Unable to launch OR patch :(

[PurpleDust]

Well, I bought GTA:SA at the weekend and am having a hell-load of trouble with it so far.

 

After installing the game I am unable to launch the game without the dreaded "gta_sa.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close" error.

 

Also, when I try to patch to v1.01 I get an error saying...

"Old file not found. However, a file of the same name was found. No update done since file contents do not match."

 

This is a completely fresh, un-modded install on a system with the following specs;

WindowsXP Pro SP2

2GHz Sempron64

1Ghz DDR RAM

ATI x1600 AGP card

 

I have tried a few things as per the FAQ on getting the game to run but so far nothing has had any effect. I have disabled the windows CD burning service, I have no "CD image" programs installed (only Nero Burning), there is no gta_sa.set file to delete, and have disabled the Windows XP SP2 Data Execution Prevention.

 

I am at a complete loose end and am hoping someone has some further ideas.

 

Any help would be appreciated

[Justin]

There is absolutely no need to patch your game unless you have version one and you're afraid of yourself installing Hot Coffee. Hot Coffee is the ONLY issue the patch addresses. You should never patch a game unless you're experiencing problems that the patch claims to address.

 

The most common cause of that error message is if you're using a cracked EXE. Cease to do so if this is the case. If you've downloaded the game, go out and purchase it.

 

There will be no SET file simply because you haven't been able to successfully run the game yet. No biggie, that just means that it's not the problem - which it wouldn't be anyway unless you'd run SA before, changed something and then encountered problems.

 

I'm sorry I can't provide a solution - all I've got is a bit of background information on better troubleshooting practices.