New patch v1.0.2.0 for GTA 4 been release today, Jan 24.

[Purple44]

I started up GTA 4 today and LIVE say there a new update. So I went over to GTAforums to see if this is the new patch and found this ( want to make sure it OK to update GTA 4 before doing update ):

Title Update v. 1.0.2.0, GTA IV PC Patch 2  Will post back when I get done reading 244 replies so far today!



Version 1.0.2.0
Today we released patch version 1.2 for Grand Theft Auto IV on the PC. A variety of fixes and enhancements were applied, including new sliders in the graphics menu for "Water Quality", "Shadow Quality", and "Reflection Resolution" to grant players more freedom to customize graphical settings as they see fit. Additionally, as a result of the patch we had to disable the default setting for direct input device support. To re-activate your supported gamepad simply enter the commandline, "-usedirectinput". The patch also addresses a variety of issues including, but not limited to, graphical optimization; bugs introduced with the release of patch 1; multiplayer and video editor fixes; and security updates. Please visit (INSERT LINK) for specific information about the changes and supported DirectInput devices. We want to thank the GTA community for your continued support as we continue to improve GTA IV PC so that it is the best experience possible.

To download the latest patch please follow the link:
http://www.rockstargames.com/support/IV/PC/patch/index.html



Version 1.0.2.0
GRAPHICS FIXES / ADDITIONS:
• Graphics Menu:
• Graphics Settings
o Added "Water Quality", "Shadow Quality" and "Reflection Resolution" sliders in graphics menu.
o Added "Definition" and "VSync" toggles in graphics menu.
• Rendering optimizations.
• VSync optimizations.
• Nvidia 7000 series
o Mirrors fixed

PATCH 1 FIXES:
• Direct input device support is now disabled by default and can only be enabled with the commandline: "-usedirectinput"
• Supported Controllers:
o Logitech Dual Action
o Logitech RumblePad 2
o Logitech Cordless RumblePad 2
o Saitek P2500
• Supported Wheels:
• Note: Controls are unmapped, user must map controls using Manufacturer's mapping software.
o Logitech G25 Racing Wheel
o Logitech Wingman Formula GP Wheel
o Logitech MOMO Racing
o MOMO Force
o Driving Force Pro
o Driving Force
o Formula Force
• Added Commandline "-notimefix" which will help some users who are experiencing the fast/slow gameplay issue after patch 1 was applied.
• Fixed a bug that caused some users to experience endless looping audio effects after Patch 1 was applied.
• Benchmark was disabling sounds after Patch 1 was applied, this is now fixed.

CRASH FIXES:
• Unable to load game fixed - For some users, a DOS window would open and close immediately upon Game Launch, GTA IV would never launch.
• Hang on Initial Game Loading Screen fixed - Some users experienced Character Art Loading screens in an endless loop.
• Certain causes of the RESC10 error have been fixed (Alt-Tab, change resolution). If you experience an RESC10 error, you must restart.
• Certain Instances of the "GRAND THEFT AUTO IV has encountered a problem and needs to close" error have been fixed.

VIDEO EDITOR:
• Naming clips is now mandatory on Export

MULTIPLAYER:
• Legitimate players being kicked from Multiplayer matches has been fixed.

GENERAL ADDITIONS / FIXES:
• Wireless 360 controllers not functioning - Triggers were full on/off, fixed.
• In the Options menu accessed from the Title Screen a “Game” section has been added with the ability to turn Clip capture on/off.

******************************************************

Also there a new " THE GRAPHIC SETTINGS OF GRAND THEFT AUTO IV PC " doc file to read about the new changes from the new patch:


THE GRAPHIC SETTINGS OF GRAND THEFT AUTO IV PC

Most users using current PC hardware as of December 2008 are advised to use medium graphics settings. Higher settings are provided for future generations of PCs with higher specifications than are currently widely available.

Graphics settings are limited by system resources by default. 256MB video cards force minimum settings by default. If a user bypasses these safety measures using command line arguments and exceeds their system resources, the users gaming experience may be compromised. 


Video Mode - Affects video memory and GPU performance.
The resolution settings relate to the amount of available video memory.  At 2560*1600 the game will require 320MB of video memory in addition to all the memory required for content. At 800*600 the game will require 32MB of video memory in addition to the content. Medium resolution settings are recommended for most users as higher settings are only usable if there is available video memory.

Texture Quality - Affects video memory, system memory, CPU and GPU performance.
Texture quality affects the visual quality of the content of the game.  High setting for textures will require 600MB of video memory at a setting of 21 View Distance in addition to the memory taken by the Video Mode. A medium texture setting is recommended for most users.

Render Quality - Affects GPU performance.
Render quality is the texture filter quality used on most things in the world rendering.  Most people would know this as anisotropic filtering.  Medium settings are recommended for most users and will provide filtering beyond what the console versions can execute.

Water Quality - Affects video memory and GPU performance.
Water quality controls the visual quality of the water in game.  This setting was previously bundled into Video Mode but has been separated in order for users to fine tune their settings for gains in performance. 

Reflection Resolution - Affects video memory and GPU performance.
Reflection Resolution determines the quality of the reflections seen in water, on cars, mirrors and any other item that reflects in the world.  This setting was previously bundled into Video Mode but has been separated in order for users to fine tune their settings for gains in performance. 

Shadow Quality - Affects video memory and GPU performance.
Shadow Quality controls the degree of precision applied to all shadows in the world.  This setting was previously bundled into Video Mode but has been separated in order for users to fine tune their settings for gains in performance.  Low shadows should only be used with low resolutions.

View Distance - Affects CPU and GPU performance, video memory and system memory.
View distance scales the distance in which different objects in the world such as building and cars are seen.  Raising this option increases the distance in which high quality objects must be loaded and will increase the memory it requires.  Restrictions are established to ensure the game runs optimally for most users.  A setting of 22 or more will provide PC users an enhanced experience over the console versions.
*users with 1GB of RAM restricted to view distance of 1 for performance/stability

Detail Distance - Affects CPU and GPU performance.
Detail distance scales aspects of the environment that the View Distance setting does not including vegetation, trash and other moveable objects. A setting of 10 would be the equivalent to the performance on a console. This setting has little effect on memory.

Vehicle Density - Affects CPU and GPU performance.
Vehicle density scales the traffic density of the traffic in the game.  It has no effect on the mission vehicles or difficultly of the game, but can have a significant impact on CPU performance

Shadow Density - Affects CPU and GPU performance.
Shadow Density controls the number of shadows generated for positional lights in exterior environments.  These shadows are exclusive to the PC version and can have a major impact on CPU and GPU performance.

Crossfire/SLI
With the latest ATI driver (8-12 series) the game supports crossfire modes (ie. 4870x2)
SLI is currently supported after Title Update 1 is applied and Nvidia driver 180.84 is used.

NOTE: Background Processes
Certain background processes can have a detrimental effect on system performance when playing GTA IV, especially on systems with minimum required system memory.  Users should ensure they disable their Virus scans (especially “on-access” type scans) when running the game to maximize performance.

Auto-Configure Graphics
There is a known issue in the Graphics menu when the user attempts to Auto-Configure after changing the Video Mode (resolution).  When the user changes the Video Mode (regardless of whether the change is applied or not) and then tries to use the auto-configure option, auto-configure will automatically set the resolution to 800x600.

In order to use auto-configure after changing the Video Mode:

1) Change the Video Mode.
2) Apply the changes.
3) Accept the changes.
4) Exit the Graphics section. (Click on any other top section or exit menu.)
5) Return to the Graphics section.
6) Click Auto-Configure.

[Purple44]

Just got done reading 13 pages of replies.

New patch is hit and miss. Some got better proforamce, some saw no difference, some lost use of computer that needed to do a couple of missions, some have notice objects are missing now. Some lost the use of there gamepad and had to learn how to enable it with commandline file.

Then there a lot posts that GTA 4 been working fine with stock and v1.0 patch and new patch broke there game or made FPS a lot worse.

So Rockstar got many players piss off again.

I think I will wait until Monday and see what the Devs have to say, before I think about installing new patch.

[Shadow]

The patch was a miss for me still constant game crashes when signed into windows live (online or offline account).Game runs fine when not signed into live at all, but you can't save anything lol. The same went for 1.1 patch.

I sent a email to tech support with my dxdiag report and only ended up with the bogus return mail that it would be looked at within 24hrs.

 7 days left to return it, hopefully a solution or workaround gets posted soon.

[de_Stan]

I played some time online to test the new patch. game is vey stable and smooth. No problems at all. My only problem with the new patch is that i cant run the Benchmark from the main menu because it crashes. But if i load the game and go there by the in-game menu (escape) runs fine. Before i apply the patch the Benchmark didnt crash but it could make the sound stop working correctly in game after i run it.

[Shadow]

Ok its now working fine for me. Savegame working / benchmark/setting up controls.

Not sure what the change was from last night but today I thought I'd hook up webcam and let purple view what was going on to prove it was not graphics related. The issue was only if signed into live , or live offline account.

I shut off live, shut off autosave and messed around for awhile with no issue. Then logged into live, turned on autosave and what do you know. No crashes at all lol. Saves game/ benchmark works/ control setup works.

Not sure what to say for a cure, could be the steps that I did otherwise I'm lost why is fine now.

Edit:
Problem is back lol, frozen cpu with hard reset to blue screen of death. System restore , play signed into live for 15 min and frozen cpu again. Break time ;-)

[Purple44]

I tried the GTA 4 patch today after I saw Shadow GTA 4 working OK with new patch.

I ran into two problems. I did a benchmark test and that went ok, restarted game, because I've read running benchmark can cause problems running the game. I was able to load my last save game and in checking things out, I got struck when I hit Esc and went to the Map and other options page.

I could not Esc back to the level I was playing. I had to reload the level to get back to playing the game. After having this happen again two more times, I exited game and restarted it.

That did the trick, was able to Esc to Map and able to Esc back to playing the level.

I was able to play for around an hour before game started slowing down and getting choppy. So I exited game and Vista was running slow too, so I rebooted computer and restart GTA 4.

At this time De Stan happen to MSN me and we went online and checkout the derby arena. I wish I had Fraps up and running.  The cops surround the arena and we had helicopters crash onto the arena floor. I Alt-Tab out to start Fraps, but when I Alt-Tab back, I got drop from host for being to slow.

Seem patch has made it better online. Now me and De Stan can join each others host now. When we try last time, we could not join each other. I'm also seeing a lot more green hosts online than I did before when doing a search for hosts.

Have notice that some of the people posting problems with GTA 4 after installing patch, are using newer hardware like the i7 CPU and x295 video card. I wonder if it young drivers that maybe causing the problems. It may take some driver updates to make this new hardware stable with GTA 4.

[Purple44]

Today I try using my MOMO wheel with GTA 4 and the new patch.

You will need a txt file called commandline.txt and have this line in it " -usedirectinput " and this file need to be save to your GTA 4 main folder so game can read it when it loads. I attach a file to this post if anybody want to use it.

At first I did not think it was working because i could not assign the buttons and Wheel in options. So did some forum reading at GTAforum and found game automaticly set up your pad  or wheel and you just go play the level and hop in a car and it works.

So I went and tried again and hop in my grabage truck I have park out front and took it for a spin around the block and MOMO wheel work.

   
posted by $hith3@d:

" I got my G25 working after the patch 1.0.2.0 by adding "-usedirectinput" into the commandline.txt -file. There is no need to change/map anything at the game options, the G25 works straight away after the patch.

But I can't seem to be able to use my XBOX 360 controller anymore if I use the G25. Only mouse and keyboard works with G25.
it would be very useful to be able to use both the wheel for driving and a game-pad while on foot, but it may not be possible "

All Controllers WORKING!  page 30


Hopefully later today will try some online racing with my MOMO and see how it goes.

[Heddly]

I was reading my March edition of Computer Power User and GTA IV is named a CPU Game OF The Year (scroll down).

I wonder if they had the same bugs as other users? There is not a mention of any problems in the article.


 —by Chris Trumble

$49.99 (PC), $59.99 (X360, PS3) • ESRB: (M)ature Rockstar Games • www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftauto

Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two Interactive experienced more than its share of turbulent times in 2008, as it jockeyed for position in renegotiating the contracts of key Rockstar Games personnel and fended off a takeover bid by Electronic Arts. Both issues apparently worked out the way Take-Two wanted them to, however, and of course the company enjoyed the financial benefits of yet another blockbuster GTA release.

Grand Theft Auto IV is a study in contrasts; the impressive realism and nearly flawless graphics serve to heighten the gritty, often despairingly bleak existence of its characters' lives as they lie, cheat, steal, and fight their way through the criminal underbelly of a big American city modeled after New York. The dark events that take place in the game's storyline missions are in turn frequently offset by the childlike glee brought on by accomplishing some of the series' trademark amazing driving stunts and playing the game's many minigames, and the impressive quality of the in-game music (perfect licensed tracks and surprisingly good original tracks alike) is the perfect foil for the sophomoric humor blasted over Liberty City's talk radio stations.

As we stated in our original review (July 2008 issue), however, GTA IV's crowning achievement is providing such a tight, coherent package of wildly disparate gameplay styles and experiences. The inevitable shortcoming of me-too products from other developers is that they pair some pretty good content with game elements that fall horribly short of the mark, the result of which is usually an uneven and often dissatisfying experience. GTA IV pulls off all of its various elements with style and, perhaps more importantly, segues from one experience to the next seamlessly so that your immersion in the game is never rudely interrupted while you fight with a particular control type.

And, as has been the case in the last several GTA installments, Rockstar packs so much to do and see into the game that you will tarry in Liberty City a much longer time than it would take to systematically complete the main story-related missions. Such a combination of fun and longevity is almost unheard of, regardless of game genre, and combined with the game's many more obvious qualities makes Grand Theft Auto IV a shoo-in for our 2008 Game Of The Year award.

[Purple44]

I could not use my handbrake with GTA 4 and MOMO wheel. Did some reading and found you can use Logitech Profiler program to map KB keys to your MOMO buttons.

Also learn if you tap you look back key, it will reset camera back to looking forward after you release the button.

So now have handbrake and look back keys map to buttons on the MOMO thanks to Logitech Profiler and now use Profiler to launch the GTAIV.exe.

Definitely a lot easier to race online now. But still having trouble connecting to hosts online. Even a green host I get a disconnect error. My avg. is about 1/3 host I try, I get in without some kind of error. But not to many racing hosts to join online. Race mode not the most popular mode online with GTA 4.

[Shadow]

Well today bin a good day, 5hrs of gta4 with no crashes yet.

The only changes I made were in CCC (catalyst control center)to change most settings to quality instead of mix from performance/quality etc.

Won't hold my breathe, time will tell if it was a cure.

[Purple44]

Seem Rockstar has remove some objects with the newest patch. Some of these missing objects have effect on your game play and start making the console versions of GTA 4 the better version of GTA 4.

Hot Dog Stand Removed, in patch 2

In livilaNic post Niko look a little dejected over the whole thing.

http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=394394&st=80

[Shadow]

Its messed up how much faster pc's are today over the consoles and they are removing stuff for the pc.

I'm still fighting to get the game not to crash and lock up cpu. Each day is different, I had a great day after shutting down many services. Where the game once crashed after few hours would not lock up cpu when crashed, just bounce me to desktop so could fire up game again. Then a day later with same services stopped, would crash multiple times after 10 minutes of play and lock up cpu.

I've now spent more time into vista tweaking from the tweakguides.com site.Guess I'm finally learning more of my vista system lol

[Heddly]

When I have problems like that I use CCleaner to scan my Registry for errors. It has done a great job and I have read good reviews about it since I began using it.

Might be worth a try after adding patches on top of patches.

[Shadow]

Got it, used it for long time now. But does zippo to help situation.

I've tried/did:
-flashing bios
-update chipset drivers
-updated vid drivers to cat 9.1
-reinstall game and patch directly to 1.0.2.0
-use windows live offline account
-no internet so "social club" not logged in
-shut down 1/2 of the services and set them to manual (worked wonders for one day only)
-no internet connected, 1/2 services shut down, bare minimum background proggy's runnin (worked great for a day)
-run several command line prompts as suggested in tech forums
-did some suggested registry changes as per tech forums
-finally increased pagefile size , then changed it to diff drive for pagefile.
-then redoing cpu settings as per tweakguides.com vista tweaks

ROFLMAO, when it runs its fantastic. Otherwise it would have bin returned by now.

 I'm gonna hope that maybe my issue was having that old slow 40gig temp drive as main drive, doubt it as there is lots of others with same issue.

[Shadow]

I could be jumping the gun on this but it has fixed other gamers so far with same crash in multiple games , but a big thanks to purple44 for finding this fix. Not a big fan to flash bios or vid card bios , but basically last choice.

My thread from gta4 forums:
http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?act=ST&f=233&t=396025&st=0#entry1058939148

Them fixit post:

Ok I have not completed testing, but there is a critical bios update for saphire ati hd4870 512 meg cards. Apparently this has been an issue for some other games as well.

Big thanks to purple44 (flatoutjoint.com,gridjoint.com,codemaster grid forums) for sending me links of issue. Basically the gpu would jump around from 500mhz to 750mhz by itself over and over causing itself to lock up.With overdrive enabled/disabled.

I will say , I used the first method of flashing through windows using atiwinflash. (I did ati flash but it looked like it worked , but nothing changed, so tried atiwinflash)

Cards needing update:
* PN 188-01E85-001SA
* SKU# 11133-00-20R


Also you can check these settings in the ATI CCC:

* Original BIOS on board with date: 24.07.2008
* BIOS version: 011.006.000.003.000000


I point any saphire ati 4870 512 meg users to these threads to read and decide to take one of the 2 steps to cure issue:

http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm...threadid=104274

http://forums.pcgameshardware.com/showthread.php?p=767

http://www.warhammeralliance.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=118448

I don't want to jump the gun, but no crashes so far on saving or hitting escape to goto map/options screen (only played an hour). In turn I'm finally able to tune my graphics to its abilities, and will keep turning them up.