I can see the gta4.exe process start, then for a few seconds it closes.  No error messages, no crash window or anything.

OS: Windows 7 x64 Professional

Processor: Intel Core i3 Quadcore @ 3.30 GHz

RAM: 4 GB DDR2

Video: NVIDIA GeForce GT520 3.7 GB video ram

 

Here's what i've done so far:

Reinstalled the game multiple times

Made sure no mods or anything is installed, only the 1.0.7.0 patch

Ran both LaunchGTAIV.exe and GTAIV.exe as administrator

Ran both in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP 3

Disabled antivirus

Disabled firewall

Deleting the settings in AppDataLocalRockstar GamesGTA IVsettings

 

I can't think of anything else.  It has never done this before.  it was sitting on my computer and i hadn't played it in a while so i started it up and it crashed.  i thought maybe it was some old mods conflicting so i did a fresh install and it still crashes in the same way.

This is running a fresh install with no mods.

Did you buy the game?

Yes, I bought the retail version

When you did a fresh install, did you remove all files in the GTA IV directory when the uninstallation process was complete?

The uninstaller completely deleted the GTA IV folder, I just ran the uninstall again and checked.

Have you been able to play the game before?

Yes, this is the first time this has happened.  I've had problems with crashing, but not crashing at this point.  I once had a problem where it would crash on loading the save file, but i determined that to be an issue with car mods being uninstalled, and the previously modded cars being loaded in the parking space so that crashed it.  that's been fixed but i've never had this issue where it crashes before fully loading the exe.

I see. What was the most recent change you made to your system?

I had a couple of updates done on my computer.  Windows defender update, Windows 7 update, Security updates, etc.  Updated some Adobe software (flash and reader).

Can you post a screenshot of your GTA IV folder?

 

Oh, and is UAC disabled? (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/disable-user-account-control-uac-the-easy-way-on-windows-vista/)

UAC is disabled.

Install these: http://www.microsoft...9f-b21f31ab88b7, http://www.microsoft...&displaylang=en, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653.

 

And is UAC disabled?

Yes UAC is disabled.  I installed the software, restarted my computer, made sure that both gta4.exe and launchgta4.exe are running as administrator.  issue persists.

Have you ran a virus scan recently?

I have realtime protection, so no but i'll run one and update with results.

Thanks, do that. And by "sitting on your computer" you mean that it was turned off for a while... right? No actual sitting involved?

i meant that it was installed on my computer and i hadn't played it in a while

I have never heard of this issue, it's so strange. What did the virus report say?

It found a couple of malware, which i deleted.  i then ran a boot-time scan which turned up more malware which i deleted.  the game's still crashing like before.