore removed music

Over 50 radio station tracks were removed from the game due to expired licenses in 2018.[12]
Downgrading the Radio Stations[13]
  1. Download the downgrader.
  2. Unpack to the installation folder.
  3. Run install.bat.

Run EFLC as DLCs

Not needed for the Complete Edition version, but can be used with the retail versions.
Merges the radio stations and songs from EFLC into the base game.
Does not work with versions older than 1.0.6.0.
Removes RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM and Vice City FM radio stations. They can be restored by this mod

Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes From Liberty City: Characters Fixes

Not only does this fix some character textures, it also makes characters look more consistent with their EFLC appearances.
Requires OpenIV

Player Outfit Texture Fixes

Fixes coloring on player, peds and NOOSE textures.
Requires OpenIV

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Settings\SETTINGS.CFG
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 1]
Configuration files are encrypted. For an alternative, see Command line parameters.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %LOCALAPPDATA%\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\<user-id>\
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\Profiles\<user-id>\ (Complete Edition)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12210/pfx/[Note 1]

The Rockstar Games Launcher version searches for Games For Windows - LIVE saves.

(old versions only) %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive must also be backed up as the save data is bound to the Games for Windows - LIVE profile.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud
Uses Rockstar Social Club's savegame & settings cloud sync function.

Video

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
Cutscenes and loading screens are Vert-.[14]
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Ultimate Camera Control can be used to add a photo mode with adjustable FOV, does not allow adjustment of in-game FOV.
Windowed
Launch the game with -windowed parameter.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Use FusionFix.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Up to 16 samples.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Use SMAA injector for SMAA. The game does not support traditional methods of anti-aliasing.[15]
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
Cutscenes may be zoomed in incorrectly; slow handbrake camera; handbrake camera is too fast on high FPS (gamepad only)[16]
Framerates above 60 may cause minor physics/collision bugs. At least two late game missions (A Revenger's Tragedy and Out of Commission) cannot be completed above 60 FPS.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game keyboard/mouse settings.
In-game keyboard/mouse settings.
In-game gamepad settings.
In-game gamepad settings.

PS3 Controller Buttons

If using a PlayStation controller, you might want to change the Xbox 360 buttons to the DUALSHOCK buttons. In order to do so, follow the instructions below.

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Download the Controller Button Icon Change mod.
  2. Extract buttons_360.wtd and frontend_360.wtd to <path-to-game>\PC\textures\

DirectInput Controller support (old versions only)

Launch the game with -usedirectinput parameter[17]
Added in Patch 1.0.2.0[18]
After Patch 1.0.3.0 a separate option was located in Options then Controls then Controller Options.

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
SFX & Music.
Surround sound
Up to 5.0 output[19]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Commands responsible for the in-game audio:
  • -fullspecaudio: forces higher quality audio (default).
  • -minspecaudio: forces lower quality audio - good for lower-end processors (while it doesn't decrease the definition of the audio, some extra audio details were removed, therefore reducing CPU load).
Game uses DirectSound[19] which can be handled by Creative Alchemy (set duration to 10)[20]. Just run LaunchGTAIV.exe as administrator just in case the game crashes (unnecessary in Rockstar Launcher version).

DSOAL for using as alternative DirectSound wrapper (with or without HRTF) is compatible with the Rockstar Games Launcher version and with Windows 10 builds lower than at least 1809.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
Fan translation, download.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation.
Italian
Japanese
Polish
Fan translation, download. For Complete Edition download this version
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Official localization by «1C-Softclub» retail version, download.
Russian
Fan translation by «ENPY Studio»
Spanish
Ukrainian
Fan translation, download.
Turkish
Fan translation, download.

Network

Multiplayer types

Connection types

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)[21]
UDP 8888
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
For better support use Helix Mod: Grand Theft Auto IV
TriDef 3D
iZ3D
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues fixed

In case of old versions - for Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE.

Rockstar Games Launcher stuck at black loading screen

Update your GPU drivers[22]

Fatal error: RMN20

Run game in compatibility mode[citation needed]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Right click on GTAIV.exe and enter its properties screen.
  3. Under the compatibility tab, set the compatibility mode to Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) and click OK.
If using Windows 7, Vista or XP, update your Windows to the latest available service pack[23]

Game stuck at disclaimer screen or Rockstar logo on Windows 10

Disable fullscreen optimization[24]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Right click on GTAIV.exe and enter its properties screen.
  3. Under the compatibility tab, tick Disable fullscreen optimisations and click OK.

Infinite loading loop

See 2GB+ VRAM is wrongly recognized[25][26]

Large framerate drops on densely detailed parts of the city

Lower the view distance to 25 or lower. Anything higher may cause drops in performance when looking at the city's skyline or at densely detailed areas (particularly Middle Park) for very little visual gain.
You may also increase your performance significantly while minimising pop-in and graphical glitches by setting the Detail Distance between 10 and 40.
If you need very high framerates, it is recommended that you disable shadows as they are CPU-intensive and also reduce the Vehicle Density to around 40 (33 is the console default if you want a "vanilla" experience).
Keeping Vsync enabled (with the shadows disabled) may help maintain close to stable 60 FPS even on old Core 2 Quad CPUs.
Alternatively, you can also try out disabling Clip Capture in the "Game" option in main menu and setting -minspecaudio which can unload the CPU to some extent depending on your specs and -noprecache in some scenarios and -disableimposters excluding flying.

Texture popping, stuttering and other performance issues after running the game for a while

Force maximum available memory[27]
  1. Create a file named commandline.txt in the game's root folder.
  2. Depending on your texture quality, enter one of the following codes in to the newly created file:
    • Low textures (256 MB VRAM): -memrestrict 230686720
    • Medium textures (512 MB VRAM): -memrestrict 314572800
    • High textures (1 GB+ VRAM): -memrestrict 681574400
  3. Save the file and launch the game.
-reservedApp 0 is also worth a try for a 64-bit OS.[28]
Using high-resolution textures is not recommended for systems with less than 4GB of memory.[28]
Forcing available memory with Patch 1.0.8.0 is not recommended as it will make the game unstable.
Make sure Steam Overlay is enabled[29][citation needed]

No recoil/bullet spread

By default, recoil/bullet spread is only enabled when playing with a controller. This results in 100% shooting accuracy when using a keyboard and a mouse.
Apply FusionFix[30]

Regular camera movement and handbrake camera are too slow

This bug occurs when the framerates exceed 60 fps.
Apply FusionFix[31]

Cutscenes are too zoomed in

This bug occurs when the framerates exceed 60 fps.
Apply FusionFix[32]

Game language doesn't follow the Steam/Rockstar Games Launcher settings

Change Windows language
Replace .gxt file
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\common\text\ and make a copy of .gxt file of the desired language
  2. Delete the language set you currently have.
  3. Rename the previously made copy to the name of the previously deleted file.
You need to do this separately for TLaD and TBoGT, as they use separate GXTs: <path-to-game>\TLaD\common\text\ and <path-to-game>\TBoGT\common\text\ folders respectively.

Game will load with minimal graphics settings and won't let you change them

For video cards that have more than 2 GB or VRAM the game will run but won't let you change the graphics settings to anything better. In order to force the game to allow the changes, load the game's executable with this extra parameter: -norestrictions.
Bypass graphics restrictions on Steam version[citation needed]
  1. Open your Steam library.
  2. Right-click on Grand Theft Auto IV and select Properties.
  3. Press the Set Launch Options... button.
  4. Enter -norestrictions into the text field, press OK.
  5. Start the game.
Bypass graphics restrictions on other versions[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>.
  2. Create a new text file in this folder and name it commandline.txt.
  3. Open it and add the string -norestrictions to it.
  4. Save the file.
  5. Start the game.

AMD/ATI Radeon Water Fix

There is a problem where the water loses its details after a while on AMD/ATI cards. To fix this issue do this:
Replace the water shaders[citation needed]
  1. Download the fixed waterTex shader file.
  2. Go to <path-to-game>\GTAIV
  3. Go to common\shaders\win32_30_atidx10\
  4. Place your downloaded waterTex.fxc shader file and replace the original.
  5. Go to common\shaders\win32_30_low_ati\
  6. Place your downloaded waterTex.fxc shader file and replace the original.
  7. Play.

Notes

Make sure to backup the original files just in case something wrong happens.
For the Rockstar Games Launcher version, run the launcher with the -scOfflineOnly parameter to avoid restoring the original game files.

Invisible fonts bug

A bug may occur which involves most of the game menu text not showing. This happens when you downgrade Patch 1.0.6.0 and later to any versions before it, as the older versions use a different font rendering technique.
Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Download the files fonts.dat and fonts_r.dat located here.
  2. Go to the installation folder.
  3. Drag and drop the files into common\data\ in <path-to-game>.
For the Rockstar Games Launcher version, run the launcher with the -scOfflineOnly parameter to avoid restoring the original game files.

Frame rate drops after a short time in game (e.g. 60 FPS suddenly drops to 45 FPS)

Launch the game via LaunchGTAIV.exe.

Not needed for the Steam/Rockstar Games Launcher versions.

The game stays in the foreground after hanging, making it impossible to see the Task Manager to close it

Click "Options" on the Task Manager and enable "Always on top", it will now be possible to Alt-Tab to it

Release Date Check Failure

Use the Offline Installer package[33]
Change your computer's date to any date before the 28th of June, 2015[citation needed]

Error: WS10

Install the updated Games for Windows Marketplace Client[citation needed]

SecuLauncher: failed to start application. [2000] error

Install Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 SP1 and .NET 3.5[33]
Remove any administrator compatibility fix from <path-to-game>\GTAIV\GTAIV.exe

Fatal error: WTV190

Reinstall GFWL client[citation needed]

Fatal error: WTV270

See In-game interface does not open

No recoil/bullet spread

Install the Bullet Spread/Recoil Fix script[34]
Not recommended to use in Multiplayer.
Requires an ASI Loader.

Game minimises after clicking Start

If the game minimizes after selecting between GTA IV base and EFLC and can not be made full screen again it may be a problem with PunkBuster. It can be fixed by stopping it from running.
Stop PunkBuster[citation needed]
  1. Press Ctrl+ Shift+Esc.
  2. Click PnkBstrA.exe in Processes.
  3. Click End task to stop it from running.

2GB+ VRAM is wrongly recognized

This was fixed in Patch 1.0.8.0.
Force increase video memory[35]
  1. Open <path-to-game>\commandline.txt (create if it doesn't exist).
  2. Put -availablevidmem 2 in a new line (or replace 2 with other number, it's a multiplier of already detected Vram by GTA IV engine).

Multiplayer: Login to Social Club failed

This was fixed with Patch 1.0.8.0.
Override paul.dll[citation needed]
  1. Rename <path-to-game>/paul.dll to paul.dll_old.
  2. Restart the game. It should load up directly.
  • Complete the GFWL setup first, so then you can take this shortcut.

Broken Space button during the missions "Out of Commission" and "A Revenger's Tragedy"

The helicopter quick-time event may not correctly accept inputs from the Space button on modern systems, making it impossible to complete the rest of the mission.
Set affinity[36]
  1. Open Task Manager
  2. Go to "Details" tab
  3. Find the process GTAIV.exe
  4. Right click it, press Set affinity
  5. Uncheck all cores, except CPU 0
  6. Press OK
  7. Return to the game and restart the mission
Make sure to re-enable all the cores after the event, as the game performance will be unacceptable otherwise.

Rancher collision

When driving a Rancher truck, its front bumpers will collide against obsticles like stairs that other vehicles can normally go over. This issue is not present in the console version.
Apply a fix[37]
  1. Download and install OpenIV
  2. Download the rancher.zip file, and extract the "rancher.wft" file
  3. Open the OpenIV software and select "Grand Theft Auto IV" (If prompted to choose the installation folder, click "Browse...", navigate to where GTA IV is installed, and select the "GTAIV" folder)
  4. Click the "Edit mode" button on the navigation bar, then navigate to <path-to-game>\GTAIV\pc\models\cdimages and double-click "vehicles.img"
  5. Replace the original "rancher.wft" with the modded file.
  6. Exit OpenIV
Not recommended to use in Multiplayer.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Shader Model support 3
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Bullet Physics Library, Euphoria
Interface Flash
Cutscenes Bink Video 1.9r
Used for ingame television

Launch Options

By creating a file called commandline.txt and saving it to your root installation folder you can alter the way your game runs. Below is a list of all the parameters.
Few commands works only on clear game and patch 1.0.3.0.
Parameter Description
-help Lists the available commands
-adapter Use the specified screen adapter
-autoconfig Automatically adjust quality setting to maintain desired framerate (15-120)
-availablevidmem Set amount of physical Video Memory
-benchmark Launches the game in Benchmark mode and then quits it
-detailquality Set the detail quality of the game (0-99)
-disableimposters Turn off imposter rendering for vehicles
-forcehighqualitymirrors Enable 64 bit mirrors
-forcer2vb Force Render to Vertex Buffer
-frameLimit Limits your FPS to your refresh rate
-framelockinwindow Force framelock to work even in a window
-fullscreen Force fullscreen mode
-fullspecaudio Force high-end CPU audio footprint
-gpucount Lets you manually set the GPU count if query fails
-height Sets the vertical resolution
-managed Use D3D runtime managed resources
-memrestrict Set the restriction the amount of available memory for the game
-minspecaudio Force low-end CPU audio footprint
-no_3GB Disable 32-bit OS with /3GB
-noBlockOnLostFocus Don't block the window update when it loses focus.
-noprecache Disable precache of resources
-nomemrestrict Disable memory restrictions
-nominimize Disables the ability to restore the game from minimize and changing resolutions (Reduces System Memory Footprint)
-norestrictions Do not limit graphics settings
-noswapdelay Disable sleep delay before Present (Disable fix for hard Present stalls)
-notimefix Disable Time Fix
-novblank Disables V-Sync
-percentvidmem Percentage of Video memory to make available for the game
-refreshrate Set the refresh rate (Must be supported by your monitor)
-reserve Amount of memory to set aside for other applications
-reservedApp Amount of memory to leave available within application space
-renderquality Set the render quality of the game (0-4)
-safemode Sets graphics setting to lowest setting
-shadowdensity Set the number of lights that cast shadows (0-16)
-shadowquality Set the shadow quality (0-4)
-stereo Set game to support stereo rendering mode
-texturequality Set the texture quality of the game (0-2)
-unmanaged Use application managed resources
-usedirectinput Allow DirectInput alongside XInput support.
-viewdistance Set the view distance of the game (0-99)
-windowed Force windowed mode
-width Sets the horizontal resolution

Custom music

GTA IV allows users to play their own music on a custom radio station, Independence FM.[38]

Simply place any audio files/folders or create shortcuts in the %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\User Music\ folder, and tune into the station in-game.
Supported formats are MP3, WMA, M4A. Other formats and extensions are not recognized.
QuickTime or iTunes needs to be installed for M4A support.
Use shortcuts to audio files/folders to save disk space and improve performance.
Supports High-resolution audio files. Up to 96 kHz / 24 bit.
Supports Surround audio files. Up to 6 channels.
FLAC is not supported. Convert to WMA Lossless to use in-game.
Monaural audio files not supported.


Downgrading

Many mods for GTA IV won't work with the latest version
The most supported versions for modding are any versions from 1.0.4.0 to 1.0.7.0
Currently, Steam users can encounter problems with disabling the auto-update feature. It can be done by setting the time of the update: 12 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For the Rockstar Games Launcher version, run the launcher with the -scOfflineOnly parameter to avoid restoring the original game files.
Install Patch 4 (1.0.4.0)[citation needed]
  1. Extract and run the installer
  2. Download the font fixes
  3. Place fonts.dat and fonts_r.dat into <path-to-game>\common\data\
  4. Download and install XLiveLess

Notes

An older version of ScriptHook is required for modding on Patch 1.0.4.0, found here
This version is claimed to have improved game performance[39][40]
Some mods work only with Patch 1.0.4.0, while other mods, such as ColAccel, won't work with Patch 1.0.4.0 at all
Install Patch 7 (1.0.7.0)
  1. Extract the files anywhere on your computer
  2. Run UpdateTitle.exe and install it
  3. Download and install XLiveLess

Notes

Patch 1.0.7.0 has enhanced graphics, secondary key-bindings, several bug fixes, support for the DLCs and more
Many have reported a performance decrease in this patch in comparison to patches prior to 1.0.6.0
To remove the Social Club login screen, remove "Paul.dll" from the game's installation folder

XLiveLess / ASI loader

XLiveLess removes Games for Windows - LIVE service.
Save game data location changes to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\
Disables access to LIVE multiplayer to prevent cheating.
ASI loader is a tool that loads custom libraries with the file extension .asi.

XLiveLessAddon

Can skip the intro videos and even the main menu.
Adds borderless windowed mode.
Allows to launch through GTAIV.exe directly.
Includes Ultimate ASI Loader.
Applying XLiveLessAddon[7]
  1. Download the XLivelessAddon.zip file.
  2. Extract the contents of the download to <path-to-game> (replace the file(s) when prompted).

Ultimate ASI Loader

Built-in XLiveLess.
Applying Ultimate ASI Loader[41]
  1. Download the Ultimate-ASI-Loader.zip file.
  2. Extract the contents of the download.
  3. Rename the dinput8.dll file to xlive.dll.
  4. Move this file to <path-to-game> (replace the file(s) when prompted).

XLiveLess

Built-in ASI loader.
Applying XLiveLess[42]
  1. Download XLiveLess.
  2. Extract the contents of the download.
  3. Move the xlive.dll file to <path-to-game> (replace the file(s) when prompted).

Modifications

These should not be used in multiplayer.
It is strongly recommended making a backup of any files modifications may replace or amend in the event of corruption.
For the Rockstar Games Launcher version, run the launcher with the -scOfflineOnly parameter to avoid restoring original game files.

First person mod

Compatible with VR.

Improved Animations Pack

Fixes many issues with several gun animations, such as the firing delay of the assault rifiles.

Draw Distance Tweak

Allows for large draw distances.

GTA IV Optimizer

Boosts performance
There is a V2 in Beta. Download

Speedometer KM/H (Not necessary)

Adds a speedometer to GTA 4 that can be useful.

iCEnhancer

Improves the game's visuals, from lighting to reflections to vegetation, while also potentially improving performance.
Might require specific game versions.
Cannot be used with other ENB mods.

Excellent ENB

This ENB may be very bright for some, so if you don't want this mod, download ENB for natural and realistic lighting (may not work on anything newer than Patch 1.0.4.0).
Graphical modification that improves visuals [citation needed].
Includes multiple presets suitable for any computer.
Compatible with all patches.
Contains optional ASI loader.
Contains optional trainer.
Contains optional textures for roads and trees.
Cannot be used with the iCEnhancer mod.
A minor graphical bug is present on street lights when Night Shadows are enabled on Patch 1.0.6.0 or later.

Road Textures by DKT70

Graphical improvement that includes HD textures for roads.
Combine with an ENB modification for best results.

CG4 Radar/Map Mod

Adds additional details and information on the world map while improving its look.

ProVehicleMod v .1.0.1

ProVehicleMod is a GTAIV PC Sport mod that lets you spawn any vehicles you need inside recreation. It is applied with an user-friendly GUI that enables you simply to seek out, view and choose any car you need.

Project 2DFX

Adds LOD corona effect to a game map, making LOD-world look a lot better.
Needs an ASI Loader.

Potential Grim

Gives Liberty City a more hostile atmosphere by increasing the violence and hostility of gangs and expanding their influences, relying on story details and proper backgrounds.
This fixes a coding error where certain gangs were supposed to be more hostile after certain points in the game.

Responsive Plus

Makes the gameplay smoother, more responsive, realistic and refined, yet challenging and tactical at the same time.
It also fixes some vehicle elements.

Beta Whiz Phone

Makes the phone model more consistent with the Whiz Phone's cutscene model.

Replace D3D/DDraw renderer to fix lag and stutters

Fixes native GTA 4 legacy D3D/DDraw renderer with DDrawCompat or translates it to DX11/12 or Vulkan renderers.
Brings better FPS and less stutter
Game uses multicore systems more efficiently

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7 SP1
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz
AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1.5 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 22 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon X1900
Nvidia GeForce 7900
256 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/12210/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12210) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live - Rockstar Games Customer Support - last accessed on 2020-03-25
    "As a result of this update the following services will no longer be available in Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition - Games for Windows Live, Multiplayer mode, Leaderboards"
  2. GTA 4: Complete Edition: Xbox vs. PC Version - Detailed Comparison - last accessed on 2020-12-15
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live - Rockstar Games Customer Support - last accessed on 2020-03-25
    "Players with existing CD keys will be able to redeem them via the Rockstar Games Launcher"
  4. ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix: This projects aims to fix or address some issues in Grand Theft Auto IV Complete Edition
  5. [IV ZolikaPatch - Page 1 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums]
  6. Remove/Skip annoying intro sequence! - /r/GTA
  7. 7.0 7.1 [REL|GTAIV] XLiveLess - Page 32 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  8. https://games.softpedia.com/progChangelog/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-Patch-Changelog-30489.html
  9. GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/GTAIV.EFLC.FusionFix · GitHub
  10. [IV ZolikaPatch - Page 1 - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums]
  11. ColAccel - reduce loading time by 50%* - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums
  12. Grand Theft Auto IV Music Cut Patch - Rock Paper Shotgun
  13. IV/EFLC Radio "downgrader" - GTA Forums
  14. Grand Theft Auto 4 21:9 Gameplay (2560x1080) (60fps) (Ultrawide) - YouTube
  15. pc technical issues - How can I force anti-aliasing in GTA IV? - Arqade - last accessed on 2020-04-03
  16. Handbrake camera is too fast on high FPS (gamepad only) · Issue #21 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  17. Currently Supported Controllers for GTA IV PC - Rockstar Support
  18. Title Update v. 1.0.2.0 - Help & Support - GTAForums
  19. 19.0 19.1 PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
  20. Creative Alchemy - GTAForums
  21. IV:MP T4 Manual - IV-MP Community Forum
  22. https://translate.google.pl/translate?sl=pl&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.pclab.pl%2Ftopic%2F1303525-Gta-5-si%25C4%2599-nie-wczytuje%2Fpage__pid__15789133__st__0%26%23entry15789133
  23. GTA IV: Error Code RMN20 - Rockstar Support
  24. https://steamcommunity.com/app/12210/discussions/0/2592234299551921423/#c2592234299552032969
  25. READ THIS if your GTA 4 gets stuck on the loading screen after pressing play! Easy Fix. :: Steam Community Discussions
  26. Need help running GTA IV (Steam) on Windows 8.1, page 1 - GOG.com Forum
  27. How to use -memrestrict to fix stuttering - GTA Forums
  28. 28.0 28.1 Extreme Texture Pop-in - GTAForums
  29. How do i get over 60 fps in GTA 4 ?? - Steam Community Discussions
  30. Recoil behaves differently between gamepad and kb/mouse · Issue #6 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  31. Handbrake camera is too slow · Issue #10 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  32. Zoomed in cutscenes · Issue #1 · GTAmodding/GTAIV-Issues-List
  33. 33.0 33.1 SecuROM™ Support Website - Grand Theft Auto IV
  34. [hived-requests-need-ideas/?do=findComment&comment=1065277851 Archived Requests, need ideas? - GTA III, VC & SA - GTAForums]
  35. Issues with GTA IV showing video cards with over 2GB as under spec – Rockstar Support
  36. GTA IV Final Mission Helicopter Bug Fix
  37. GTAIV-Issues-List - Rancher's collision #51
  38. Independence FM (User radio) in GTA IV - Rockstar Support
  39. Patch 1.0.4.0 vs Patch 1.0.7.0 - GTA Forums
  40. [REL|III|VC|SA|IV] Project 2dfx - GTAForums
  41. Ultimate-ASI-Loader/readme.md at master · ThirteenAG/Ultimate-ASI-Loader · GitHub
  42. [REL|GTAIV] XLiveLess - Scripts & Plugins - GTAForums