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Preparation#

To mod the game, we first need to get your system ready for modding and install the game. We will also go over basic instructions, terminology and mod dependencies you may need later.

Enabling File Extensions#

Not seeing file extensions can cause some confusion when looking at all the files you need to use when modding. File extensions are not turned on by default in Windows, so if you haven't turned them on yet - do it now:

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Select the View tab at the top
  3. Hover the mouse over Show section and enable File name extensions from the submenu. File name extensions in Explorer

Software#

Some software should be installed before you can play and mod the game:

Drivers#

It is highly recommended to have latest drivers installed for best performance and stability. Select your GPU vendor on the selector for instructions.

  • Go to the official website.
  • Press Download Beta and open the downloaded executable.
  • Follow the in-app instructions to install the driver.
  • Go to the official website.
  • Press Download Windows Drivers and open the downloaded executable.
  • Follow the in-app instructions to install the driver.
    • Select Optional drivers over Recommended to get the latest drivers.
    • Select Minimal Install over Full Install if you don't need the extra features of the Adrenalin app.
  • Go to the official website.
  • Press Download now and open the downloaded executable.
  • Follow the displayed instructions to install the drivers. Ignore warnings about OEM drivers.

Terminology and tips#

  • Game, Installation or Root folder typically refers to the location where GTAIV.exe is located, which is at:
    • Steam: Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto IV\GTAIV
    • Rockstar Games Launcher: Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto IV
  • When told to extract a folder, extract the folder itself, not the contents (unless told otherwise).
  • GFWL is an abbreviation for Games for Windows LIVE. GFWL is a proprietary service made by Microsoft, which allows for multiplayer and DRM protection. XLiveless (sometimes known as xlive.dll) removes GFWL. GFWL is not used in Complete Edition.

Modding the game#

Game installation

  • If you had previously modded the game or installed a modpack, it is highly recommended that you first uninstall the game from your launcher, then delete any leftovers that stayed in the root folder, as launchers don't remove those.
  • The game should not be located in Desktop or Documents or other default system folders to avoid issues. If not using Steam, it should also not be located in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).

I recommend opening the troubleshooting page on a separate tab to consult during the guide if you encounter issues.

If the above is met, continue with one of the following pages:

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