I'm a noob, and I know that's annoying. I've looked at a lot of your tutorials, but they all seem to start with the assumption that the viewer already has the basics down, things I don't know and thus don't understand. I've installed mods on MMOs, but modding GTA 4 seems like an entirely different ball of wax. World of Warcraft mods simply buffed and polished features already present, while GTA 4 mods seem to alter the very fabric of the game, and add features. I'll just lay out my situation, and apologize in advance if any of it is out of order. Again, I am a noob.

 

I bought GTA 4 and came here because idad99's videos interested me enough to want to try this. What you all do looks very fun, moreso than the original game, and I'd love to do it - roleplaying as a cop, security guard, SWAT, what have you. And from time to time, I'd be interested in messing around with god mods, Ironman, whatever, on my own time. Problem is, obviously, I've not the first clue how to set any of this up. I have a PC, use Vista, and downloaded the game via a Steam product code from Gamestop(they nor anyone seems to be selling discs anymore, for market reasons).

 

I started by looking at tutorials for other mods, and I gathered that you need some kind of baseline mod in order to make any other mod work on this game. An...asi something or other? I downloaded the one the tutorial suggested, the one with the sound.dsll file, then tried a weapons editor mod. It said there should be an in-game file menu to use the editor from, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to access that menu. There was a screenshot of it, but no explanation on how to get to it.

 

So I deleted everything I'd downloaded, and thought I'd poke around here. From posts I've read, I gleaned that this site does have 3 different asi/mod manager/etc. downloads. I couldn't find any of them with a quick search, but I'm sure that can be remedied. I also noticed people mentioning that you need some kind of LCPD desktop to make the LCPD mod work...? And aside from that, everyone spoke of a gta4launcher.exe file you should use to launch your game, instead of the desktop icon for the game. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have that.

 

I've also noticed that I need to have version 1.0.7.0 to make anything work. I'm not sure if I have this version or not. The link in your support page(the one which pops when you try to make a new topic) comes up 'file not found' on my browser.

Aside from that, I don't know how to tell apart my root folder from script folder for the game, and have no idea how to run the game as an Administrator.

 

I guess, in upshot, I would like to know what I need to download to make my game moddable in the first place, where to put it, and what else I need to do to make the LCPD mod usable. I have also noticed that there is an in-game menu to make items and characters spawn, with the mod, but no explanation on how to even access it.

 

Bleh. Sorry again for how unbeliavably nooby this must sound. I get the impression that most of the posters here have experience with this kind of modding, but I don't see much in the way of square 1 help for those who don't...

No problem, all of us were Noobs sometime or the other!

 

Your root folder is located in: C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonGrand Theft Auto IV

Your root folder is usually where the mods go to, unless they specify for the scripts folder, which is:

The scripts folder is a folder that created in your root folder for scripts that need ScriptHook.dll to work.

 

To run the game as Administrator, go to the root folder & right-click on "GTAIV.exe", select Properties, go to the "Compatibility" tab, & select "Run as a Administrator". Then, whenever you launch GTA:IV, you will get a popup from "User Account Control", just click "Yes".

You don't necessary need ONLY 1.0.7.0 version of GTA:IV to make anything work, there are mods that support earlier versions. However, since your IV is from Steam, you can rest assured that you have the latest version of IV (1.0.7.0).

 

 

First of all, to make any mod work, you need either ASI Loader (which replaces dsound.dll) or xLiveless (which adds 2 xliveless files). I would highly recommend the ASI Loader, since xLiveless remove GFWL, thus not allowing you to play MultiPlayer.

Get the ASI Loader from here: http://gtaforums.com/topic/394806-yaasil-yet-another-asi-loader/

 

Next I recommend you get the .Net ScriptHook. Most of the mods require ScriptHook (including LCPD:FR).

Get the .Net ScriptHook here: http://gtaforums.com/topic/392325-beta-gtaiv-net-scripthook/

Also, be sure to scroll down on that page & download Microsoft's .Net Framework 4 & Visual C++ 2010, you'll need these to make .Net ScriptHook & ASI Loader work.

 

Next you will need a Trainer, these help you with various stuff. I highly recommend the Simple Native Trainer v6.5. It has loads of features (including vehicles & weapons spawning, god mode for character & vehicles, Gravity Gun, Player Selector [allowing you to change Niko into any character in the game], spawning "bodyguards", & many many more) & is simple enough for the amount of features it has. I would recommend you read the ReadMe to get familiar with it.

 

That should do it.

Make sure you install the mods separately, that is, install one mod, start GTA:IV, go in-game (start the game & enter the game world), then quit GTA:IV, install next mod.

I know this is tedious, but it's very important, in case any mod causes a problem or starts overloading GTA:IV, you will know exactly which mod it is.

 

Also, (I'm not sure if this works in Steam versions, since I have the Disk version) I would suggest you make different "versions" of your GTA:IV folder, just go to one folder above your GTA:IV folder (C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon) & copy & paste the IV folder (in this same place), you should now have a new IV "version" named "Grand Theft Auto IV(Copy)", rename it to whatever you want.  For example: I have 7 "versions" of GTA:IV:-

1) Normal version with basic mods for MultiPlayer,

2) One version with LCPD:FR mod installed,

3) One version with Graphics mod,

4) One version with LCPD:FR & Graphics mod,

5) One version with a Map mod,

6) One version with almost all Cars modded, &

7) One version which is the original CD version (1.0.1.0), so I don't have to be bothered uninstalling & reinstalling from the CD, if I ever need a "clean" version of GTA:IV.

 

 

EDIT: Wow! This is one loooong reply

Edited October 19, 201312 yr by Rocking_Star101

If you want to install models (vehicles, textures etc) you need OpenIV. (http://openiv.com/WebIV/guest.php?get=1)

Also, kudos for typing all your issues out. It's not often I see such a well-typed topic. Thank you for this! :)

Wow, this is the most helpful tutorial I have ever seen. Thank you soooo much.

 

I will follow your instruction to the letter. I did grab Net Framework 4 earlier, but I shall also pick up Visual C++ 2010. What you said about starting the game after each mod download sounds wise; that was always recommended in WoW when patch day hit, and we needed to update to new versions.

 

You're both fantastic. If I get this all to work, I'll probably do some practice runs on my own for awhile, get a feel for the controls and interface for the LCPD. After that, well, look forward to maybe getting to know some of you. Anyhow, thank you again for giving freely of your time to lend a hand. I really appreciate it.

 

Edit: Haven't installed mods yet, but I did turn on Admin mode the way you said. When I try to launch the game through launchgtaIV.exe, I get a 'Startup2000' error, or something along those lines. When I turn Admin mode off, the game works fine. Hmm. Don't know what I'm doing wrong. Is it that Admin mode will mess up the game if there are no mods installed? Will this be fine once I get ASI loader, trainer and Scripthook in?

Edited October 19, 201312 yr by Shastblu

Hello! Can I jump in on this post. I just bought GTA4 for the sole reason I found this website and the idea of having a police campaign + British police cars was a winner. It's the first modding of a game I will have done.

 

So simple first question! Watching a video on installing the mods, you download LCPDFR 0.95 but when I download it, it's simply a file, it doesn't extract or want to do anything. The tutorial suggests it should extract via .rar

 

Any ideas what on earth I am doing wrong? My goal is to install a Brit cop car mod, and the police missions.

 

Thanks in advance :)

When I downloaded it, it was a .rar file but I just double-clicked on it and it installed everything itself. I didn't extract anything. It's as simple as that.

Since your question is slightly different than what the OP was requesting help for, and since the OP has a long list of stuff he wants help on, it would be best if you created your own thread because it will be confusing trying to help two people at once with different issues. Also, as Mark says, you should only have to double click it. However, I think you might need 7Zip or winRAR before you can run the installer. I personally prefer 7zip.

I'm hiding your posts to prevent this thread from being diverted away from the OP's questions.

So I installed the ASI loader, Scripthook, the trainer, Netframe and Visual C+++. Then I enabled Administrator as you instructed. However, with Admin enabled, the game won't launch. If I use GTAIV.exe, it tells me it has a fatal error. If I use LaunchgtaIV.exe, I get "SecuLauncher: failed to start application.[2000]. But if I turn off Administrator, the game launches just fine. What could I be doing wrong?

 

Edit: Actually, I get the same errors even if I turn Administrator privileges off, now. Should I just uninstall the entire game, and reinstall, then try all this again?

Edited October 21, 201312 yr by Shastblu

Install all the exe's and the one msi file that is in your first DvD (DVD:GTAIVRedistributable*.exe) This SHOULD/COULD fix that issue.

Install all the exe's and the one msi file that is in your first DvD (DVD:GTAIVRedistributable*.exe) This SHOULD/COULD fix that issue.

 

I never had a disc, was downloaded from Steam. I think maybe I deleted something I shouldn't have before you guys helped me out, so I'm currently reinstalling. That should essentially accomplish what you're saying, even if it takes awhile.

Right, sorry. I get confused sometimes x)

After the installation is complete, install these: (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5555, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5549, http://www.hazardx.com/details.php?file=83, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653). 

Edited October 21, 201312 yr by ineseri

So I installed the ASI loader, Scripthook, the trainer, Netframe and Visual C+++. Then I enabled Administrator as you instructed. However, with Admin enabled, the game won't launch. If I use GTAIV.exe, it tells me it has a fatal error. If I use LaunchgtaIV.exe, I get "SecuLauncher: failed to start application.[2000]. But if I turn off Administrator, the game launches just fine. What could I be doing wrong?

 

Edit: Actually, I get the same errors even if I turn Administrator privileges off, now. Should I just uninstall the entire game, and reinstall, then try all this again?

 

After a quick Google search, the problem apparently lies with Visual C++, just reinstall it & it should be fine.

[ Also, a tip, next time a Steam game malfunctions, instead of reinstalling, first, go to the game in Steam libary, right-click it, click on Properties, go to the Local Files tab, & click on Verify Intergrity of Game Cache. This takes quite a while (depending on the game's size), but usually solves common game problems. If that doesn't work then reinstall the game ]

After a quick Google search, the problem apparently lies with Visual C++, just reinstall it & it should be fine.

[ Also, a tip, next time a Steam game malfunctions, instead of reinstalling, first, go to the game in Steam libary, right-click it, click on Properties, go to the Local Files tab, & click on Verify Intergrity of Game Cache. This takes quite a while (depending on the game's size), but usually solves common game problems. If that doesn't work then reinstall the game ]

 

Makes sense. Ineri also linked Net Frame 4.5. I assume replacing Net Frame 4 with 4.5 is fine, yeah? Just the updated version?

Makes sense. Ineri also linked Net Frame 4.5. I assume replacing Net Frame 4 with 4.5 is fine, yeah? Just the updated version?

Well, you need 4.5. Install those redistributables and try the game again. 

Makes sense. Ineri also linked Net Frame 4.5. I assume replacing Net Frame 4 with 4.5 is fine, yeah? Just the updated version?

 

Yep. Shouldn't be a problem.

EDIT: Ninja'd

Edited October 21, 201312 yr by Rocking_Star101

Well, you need 4.5. Install those redistributables and try the game again. 

 

Of course. Just, should I uninstall 4 first, or leave it there? I guess 4.5 will simply overwrite it? Sorry, I know that must sound very silly. I'm just trying to make absolutely sure I don't mess up, because I'm not very adept at pinpointing issues like you all. ^^;

 

Edit: Ah, thanks Rocking_Star!

Edited October 21, 201312 yr by Shastblu

Of course. Just, should I uninstall 4 first, or leave it there? I guess 4.5 will simply overwrite it? Sorry, I know that must sound very silly. I'm just trying to make absolutely sure I don't mess up, because I'm not very adept at pinpointing issues like you all. ^^;

 

Edit: Ah, thanks Rocking_Star!

It won't actually overwrite (atleast I don't think so). But there should be no issues with installing it. 

So I reinstalled the game, then installed Net Frame 4.5, C+++ Visual, Games for Windows. Then I went for the ASI loader, Scripthook and Trainer. The trainer installation instructions look like they mean the root folder...but ASI and Scripthook say to put them into my installation folder? Do they mean the root folder too, or something else? If it's different, I don't know where that is, because no path was given.

 

Also...ugh. The game is still giving me an error and won't launch, even though Administrator is not turned on, and I reinstalled the game+the three programs you all suggested. It says I need service pack 3? I just don't understand what the problem is. I've even looked at your guide, and tried turning on Admin for the launcher too(which I didn't realize I had to do), as well as those three programs, and still get the same error. ;_;

Edited October 21, 201312 yr by Shastblu

Main installation folder and root folder is the same! Also, what operating system are you using? Can you post your computer specifications?

Main installation folder and root folder is the same! Also, what operating system are you using? Can you post your computer specifications?

 

Vista, PC. It's a 2010 Gateway with an updated video card and extra RAM. Beyond that, no idea.

Don't worry. I appreciate all of your help so, so much, but I think the only way this could work is if someone who knew what they were doing was actually present at my comp. At this point the original game won't even launch, admin or not, mods or not. It's completely borked. I don't have the first clue how that happened, or how to solve it. But I don't want to risk fubaring any other application. So, I think I'm just going to give up. Perhaps it's a generational thing. I'm better than my dad with computers, but I'm also 32, and know there are a lot of 13 year olds who would find this kind of thing easier than 2nd grade math. I'm just sorry I wasted the money on this game, and your time. I will continue watching your videos though, as I find them immensely entertaining.

Edited October 23, 201312 yr by Shastblu

I'm guessing it's your computer that cannot handle the game, GTA IV is a very demanding game and I've seen this kind of error before. 

I'm guessing it's your computer that cannot handle the game, GTA IV is a very demanding game and I've seen this kind of error before. 

 

Well, it worked before I tried installing all of these mods. I was halfway through the Niko story. Now it says I need XP service pack 3 or higher, even though I use Vista.

 

Update: Ah ha! I changed the compatibility mode to Windows 2000 for the launch.exe and gta4.exe files, and the game's launching fine, now. I don't think the mods will work, but I am very happy to have the original game back.

Edited November 3, 201312 yr by Shastblu