GTA IV Blog

I frequently browse the GTA Forums sub-forum “PC Performance Tips” and I see so many people asking if their computer/components can play GTA IV. They rely on real life responses from people who have experienced certain hardware or software. What if there was a way to utilise this information? Now there is.

I’m currently working on a web based service where it analyses your hardware and software and tells you how well your PC can play IV, as well as what you should do to get the best FPS.

Isn’t this the same as online “can you play it” analysers?

Sort of, yes, but this is programmed for and only for GTA IV and is designed to give accurate results, as well as the performance you can expect, rather than just giving a bland comparison of your computers specs and those of a game.

How will it work?

I am still in the process of deciding which approach to take whether it be web based (java or flash) or local-machine based (executable file which analyses and then processes the data online)

Keep an eye here on the website for more updates.

It seems that a few people (including me) are experiencing issues involving (but possibly not limited to) ATI 4000 and 5000 cards, ATI driver 9.12 and GTA IV patch 1.0.0.4 (patch 5).

Simply, anyone using this setup might find that GTA IV will run at ridiculously slow FPS at low settings. There is a simple fix, which involves downgrading your GTA IV patch to an earlier version (preferably 10.3.0 or earlier) and if that doesn’t fix it, downgrading your graphics driver to an earlier one.

To downgrade your GTA IV patch, read my post on how to do it, found here.

If you need to downgrade your IV patch for whatever reason, whether it be a bad attempt at modding, damaged/broken files or you just feel like reinstalling, here is a simple way to go about it without losing your savegame or your settings.

1. Uninstall GTA IV via the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel.
2. Make sure the GTA IV folder is deleted from the Program Files > Rockstar Games folder.
3. Reinstall GTA IV.
4. Note that this time around, you won’t need to spend time configuring Windows Live logins, because (provided you had it all setup before you uninstalled) these settings will be carried over. Make sure the game is back to the normal unpatched version (or whatever patch your game shipped with)
5. Install your desired patch.
6. Have fun playing GTA IV!

Are you having the incredibly annoying “An update for this game is available from live” loop? Driving you crazy? Considering throwing your copy of GTA IV out the window? Well here’s the fix.

To summarise, you’ve just installed a fresh copy of Windows, updated and now installed GTA IV with your favourite patch (non 1.0.0.4). You get to the loading screen and BAM. It goes black and you get asked to login to live. Fair enough. You sign in, then DOUBLE BAM. You get a message from live saying “An update for this game is available from live. If you don’t download this update, you will be signed out of live” Sure, you could just refuse to download the patch, but you’ll be signed out of live and things like your achievements won’t be saved. What you need to do is exit out of the game, download the 1.0.0.4 patch and install it. Load GTA IV and you’ll notice you’ll be asked to sign into live again, but this time you won’t get the message from Live asking you to update. You can now exit then uninstall GTA IV, and make sure the entire GTA IV folder in Program Files is gone. Now reinstall GTA IV and install your patch of choice or leave the game unpatched if you had better performance before the first patch. Now load GTA IV, and surprise! You get to the loading screen and then into the game! Happy gaming!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Rockstar has released patch 5 for the GTA IV PC game, 1.0.0.4. They have chosen a different naming format for the update version which has confused some GTA IV players, because it looks similar to 1.0.4.0, otherwsie known as patch 4.

Patch 5 via Rockstar Games

Changelog:

GENERAL:

• Convert all region SKU’s into the same SKU.
• Include support for all languages within single exe.

CONTROLS:

• Allow controls to be double mapped on keyboard.
• Added option in controls menu to disable mouse controls in helicopters.
• Adjust keyboard control sensitivity in hood cam view in vehicles.

MULTIPLAYER:

• Security Updates to deter cheating in multiplayer.
• Hosts can now immediately Kick users from their games in Lobby and in game via Cell phone without having to rely on peer voting.
• Fixed a bug in Cops ‘n Crooks mode where Host would drop out and prevent remaining players from leaving game.

Welcome to the GTA IV PC Blog. Here you will find the latest news and information on GTA IV, mods, patches, and almost everything else.