Huge problem with GTA IV and GFWL.

[Renzous_20]

Hi everyone,

First of all, i have to tell you that I'm posting here because I have already tried almost everything on the web to fix my problem with the game (even here in Steam forums). Here is the deal: everytime I try to start the game, everything goes as usual, the first menu screens load without problems. The thing is when I start playing. Whenever I try it a screen tells me that I need to log in to Games for Windows Live in order to play. I have no problem with doing so, but when I try no screen appears and the game freezes. The only way in which I can avoid that is to press ESC so the game avoids login to GFWL, and then the first mission starts loading on the screen "The cousins bellic..." After that the game suddenly crashes and I get "fatal error" n° WT190, which says that this problem may be fixed either rebooting the game or reinstalling GFWL. As you may guess, the first solution didn't work, so I tried reinstalling GFWL. Well, here's where the REAL deal starts. I've tried many many different solutions. First, I tried putting the game in Windows XP SP3 compatibilty mode. That was unuseful. Then i tried verifying local cache files of the game. Everything was ok, so I downloaded and installed GFWL directly from Microsoft website. it didn't work. I tried another solution which consisted on downloading an older version of GWFL after uninstalling the previous one which I had installed before. Neither it worked. Then I found another solution which consisted on uninstalling Windows live ID-assistant, Microsoft Silverlight, Windows Live Essentials and GFWL completely (even using a registry cleaner after that process. I used CCleaner). Then I installed Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0. Didn't work. I've also tried with installing all of the possible Windows Updates.

Finally, and feeling really mad about it, I just decided to uninstall the game to see if reinstalling would fix the problem. And guess what... it didn't work :(

This has took me 5-6 days already and, as I said at the begginning, I've traid almost any possible solution on the internet. I even tried installing another game that uses Games For Windows Live. I installed Street Fighter IV, and IT DOESN'T WORK!! I've tried to be patient and look for almost any kind of solution, but i've failed on it. That's the reason why I'm asking for yoru help guys. I really want to play with my friends online on Steam.

Hope you can help me guys. Thank you in advance.

PS: Sorry if my English is not perfect, I'm from Chile.

[Renzous_20]

Sorry guys, I forgot to tell you, I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bits.

[Niko( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )]

First of all the gfwl should be the upgraded version. Second, (if you are using Windows 8) you need to to run gfwl as an administrator and in compatible to Windows 7. Have you done this?

[Renzous_20]

Yup, I've already tried it. Also, i've tried manually installing the GFLW installer included in the folder of the Game in Steam, the one called "Installers".

[Niko( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )]

Try to look for the GFWLive.exe. Set its properties to run as administrator. Run it without running GTA 4. Log in to your account. Don't close gfwl. Run GTA 4. See how it goes.

[Renzous_20]

loading screen of GFWL shows up. but then nothing else appears, so I can't see any window in which I could log in to my account :(

[ChinGaChGuk]

Contact GFWL support. They really helped me once.

[T3DO]

GTAIV, Fable 3, Just Cause 2..... after getting my new rig running windows 8, none of them will even boot after hit'n the PLAY button on Steam...... really sucks..... tried everyting at this point, have no clue what to do anyrmore.. put a service ticket in a week ago no word yet.

[Drake]

I have solved this problem before with GTAIV the problem is that windows live is never consistent. I stopped playing after I got the game working at some point. Now that I've reinstalled I'll look into it again and post the solution. Microsoft and its typical ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. I have something like 98 playtime hours on the game gimme a few.

Edit round two ( a hour later )
Issue fixed.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient
Download a new version of this it is the games for windows live client installer.

FYI you need to test logging in by using the desktop version of the client first. If d i p s h i t ' s Microsoft changed their EULA agreement it will not let you sign in from the " CLIENT SIDE " this means the app in game or on the desktop.

Instead take your username to the web and sign in via the browser of your choice and you can re-accept the agreement and it will work singing in once you install with a fresh copy of games for windows live.

The issue is thus: the steam bundle of files for GTAIV does not include an updated games for windows live file causing the install of games for windows live to appear authentic but it actually fails. Repeat fails.

Even if a user goes into their steam folder and goes into the Common section and GTA IV file and Installers, double clicks the correct games for windows live installer provided to steam in the " bundle " it will not work.

Instead however the client will install correctly when the updated file is downloaded from Microsoft. No file copy and paste is required however you do need to verify OUTSIDE OF YOUR GAME that you can log into their system or you will be "stuck" unable to sign in and they give you a useless error code you cannot search the meaning of if this happens.

LINK TO UPDATED INSTALLER AGAIN http://www.xbox.com/en-US/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient

OTHER STEPS YOU CAN TAKE IF YOU LIKE FOR SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND:
First of all understand no matter your choice for Social Club or multiplayer mode or single player, there is a network connection being requested and needs to be made for your sign in for Windows Live to work.

FYI either pull down your firewall then put it back up after your done signing in, or make an exception.

FILES YOU CAN RUN IN COMPATIBILITY MODE AND ADMINISTRATOR MODE:
FILEPATH STEAM INSTALL FOLDER >>>
This is my example from my external hard drive. If you don't use multiple hard drives it likely is a C: instead of an E or a D:
E:\Steam\SteamApps\common\Grand Theft Auto IV\GTAIV

Understand only the EXE files matter this is the list of their names.

( LaunchGTAIV.exe )
The above is the only one that when double clicked results in launch of the game. Simple reason that non technical users can understand? It starts a series of scripts like falling dominos these scripts prompt social club sign in, and other "supporting programs" such as the game loading intro and the games for windows live sign in.

( GTAIV.exe )
Main game system file

( gtaEncoder )
Think of this as a game engine kind of file. I'm not one of the dev team, so I can't be positive. It could be GTA's unique form of video playback as well. Either way its an integral EXE file for the game put it into comparability mode. On second thought this program more likely has to do with the game radio system Encoder is usually used for video "encoding" but audio works the same way to.

( gta4Browser )
Think of this as GTA's version of Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Content displayed on the game home menu comes from this when you sign into social club.

Remember to right click - properties - then hit the tab in the window that pops up that is labeled Compatibility.

You need to click the check box and then drop down to WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 3 or you can do WINDOWS VISTA SERVICE PACK 2.

For the love of all that is holy and right don't use basic versions of windows in that drop down if there is a service pack use it. Only advanced troubleshooters should use non service-pack options for lengthy technical vulnerability and crash reasons.

Finally you will see Run this program as an Administrator at the bottom of the Compatibility mode section check that box to.

Edit round three:

For the love of all that is Holy press APPLY - Then OK. Usually OK works just the same way, but for clarity start thinking the apply button is what shifts gears not "ok".


I have tested this fix on a fresh install of GTA IV
I have and continue to work in I.T. as a professional Consultant.
If you don't believe me look up my profile and check how many hours I have on this game.

Goodluck
- Drake

[Darksiderz12]

Will try :\ Kind of got real pissed off that all my Gfwl games wont work but Gfwl marketplace client it self runs with out a damn problem, I cant play any game and when I turn on game room I get
"Failed to initialize Microsoft Games for Windows - Live. The game will not exit" ;(

[T3DO]

I fixed mine, like ALL of my Windows live games just by putting them on the ignore list on my AntiVirus program. ALL of my games that didnt work before that were GFWL work now. I use BitDefender, I dont know if this will help anyone or not but its worth a shot... it worked for me. ;)

[Yuli-Ašaros]

I had the same Problem with it but a differnt Game it was Dead rising i had to reinstall both the game and GFWL and install GFWL again and it worked perfet but i have had more problem with It Install and reinstall soo be carefull i suck at English i
live in Netherlands

[Darksiderz12]

GFWL = S1th It sucks A$$...

[76561198116354439]

live not run

[+Analbi]

Drake님이 먼저 게시:

I have solved this problem before with GTAIV the problem is that windows live is never consistent. I stopped playing after I got the game working at some point. Now that I've reinstalled I'll look into it again and post the solution. Microsoft and its typical ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. I have something like 98 playtime hours on the game gimme a few.

Edit round two ( a hour later )
Issue fixed.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient
Download a new version of this it is the games for windows live client installer.

FYI you need to test logging in by using the desktop version of the client first. If d i p s h i t ' s Microsoft changed their EULA agreement it will not let you sign in from the " CLIENT SIDE " this means the app in game or on the desktop.

Instead take your username to the web and sign in via the browser of your choice and you can re-accept the agreement and it will work singing in once you install with a fresh copy of games for windows live.

The issue is thus: the steam bundle of files for GTAIV does not include an updated games for windows live file causing the install of games for windows live to appear authentic but it actually fails. Repeat fails.

Even if a user goes into their steam folder and goes into the Common section and GTA IV file and Installers, double clicks the correct games for windows live installer provided to steam in the " bundle " it will not work.

Instead however the client will install correctly when the updated file is downloaded from Microsoft. No file copy and paste is required however you do need to verify OUTSIDE OF YOUR GAME that you can log into their system or you will be "stuck" unable to sign in and they give you a useless error code you cannot search the meaning of if this happens.

LINK TO UPDATED INSTALLER AGAIN http://www.xbox.com/en-US/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient

OTHER STEPS YOU CAN TAKE IF YOU LIKE FOR SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND:
First of all understand no matter your choice for Social Club or multiplayer mode or single player, there is a network connection being requested and needs to be made for your sign in for Windows Live to work.

FYI either pull down your firewall then put it back up after your done signing in, or make an exception.

FILES YOU CAN RUN IN COMPATIBILITY MODE AND ADMINISTRATOR MODE:
FILEPATH STEAM INSTALL FOLDER >>>
This is my example from my external hard drive. If you don't use multiple hard drives it likely is a C: instead of an E or a D:
E:\Steam\SteamApps\common\Grand Theft Auto IV\GTAIV

Understand only the EXE files matter this is the list of their names.

( LaunchGTAIV.exe )
The above is the only one that when double clicked results in launch of the game. Simple reason that non technical users can understand? It starts a series of scripts like falling dominos these scripts prompt social club sign in, and other "supporting programs" such as the game loading intro and the games for windows live sign in.

( GTAIV.exe )
Main game system file

( gtaEncoder )
Think of this as a game engine kind of file. I'm not one of the dev team, so I can't be positive. It could be GTA's unique form of video playback as well. Either way its an integral EXE file for the game put it into comparability mode. On second thought this program more likely has to do with the game radio system Encoder is usually used for video "encoding" but audio works the same way to.

( gta4Browser )
Think of this as GTA's version of Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Content displayed on the game home menu comes from this when you sign into social club.

Remember to right click - properties - then hit the tab in the window that pops up that is labeled Compatibility.

You need to click the check box and then drop down to WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 3 or you can do WINDOWS VISTA SERVICE PACK 2.

For the love of all that is holy and right don't use basic versions of windows in that drop down if there is a service pack use it. Only advanced troubleshooters should use non service-pack options for lengthy technical vulnerability and crash reasons.

Finally you will see Run this program as an Administrator at the bottom of the Compatibility mode section check that box to.

Edit round three:

For the love of all that is Holy press APPLY - Then OK. Usually OK works just the same way, but for clarity start thinking the apply button is what shifts gears not "ok".


I have tested this fix on a fresh install of GTA IV
I have and continue to work in I.T. as a professional Consultant.
If you don't believe me look up my profile and check how many hours I have on this game.

Goodluck
- Drake

You are... a god. Tried with putting every .exe file in Run as Admin and XP compatibility mode and IT WORKED! No mroe freezing upon logging in GFWL!

Thank you very much!