GTA IV - problems getting it going!

[Lounger]

I have an old copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, which I've never played. It seems to load OK, and I have subscribed to the necessary rubbish that Microsoft imposes like Windows Live and some club or other. I've also downloaded Silverlight (I'm starting to regret this )

Now when I run the game, it doesn't want to get past the Windows Live login part.

Did I miss something or is it no longer active?

 

[Lounger]

OK, problem one sorted. It insisted I choose a Hotmail or .live address for Windows Live, but it seemed already to have used another address, which is a contradiction.

Now it's insisting on downloading an 'update' to Windows Live and I mustn't shut down. After a few seconds it says "failed" and wants me to check my connection.

This is really not impressing!

 

[stroebs]

I can give you an entire tutorial about how to set this game up. Took me a while.

EDIT: You first need to update the game to the latest version once installed (version on disk is VERY unstable), then you need to download the latest Games For Windows Live package.

Once those are installed, start the game and press the Home key on your keyboard, create a new LIVE OFFLINE account (much easier that way, can create online later) and you're in.

Took me a while to get it working nicely with no lag (found that patch 4 fixed most problems)

 

[Lounger]

lol thanks!

"Grand Theft Auto IV requires that this update take place outside of the game as there is a known issue when updating Games for Windows - LIVE from within the game. The problem will be addressed in a future game patch. We apologize for any inconvenience. "
http://www.rockstargames.com/support/IV/PC/GFWLupdate/

Looks like it's quite troublesome.

If you follow the above link it also installs GFW Client, GFW Live, Sign in assistant ... and .NET framework. (30megs)

I think MS should stay away from games in future!

The only lag I'm seeing is when they try and show some small scene like at the hotdog stand.