GTA IV won't launch solution!

[Disguise]

This is a solution for those that are having a problem where when you click "Play" from Steam a window appears saying "Installing: Steam SecuROM Activation" for about 3-4 seconds, then the window disappears and nothing happens..

This will bypass the SecuROM activation altogether.. I know this isn't the legitimate way to fix the problem but I am sick of getting nowhere with Rockstar Games, SecuROM and Steam and I have paid for this game so I feel I have the right to do whatever I need to do to be able to play the game..
This is what I did on Windows 8.1:
1. Downloaded a patched version of "LaunchGTAIV.exe" (72KB) that included "1911.dll" (235KB).
2. Backed up my original "LaunchGTAIV.exe" just to be safe.
3. Copied both of the new files into the "GTAIV" folder.
4. Set compatibility mode for "GTAIV.exe" to "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)" and also set to run as administrator. (DOES NOT WORK WITHOUT DOING THIS!)*
5. Created a shortcut to "LaunchGTAIV.exe" and set that to run as administrator.
6. Then all I have to do to run the game is simply double-click the shortcut and the game runs fine, no errors, mods work fine, no graphical issues (however the graphical settings were all set to minimum by default and needed changing, so at first it doesn't look right but changes to the settings from within the main menu sorted that out). The only downside is that I'm assuming online multiplayer wont work, but havent tested that yet.

*If you get an error (specifically "SecuLaucher: Failed to start application. [2000]") it is most likely that you need to make sure that "GTAIV.exe" is set to run in compatibility mode for "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)" and that it is set to run as administrator (step 4). Another good thing to do is create a shortcut to "LaunchGTAIV.exe" and set that to run as administrator as well (step 5).. then you can run the game by simply double-clicking the shortcut rather that right-clicking LaunchGTAIV.exe and clicking run as administrator every time. This is the best solution I can come up with for now, with some hints from SecuROM and an extensive internet search for all possible solutions I managed to piece together a way to at least make it work, even if its not multiplayer its still something.

Here is a link to a screenshot that may help you understand the compatibility setting:
http://bayimg.com/DAmMPaAFA
(if the link doesn't work from within Steam just copy and paste it into your browser)

THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE FIX! THIS IS BYPASSING SECUROM SO DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!

This may not work for everyone, but if you think your issue is with SecuROM activation then this is most likely the fix. Either way it's worth a try as long as you BACKUP YOUR ORIGINAL FILES!

At least I can play the game now.. and get back into all the cool mods. I did purchase the game so its still fair, they got their money and i got most of the game functioning (just not sure about multiplayer).

If you have any questions or your having trouble finding the patched launcher and 1911.dll or just need help making it all work, send me a message or add me on Steam and I'll be happy to help.. Just remember to take note of what I typed in capital letters!

Also, thanks to everyone who has been working on solving this issue and those who have been attempting to contact Rockstar Games and SecuROM. Although it seems that Rockstar Games have no intention of officially fixing this problem. I wish you all the best of luck getting your GTA IV working!

[Disguise]

Those who want the exact patched files that I used, I have just packed them into a zip archive and uploaded it.. here is the link:
http://bayfiles.net/file/19gAR/zJBLc4/GTA_IV_SecuROM_bypass.zip
(if the link doesn't work from within Steam just copy and paste it into your browser)

(if your not familiar with BayFiles, just click "Premium Download" and it will start downloading straight away, there is no signup or registration or anything like that, they are just making fun of other file sites:)

[onurguzel16]

Originally posted by GRIM|Disguise:

Those who want the exact patched files that I used, I have just packed them into a zip archive and uploaded it.. here is the link:
http://bayfiles.net/file/19gAR/zJBLc4/GTA_IV_SecuROM_bypass.zip
(if the link doesn't work from within Steam just copy and paste it into your browser)

(if your not familiar with BayFiles, just click "Premium Download" and it will start downloading straight away, there is no signup or registration or anything like that, they are just making fun of other file sites:)

If you still have the zip file containing 1911.dll and patched LaunchGTAIV.exe, can you please upload it somewhere again?

Thanks a lot.

[Disguise]

Originally posted by onurguzel16:

Originally posted by GRIM|Disguise:

Those who want the exact patched files that I used, I have just packed them into a zip archive and uploaded it.. here is the link:
http://bayfiles.net/file/19gAR/zJBLc4/GTA_IV_SecuROM_bypass.zip
(if the link doesn't work from within Steam just copy and paste it into your browser)

(if your not familiar with BayFiles, just click "Premium Download" and it will start downloading straight away, there is no signup or registration or anything like that, they are just making fun of other file sites:)

If you still have the zip file containing 1911.dll and patched LaunchGTAIV.exe, can you please upload it somewhere again?

Thanks a lot.

I'm not sure if this will still work since the latest update to GTA IV but here it is anyway..

https://bayfiles.com/HbDdb315o7/GTAIV-1911_zip

I'll be removing this file soon so make sure you make a backup of it if you want to keep it long-term.

[Maelus]

possible to have a new functional link plz

[Disguise]

Originally posted by Maelus999:

possible to have a new functional link plz

It's been a long time but I think this is what you are looking for, found it in an old backup and uploaded it to filen.io so that it won't disappear again. Let me know if this still works. Not sure if you still need any of the other related files but I've included them anyway.

https://drive.filen.io/f/540097aa-5594-430e-be83-406ae0e35ff4#NsNZxM7SPI93ugoIAkAgrMje9h3f3aAv