1. Install the latest update from the Rockstar support site. At the time of publication, the newest patch for 'Grand Theft Auto IV' is Title Update version 1.0.7.0 (English), an approximately 100-megabyte file released in March 2011. The update fixes the specific issues shown on the download page, but it also contains all previously released patches. Some of these address crashing and may eliminate the error altogether.
2. Turn on compatibility mode if you do not have Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or Windows XP Service Pack 3. The game officially supports these two versions of Windows, but will also run with Windows 7 and some earlier versions of the operating system. Right-click the game icon and click 'Properties.' Go to the Compatibility tab and select the check box option 'Run This Program in Compatibility Mode.' Use the drop-down menu to select either Windows XP or Windows Vista.

3. Run Windows Update, and install updates for all other programs necessary to run the game. This includes Adobe Flash Player, Games for Windows Live, Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and DirectX. Look for graphic card driver updates at the manufacturer's website -- usually Nvidia, AMD or Intel.
4. Install a genuine, store-bought version of the game. You can find pirated copies of 'Grand Theft Auto IV' all over the Internet, but they still come with a price. They can contain viruses and even bugs not found in an authentic copy. Some errors are introduced intentionally to discourage illegal downloading.