GTA IV Troubleshooting - Guide to fix most Problems
May 30th, 2009 in Games
Grand Theft Auto IV PC issues: It’s still one of the buggiest game in ten years and the biggest disappointment of 2008, but with this fixes, the game should run without blue screens and crashing to the desktop every 5 minutes.
Install these fixes:
- install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP or Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista
- update Windows with the latest fixes
- Adobe Flash Player
- Latest DirectX
- Latest Games for Windows Live
- Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 32 Bit x86 or 64 Bit
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 AND Service Pack 1
- optional: Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Update your graphic card drivers:
First deinstall your old driver with DriverSweeper. Otherwise it could happen, that textures are missing or are black or everything is covered yellow.
Nvidia: use the older ForceWare version 175.70. In my experience, it’s the best driver, which makes the fewest problems. Downgrading from newer drivers has solved most crashes. Newer Beta-Drivers are available here. Current drivers are here. If you’re using on of these drivers, disable Physx support in the Nvidia control panel.
ATI: most problems are related to ATI-cards. Try their latest drivers.
Inside the game:
- create Games for Windows offline account to enable saving
- disable clip recording in games menu (video editor)
Exit the game and
- IMPORTANT: install XLive Wrapper 1.2.0.7 for GTA IV (homepage) (versions to 1.0.1.0)
or XLiveLess 0.95 (version 1.0.3.0, see below)
this will deactivate Games for Windows Live and it will solve one of the biggest issue, that makes GTA 4 crashing.
Meanwhile update 1.0.1.0 is available here. Usually it will not fix the major problems of GTA IV, but it’s worth a try. But don’t use it, if you don’t need it, because it may cause new problems.
Changes for update 1.0.3.0:
After installing the update, the old XLive Wrapper does no longer work. There’s a replacement: XLiveLess 0.95. Copy xlive.dll in your game folder and overwrite the old one.
Savegames are now relocated from \Documents and Settings\<User>\Local Settings\Application Data\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\<username> to \Documents and Settings\<User>\My Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA IV\savegames\<username>. Copy your old savegames to this folder.
While playing, shot down unnecessary programs in the task manager, especially antivirus agents. Don’t use too much parameters in the commandline.txt file. It can cause the game not to start. Also some mods, like the no-intro-patch, are known to cause crashes while playing.
Final fix: If ALL these fixes AND Update 1.0.3.0 did not help you yet and you’re really willing to play GTA 4 and if it’s worth it for you, the best you can do, is installing a absolutely clean version of Windows to another partition and making a dual-boot system. (You can make a slim XP install CD with Nlite.) After the installation, only install drivers for your sound card and the fixes above. Avoid everything else, which is not needed, including CPU drivers and chipset drivers, at least for the beginning!
Installing a GTA-only-Windows was the best I could do. This way the game runs absolutely stable and has not crashed anymore.
Feel free to post your experiences and solutions in the comments.
links:
official support site
GTA IV readme
GTA IV error codes
Update:
a new patch is now available to fix many problems.
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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 10:40 pm and is filed under Games. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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January 13th, 2009 at 12:17 am
None of those will fix the RESC10 error I’m getting. This guide is a joke!
January 13th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Jeez, if it doesn’t work then move on. You don’t have to be an ass.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:24 am
According to Rockstar this RESC10-error can be fixed by reinstalling newest DirectX, using newest (beta-)drivers and, if still not solved, reinstalling the game.
Using DriverSweeper in safe mode for a clean uninstall of previous drivers is also recommended.
Someone on the net said using this options in his commandline.txt-file helped him:
“-availablevidmem 1.5 -nomemrestrict -norestrictions”
If this doesn’t help, I really recommend a clean, fresh windows on a second partition, as described above. This error should then be gone forever!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
mikra, where did you get your information? Do you really think that “-availablemem 1.5 -nomemrestrict -norestrictions” will work? Why use -availablemem 1.5 then use -nomemrestrict? Looks like they will cancel each other out.
This is what rockstar says to try to fix RESC10 errors, but it does not work;
Please try one of the following command lines:
-memrestrict 629145600
(for high textures)
-memrestrict 314572800
(for medium)
-memrestrict 209715200
(for low)
January 13th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
You may be right. I’ve just read it in a forum.
I’d try to reinstall DirectX, clean deinstalling graphic card drivers and installing newest driver, maybe also reinstalling the game.
But I really, really recommend a clean, second windows. I had the same issues, the guide above helped me to be able to run the game quit good, but this RESC10 error still appeared sometimes. Since the new windows AND using the guide above, I have never seen it again!
It certainly is bug of a bad made game. Solving it may not lie in the hands of the consumers. Rockstar has to release a patch soon. Meanwhile my recommendations may help.
January 15th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Hey Iam getting this error when I try to install the game
“Your system is not compatible with %P”
January 17th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
hi all i keep getting is RESC10 error do u no how to fix this?
January 30th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Any ideas to fixing the R6034 issue when launching social club? Ive tried everything you can imagine.
Uninstalling/Installing GTA IV
Uninstalling/Installing Social Club
Installing:
.net framework 3 @ 3.5 with service packs…
?? any suggestions ??
January 31st, 2009 at 10:48 am
It’s a C++ error. Uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 (see link above).
January 31st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
WHere is the commandline.txt file located?!
February 6th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I reinstalled the C++ redistributable and still get the R6034 error, any ideas
running vista vista ultimate
February 7th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
i am getting textp70 error any idea how to fix this
February 8th, 2009 at 10:15 am
TEXP70 is a new error code frome the patch.
Try to deinstall your graphic drivers and install newest driver. If it doesn’t work try to deinstall in windows safe mode, use Driversweeper (see above) and reinstall.
February 13th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Im so annoyed , I bought this game on Monday but I cannot get it running , When I launch the game everythings ok just before the game window opens a messege appears ` FATAL ERROR WTV190 ` I mean Iv tried everything to resolve this but will not work , Rockstar have emailed me telling me to update my PC which I have done but will not work, Iv even reinstalled the game about 6 or 7 times, Im very upset , Id be very grateful if anyone could help! Iv even reinstalled x live a few times , rebooted my pc etc , but no luck pleaaaaaaze help!
February 13th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Seems to be related to xlive. I really would try to use XLive Wrapper as described above!!!
At the moment only compatible with versions 1.0 and 1.0.1.0.
February 14th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Hi there I can play thr game but it always crashes about half an hour into playing, its is almost like it runs out of memory. I usually occurs when I am driving around. The graphics will stop responding once or twice within a few seconds then freeze completely untill I reboot the PC. The music and soundtrack continue to play though. It is possible to mess around with ctrl alt del and alt 4 to get back to windows but this takes about 5 minutes of screwing around to get there, quicker to reboot. As such I have never had a error message. Any Ideas on how to fix this?
February 14th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I presuppose that you have followed the guide completly. Try to reduce detail levels/distances a little bit. If the errors still occur, the best solution is to install a separate, lean windows only for GTA (and follow the guide). That way, I managed to eleminate even the last problems and crashes.
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Wow, reinstall a whole OS just to get this stupid broken game to work. What a shame.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I can’t believe Rockstar could ever release something that just doesen’t work. They should be ashamed of themselves. First I get the RESC10 then I get the TEXP70. Then I get a patch. Now i’m getting this other patch. And some other patch. Now i’m getting a headache.
C++ is fine. The game installation force feeds you Direct X down your throat. The whole computer has been updated. But if I hafta create a whole partition just for the game they can kiss my f@nny. And I ai’nt even seen past the black screen. If something doesen’t happen soon i’ll go back to San Andreas and i’ll never buy another GTA game again.
Except for the one they’re releasing for the Nintendo DS. It hasta work, there’s no way of updating those little critters.
Is there?
March 7th, 2009 at 8:32 am
In my experience with GTA 4 it needs a fresh install of Windows with all the latest driver installs mentioned.Once you have done this try installing the game on its own hardrive.This had the biggest effect for me and solved stuttering problems.It now runs trouble free and believe me I had my fair share of trouble with this title.If you need help on how to properly install windows visit Tweakguides.com for help.
March 27th, 2009 at 10:04 am
if ur computer shows that it is not comaptible with %p
then go to setup click right mouse nd then go to properties nd then there is a option of compatablity go there nd click on a check box…
run as nd select windows xp option..
its workk…
now any can help me to…
when i play game…ma screen is not stable in game…
is it a part of game or what??/
i cant play game like this…
screens is unstable nd ove right to left up to down how can i come over trhough dis
May 15th, 2009 at 1:44 am
ok i have problems with the game loading it taks FOREVER TO LOAD IT PLAEASE HELP ME THANKS
May 15th, 2009 at 1:47 am
ALSO IT IS FOR PC!
May 27th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I have Core 2 duo 2.8 GHZ processor,2GB ram,512 MB nvidia pci xpress 9600GT,latest directx and windows xp service pack 3. but still having slow performance though every display configuration is set to lower. what to do now?plz help
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I TRYED IT AGAIN TODAY STILL THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN
June 4th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Have you also already tried update 1.0.3.0 and XLiveLess (as described above)?
June 12th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Hey all..
Just bought retail and installed. Install went OK - no errors. But - Won’t even launch. AppHangB1. Generic Vista hang. Tried all the fixes here… no go. WAPOC!
In hindsight wish I’d seen all the forums 1st. Would not have bought it.
Can any one point me to so other good info?
My Vitals…
Core Duo T8300 @ 2.4ghz
4GB Ram
Vista Home Premium SP1
NVIDIA 8800M GTX DUAL SLI 512
DirectX10
Benchmarked pretty well at yougamers.
The program GTAIV.exe version 1.0.3.0 stopped interacting with Windows and was closed. To see if more information about the problem is available, check the problem history in the Problem Reports and Solutions control panel. Process ID: 678 Start Time: 01c9eb63405264af Termination Time: 152
June 12th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
AppHangB1 seems like a Windows error code. Look out for a error code of GTA itself:
http://www.rockstargames.com/support/gta4pc/GTAIV_Error_Codes_ALL_EN.html
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
heyy please help me out, please tell me the correct version of windows to run GTA IV .. please also tell me the correct service pack and full updates in details..
Thank You ..
please reply soon
July 5th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I found a solution for running GTA IV with my HD 4850. The latest ATI drivers 9.6 cause the game to crash after “start” while loading. Rolling back to the ATI 9.3 drivers allows the game to start. We’ll see how long the games runs after it starts…
August 19th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I have tried everyhing I could think of it wont install any of the patches it starts then says cant write ect…. need help
August 30th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I have problem that my game run very slowly.
in patches. I gave 256mb VGA 2.8ghz processor. 1GB ram. But still it run very very slowly. Very Bad game GTA.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Currently I have installed GTA IV game in my laptop but during the game-play the game camera(screen) is automatically rotating up & down & even sidewards vigorously and I am not able to play.I have all the sufficient requirements installed to run the game. Sometimes game crashes & strucks even after I changed MSconfig’s max memory to 1500 as recommended by rockstar game’s social club.Any idea how 2 fix it.
please help!!!!!
October 12th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I haven’t heard of this before, but I would try to reconnect the controller or use a mouse, if you haven’t used it yet.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:17 am
hi i hv a really irritating problem. whenever i play gta 4, it lags, and is really really slow. then after i try to solve it by decreasing the view distance, it works a while, then it stops, and a screen says gta 4 has stopped working. what should i DO???
November 14th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
FUCKING SHIT MAN, I CANT UNINSTALL GTA IV BECAUSE JUST HAVE THIS OPTIONS: GTA IV SAFE MOD, REVOKE LICENSE.
WTF HAPPEN IF I CLICK YES IN REVOKE LICENSE?!
HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEE!
November 15th, 2009 at 10:49 am
usually go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > select GTA IV and it should uninstall
revoking the license is only used for de-activating your game. It may ask for it, when you uninstall the game. If you will reinstall it on the same PC, you should not revoke it. Even after revoking, a new activation should be possible. Here are some guides from the DRM-manufacturer:
https://support.securom.com/rockstarunlock/index.php?lang=en&c=revoke
https://support.securom.com/rockstarunlock/
to completely uninstall Securom use this tool:
https://support.securom.com/removaltool/
November 15th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
i got a fatel error called WS10 .. is there any way to fix it?
November 27th, 2009 at 11:29 am
i have the same problem.. and nothing helps
December 11th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Sunny said:
October 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
the game-play the game camera(screen) is automatically rotating up & down & even sidewards vigorously
dont use a pirated version then, this is also known as a copy-security.. if u did the efford of actually getting off ur lazy ass, and get it urself from the shop, u wouldnt have this problem.. but i guess a game is too expensive for you?
December 24th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
when i play gta 4, i got it new and now, it says before the introduction: GTA 4 fatal error: unable to create depth render target- please re-install DirectX and/or install the lastest video card driver. I have a laptop with Windows 7, HELP!!
December 25th, 2009 at 11:03 am
apply latest patch:
http://updates.rockstargames.com/patches/gtaiv/GTAIV_MAINTENANCE_UPDATE_1004.rar
download and install latest video card drivers
try the DirectX version from the GTA IV install directory:
C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\grand theft auto iv\Installers\DirectX_jun2008
or on DVD
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:46 pm
i have a problem …. when i run the game, it didn’t show any display… it displays only black, and the sound continues.
can anyone guide me plz.
January 12th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
i have a problem my config is
win xp sp3
core 2 duo 2.66
1gb nvdia 9400gt video card
and 2 gb ram
problem is every it shows
“a required security module cannot be activated
the program will not be executed(6000)” plz help any1
January 12th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
seems to be the copy protection. try to launch the game with administrator rights and tell us, if it worked.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
i have geforce 9500 gt,1gb of ram,amd athlon x64 dual core 3800+ and when i set graphics on high,i get 15 fps and when i set it on low i get 15 fps too.HOW IS THAT POSIBLE?????
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:34 am
I am getting error DD3D50 all instals went fine and try to play and get this message. Please help!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
You need DirectX 9 (or above) installed and a DirectX9-graphic card.
see error codes
http://www.rockstargames.com/support/gta4pc/GTAIV_Error_Codes_ALL_EN.html
March 6th, 2010 at 9:54 am
i’ve windows 7 ultimate 32-bit i can play gta 4 but after 15-20 mins it’s crashes and i got RESC10 error help me
March 6th, 2010 at 10:51 am
install latest Patch
reinstall newest DirectX
clean deinstall old graphic card driver (see above)
install latest graphic card driver
ONLY! if that doesn’t work, try those command line switches
“C:\Program\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto IV\LaunchGTAIV.exe” -nomemrestrict -norestrictions
if still not working, try to add:
-availablevidmem 0.9
instead of the options above