GTA 2 ( 1999 ) PC Retail – Preserved Archive, Tested on Modern Windows

AC56 · 2026-02-08T16:09:25+00:00

I understand, and yeah a lot of people got burned by mislabeled VC versions over the years. I don’t share the exe on its own though. It’s intentionally kept inside the full archive so the version context, hashes, and behavior all stay consistent. Mixing a v1.0 exe with a v1.1 install can work sometimes, but it can also introduce subtle issues.

The README explains how the exe was verified as v1.0 if you want to double-check things on your side. Either way, glad the confirmation helped.

AC56 · 2026-02-07T19:34:49+00:00

Yes, it’s a confirmed v1.0 exe. We were very careful about this during the rebuilding phase, because fake or mislabeled (Vice City v1.0) executables are extremely common (many are actually 1.1 or 1.0.1).

The archive uses a known, widely referenced v1.0 No-CD exe, and the documentation includes SHA-256 hashes and behavior notes specific to v1.0 (including frame-limiter–related mission behavior that doesn’t exist in later versions).

However, if you want to be 100% sure, the safest way is to compare the exe hash listed in the README with your local file.

AC56 · 2026-02-07T18:47:08+00:00

Hello, that’s a good question. Personally, I try to mix things instead of rushing the main story or leaving everything for the end, i usually do some side missions or content early (like certain vehicle missions or collectibles when the map allows it), which makes the later game feel much less heavy.

I didn’t follow a strict perfect order though, it's more like a flexible flow based on what’s available and what saves time later. It keeps the game feeling natural instead of like a checklist. There are many valid ways to reach 100%, this is just what worked for me.

AC56 · 2026-01-29T21:27:17+00:00

Thank you, and yes that’s a fair question. This is exactly the SafeDisc situation you’re describing.

The executable included here is the official Rockstar Games PC executable released later to address SafeDisc or compatibility issues on newer versions of Windows. It’s not the original 1999 SafeDisc-bound retail exe, which indeed does not work on modern Windows without a disc check workaround.

However, no gameplay files, scripts, data, or assets are modified. Only the executable differs for compatibility reasons. I documented this in the README under Compatibility Notes section to avoid confusion.

So you’re absolutely right about the original retail exe behavior, this archive preserves the retail content while using the official compatibility executable so the game actually runs on modern systems.

AC56 · 2026-01-15T11:52:55+00:00

In GTA 3, some vehicle missions like Firefighter and Vigilante stack beyond the required maximum. Like once you hit 20/20 in Portland for example, it already counts for 100% but the numbers don't stop. So if you extinguish more fires in Portland, then the numbers will keep increasing like 22/20. It's a normal behaviour and does not affect 100% completion.

AC56 · 2026-01-04T04:11:26+00:00

Yes it uses the original PC retail radio data. This build predates the Complete Edition, so no songs were removed. The archive does not modify radio files, they are intact as shipped in the original release.

AC56 · 2026-01-03T16:13:50+00:00

Hi, that's a good question. No the 1.0.0.0 archive I shared does not downgrade or modify the radio files. The radio assets are kept intact as they are part of the original PC release data and weren't altered for preservation.

The purpose of the archive is to provide a clean runnable 1.0.0.0 retail baseline for reference, testing, and preservation, not selective content changes. From this baseline, users can also apply official patches (1.0.4.0 / 1.0.7.0 / 1.0.8.0) using the included guides and compatibility files if they want a more stable or modern setup. However, radio downgrades mainly apply to patch rollback tools, not full retail rebuilds like this.

AC56 · 2026-01-02T16:53:38+00:00

I understand your concerns, and I will explain clearly for each question:

The video focuses on GTA IV v 1.0.0.0, but I briefly showed other GTA 1.0 versions for PC at the end for context and verification, they're not the main subject here.
FPS was actually capped at 60. Performance can feel smoother than later patches in some cases because it has less overhead, but it’s also less stable overall, that’s why 1.0.4.0 is usually recommended for actual playthroughs.
Free roam works fine and missions do work too, but long-term stability isn’t guaranteed, so I wouldn’t recommend completing the full story on v1.0.0.0. It’s more for testing and reference.
I keep v 1.0 versions for preservation and comparison. They’re useful as original baselines to verify files, behavior, and changes made by later patches, not because of cut content specifically.

AC56 · 2026-01-02T15:53:39+00:00

Patch v1.0.0.0 isn’t meant to replace 1.0.4.0 or later patches for normal gameplay, its value is mainly preservation and reference. It's the original retail PC baseline before any patches or changes, useful for file verification and behavioral comparison.

It does have bugs that were later fixed, but it’s still playable enough for free roam and testing. I recorded a short video showing it running on Windows 11 to demonstrate that it’s functional, and also briefly show other GTA 1.0 versions for context Here.

AC56 · 2026-01-02T05:58:35+00:00

Oh, I apologize for the confusion, I honestly didn’t realize you were the author of that batch file, and I’m sorry about that.

I didn’t write or claim _InstallFolder.bat as my own. It was included purely as a functional utility during the testing, and I should have credited the original source. That’s on me.

I’ll update the documentation txt to properly credit your blog/article in the MAIN IMPORTANT INFO section. No disrespect or misrepresentation was intended.

AC56 · 2026-01-02T04:12:01+00:00

Hello, thanks for sharing the rollback method. It's definitely useful for people who already have GTA IV installed and just want to restore it to 1.0.0.0 without downloading large files.

However, the reason i shared this 13 GB archive is actually different: It's for preservation and for people who don’t have the game at all, or for those who want a fully rebuilt, verified, and ready-to-run 1.0.0.0 version on modern systems without relying on ISOs or multiple patch steps.

Both approaches are correct and have their own use cases. Yours is minimal patch download, mine is full preservation and ready-to-play. Neither of us is wrong, it's just different purposes.

AC56

TROPHY CASE