Downgrading from Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ultimate Guide for PC Gamers

Introduction

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Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV) was an iconic open-world action-adventure game released by Rockstar Games back in 2008. However, as with any gaming title that has aged a decade or more, players may encounter compatibility issues on newer systems. One such issue is the need to downgrade from Grand Theft Expansion Pack: The Lost and Damned (EFLC) to its original version due to various reasons.

In this comprehensive article, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to successfully downgrade GTA IV EFLC back to its standard edition for PC users. This guide assumes that you have a legitimate copy of the game installed on your computer and are comfortable with basic file manipulation techniques.

Preparation

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Before proceeding, make sure you've backed up all your saves, settings, and other essential data associated with GTA IV EFLC in case something goes wrong during the downgrade process. It's always better to err on the side of caution when tampering with game files!

System Requirements

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To ensure a smooth downgrading experience:

1. Your PC should run on Windows XP or higher (Windows 7 and later are recommended).

2. Ensure that .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is installed.

3. A minimum of 4 GB RAM memory is suggested.

Step-by-Step Downgrade Guide

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### Step 1: Download the Correct GTA IV Version

Head over to official Rockstar Games or Steam store pages and download either the standalone client for Grand Theft Auto IV (32-bit/64-bit) depending on your operating system architecture. If you already own a copy of the game through these platforms, simply click 'Install' instead.

### Step 2: Uninstall Existing GTA IV EFLC Installation

1. Launch the Start menu and select Programs or Applications.

2. Find Rockstar Games or Grand Theft Auto IV (depending on your operating system).

3. Right-click on both GTA IV Client(s) and select uninstall.

4. Confirm all prompts to complete removal.

### Step 3: Install Required Files for Downgrade

Download these necessary files from reliable sources:

- Gta EFLC Native Trainer.exe

- patch-GTAViceCity2.exe (if using a German version)

Extract the contents of each downloaded file into separate directories, keeping their original folder structures intact.

### Step 4: Patch and Run GTA IV Client(s)

1. Open your extracted Rockstar Games or Grand Theft Auto IV directory.

2. Double-click on patch-GTAViceCity2.exe (if applicable) to apply any necessary patches for your region-specific version of the game client.

3. Once finished, launch both gta-iv_client.exe and/or gta-iv_client_x64.exe depending on whether you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit system respectively.

### Step 5: Activate GTA IV EFLC (Optional)

If prompted to enter an activation code during startup, insert your genuine retail key here. Note that this step is only required if you didn't purchase the game through Steam or own it via another form of digital distribution service like Origin.

Troubleshooting

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Common issues encountered during downgrading might include:

- Missing DLL files: Ensure all necessary .NET Framework components are installed.

- Game won't launch after installation:

- Reinstalling GTA IV client(s) from scratch may resolve this issue.

- Check for any conflicts with other running programs or background applications.

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By following these steps, you should now have successfully downgraded your copy of Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned (EFLC) back to its original standard edition on PC. Remember that tampering with game files voids any warranties, so proceed at your own risk!

For further assistance or troubleshooting advice specific to your situation, feel free to post in the comments section below where our community of GTA IV enthusiasts will be happy to help you out.

References:

- Rockstar Games Official Support: Grand Theft Auto IV Patching Guide

- Steam Community Forums: GTA V - How do I patch my game?

Gta iv eflc downgrade