Need computer help again guys...

[McKrackin]

GTA IV.
I installed a GeForce 9400 GT 1024MB video card today.
It still says my system is incompatible.
I'm going to download service pack one since it is a requirement.

I don't know if SP1 is already installed.How do I find out?

[coffinsnail]

right click my computer and select properties on XP. it will show the OS and service pack there. if your on vista im not sure, as far as your video card its fine to run the game, however be sure to update the drivers. the drivers that come in the box are normally 2 behind, and with that card i would guess they are 4 maybe 5 behind.

[McKrackin]

Vista

Thanks for the heads up on drivers though ;D

[coffinsnail]

my vista laptop died but i believe its still the same way with it, if it does not work then your gona have to wait for a vista user to assist lol.

[McKrackin]

Service Pack 1 was not installed.I tried and tried to get the free version from Microsoft but it just wouldn't install or run after downloading.

I finally gave up and reinstalled Vista Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1.At $138 it was not my first choice but rather a last ditch effort.

GTA IV is installing as I type and appears that it is going to work.

Now looking back I think the video card Beedm sent me may have worked but oh well,now I have a killer vid card.

Thanks all for the help.

[coffinsnail]

the reason why it may not have installed was vista makes a check to insure you are the registered owner before patching. their way of cutting down on pirated copies of it. it sucks but its what they do.

as far as that cost id contact MS bitch them out for not being able to install the SP in your original and demand they do something since it cost you more money.

[fergie]

yep, usually when you download a vista update, windows download center has to make sure your copy is valid before the download will start.
however there is away around it, be damned if i can remember how to do it now.
don't know if you been here yet MC, but here's some info on GTAIV
support.rockstargames.com/

[beedm]

Have you tried download to save, then install from save? A lot of their patches and updates sometimes won't install off the bat. There's a service memo out to this effect from MS Support. Also if you do a complete repair on the system, you have to reregister after it (or at least have the availability. XP had actual workarounds to reactivate. But it was really a simple process...call support and 7 minute after answering some easy questions, she would give you a new pn to type in. Vista, as my experience goes (and if you mod alot, you reinstall alot) has never even belched when reinstalled. I could make all kinds of changes to the computer and reinstall (cold/full) and a flawless in the backround activation. There are still hickups w/the downloads and addons to Vista. MS Download Cntr or MSSupport has always worked here. (even with XPSP2 which for whateever reason I had to call support to install it.)

[McKrackin]

Thanks for the tips beedm but I already reinstalled Vista Home Premium w/SP1.
All is working great.The new grafix card is working.I bet the Radeon would have been plenty but I may use it in another machine for some video editing and CAD stuff.

I got an XBox 360 controller to work the game.The controller sux.Too many years of Play Station I guess.I'm a Sony guy.What can I say?
I'm starting to get used to it but it is still very alien compared to the PS type controller that is second nature in my head already.