Disable controlled folder access and mandatory ASLR in windows defender - (that is NOT disabling windows defender) - or add socialclubsetup to exclusions for those.
(if you enable them via the registry, disable them that way too -.-)

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1479856439034421847/#c1479856439039081658

*Seeing as there is a new launcher/procedures - the launcher install itself may needed to be also excluded/whitelisted in defender, as well as the launcher install folder / .exe's, and even the redistribs folder/subfolders for even more .exe's ---- the ones no longer contained in the game's folder. Hooray, file duplication/bloat.

If you do want to leave mandatory aslr on - you can manually add it to the program settings tab of exploit protection and override it there. Be warned that the steam version (not sure on others) has 2 different social club installs now. 1 in gtav/installers, and 1 in program files / launcher / redistributables / social club. Important if you choose to add specific programs - else just add by name 'social-club-setup.exe'.


Original thread -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1694922526905902928/#c1694922526906453064

Something else to test -
Close steam (not minimize or X, exit it entirely) - open steam/steamapps folder and see if there are any files starting with appmanifest_271590 - you can delete them ALL. Usually if you have problems installing you'll see some with .tmp .bak .old or whatever on the end. If you can't delete them, you could try moving them to a junk folder or deleting in windows safe mode. Then open steam and try again. If you have steam libraries, I'd check the steamlibrary/steamapps folder as well.

If that doesn't work after cleaning all the appmanifest_271590 variations out - I'd be cleaning steam/steamapps/downloading and temp folders of 271590 folders/files inside. (again, with steam closed - and possibly everything there if you have no dl's queue'd) - Quite possibly doesn't rule out other av/security/permissions/preventions.

Edit- too late now if you del'd the game (not sure what 'my GTA game was in the Rockstar games file' means - as steam version gtav very much prefers a 'steam / steamapps / common / grand theft auto v' or steamlibrary variation) - in the future if it appears to have uninstalled itself - you can fix the issue without 100gb redownload if files still exist - more info / most recent appmanifest update avail here too -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/133257324795538742/#c133257324795563877

Original link (one of) -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/3043858879858269578/#c3043858879858793483

Yep - original thread got locked because 'reasons' - the linked file will continue to be updated there (and here) - I just can't update the dates / name / etc.


------ ENHANCED
July 8, 2025 - appmanifest after '' /shrug ' -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-kQfc5WylvkybqD8T0LsNr9J5FvVyVC/view?usp=sharing

------ LEGACY

Link to appmanifest_271590.acf - Up'd July 8, 2025
The ' /shrug -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xO5-xBmx4fcdieibwSGIoeeIFtK2wN0K/view?usp=sharing
(if the above link does not work - let me know via profile comment)
(if this thread gets locked, I can't update it - but the linked file WILL be updated)

Exit steam. EXIT STEAM. Not close it, not make it vanish off your windows. EXIT STEAM. Copy the appmanifest into the steam/steamapps folder - replace existing one. Then fire up steam, verify cache and see if it wants to fix anything - it "shouldn't" with a fresh copy. Doesn't matter - verify cache anyways.

If you used a steamlibrary - the appmanifest goes in steamlibrary/steamapps
Do not float multiple copies in the directories.

In some cases - users may need to close steam.
Open steam/steamapps/downloading, and delete the 271590 folder.
Recopy the appmanifest after steam is closed.
You may also need to rightclick steam, and run it as admin.
Then verify cache again.

There are also cases where you may find appmanifest_271590.old, or .bak, .tmp, etc - they should ALL be removed. The only valid appmanifest_271590 - should end in .acf - all others starting with appmanifest_271590 - should be removed.

Some people also apparently come here while getting 'unknown version errors' - which are usually related to scripthook being outdated. Update it, or remove it. More info to remove here - https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1499000547495596089/#c1499000547495630914

(Unless, you've problems with drive letters, install locations, or steam libraries/missing)

=== codebox/old copy/paste method removed - use link above ===

If it still keeps crashing after that - after the files are verified 100% clean with no fixing... It could be something else causing problems- would need to see log files and crash reports. (assuming the backup/copy you got didn't have leftover/mod files/etc in it...)

Edit - you 'could' also try changing the location steam downloads from before verifying. YMMV - just something to 'test'.

In case you are here because GTAV uninstalled itself -
-or-
You need other methods to use the appmanifest/force steam/gtav to install-
http://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/133257324795538742/#c133257324795563877


Original link --
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/276237094320417714/#c276237094320637525

Sometimes installing directx isn't enough as it may not overwrite certain files in certain circumstances. I'd use this .bat to strip out the directx - (make sure to rightclick, run as admin) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rJvafaYjKDOZia5IBMeeIOU5sVZPfzKW/view (if you are curious what it does - just rightclick it, and edit it in notepad to see).
- then reinstall directx from steam/steamapps/steamworks shared/_commonredist/directx/jun2010/dxsetup - or download MS's directx websetup - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35. Make sure to rightclick it and run as admin.

*'Newer' directx - https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/download/details.aspx?id=8109

You can also edit the .bat and look at it if you want to be sure it isn't doing anything funny. The pause is there so you can scroll back and look for errors (I think it shows all). If it worked correctly, you should end up with 2 folders with 90 files in each. Sometimes steam(other progs may too) holds open .dlls and they won't move. You'd need to close those apps and try again, or restart/clean restart pc and try again). (in a few circumstances, you may even have issues reinstalling directx if it complains about newer versions/etc - which requires extra steps sometimes - meh)

Then if you still have issues - I'd check if spatial audio is off in windows - as it is known to cause problems for some - can even try toggling on and off. I'd also look into uninstalling/reinstalling your audio drivers (not using whatever windows uses, but the manufacturer drivers (or test windows ones /shrug).

Then everything else (which you shoulda/woulda/coulda checked first) - like uninstalling and reinstalling all audio device drivers, check devices used for sound ingame, if you are using bluetooth stuff you may need to turn it on after gtav starts. Check what devices are set to be used ingame (and out of game -.-) - it could be set to something you have enabled/volumelow/external/internal/not plugged into/etc. Test different audio/headset, voice chat off ingame incase it is muting audio. Be methodical and rule things out. There may be some other things that are causing it (except they usually result in no sound period) - but in the majority of the instances I've had to look at these first hand - the above covered it.

Multiple audio devices have caused on/off issues for years. If possible you can disable various ones in device manager to test. Some users also disable BOTH input AND outputs of the devices with some success, usually related to telephony/voice related issues/headsets/mics. There have also been people that have put the pc to sleep, and not completely restarted it - particularly with the game at main menu IIRC - that have had issues. In some cases - all you need is a solid pc shut down/restart.

*edit - if you've screwed around with media feature pack files and manually added them to the gtav folder, or replaced some in system32 (/facepalm) - they should also be removed and correctly install the media feature pack - if you actually need it (are on a N/KN version of windows). Wrong versions of some of those have also killed audio in the past.

To clean the gtav root folder of mods/files you've thrown in there- enable file extensions - delete ANYTHING that is NOT a .rpf file AND is NOT a folder. Verify cache.

*similar thread/info - related to audio missing ONLY in gta online -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/3315233099213159762/#c3315233099214755900


Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1746765743927084651/#c1746765743927107223

**April2021? - Note -- some version of ghub are currently preventing gtav from closing correctly, possibly also keeping the launcher from closing correctly, possibly updating correctly - and making other troubleshooting issues worse. Force close, update, or uninstall it while testing. 2020.11.9270 <--- I am on this version without issue currently.
edit - some further testing on newer versions - going into ghub and turning off integrations for gta5, and disabling keyboard effects in the game settings has allowed my game to close properly while keeping ghub open. YMMV obviously / versions, os, etc.

#Pressing play does nothing, toggles to playing, and not playing, in seconds.
Launcher already running, gtav already running, etc. Launcher crashes. New - rockstar games library service failing to correctly work, install, start/stop, etc.
(also potential to fix 'infinite' launcher/sc loading)

(Yes, you can add me- and I can chat, answer questions, give directions (heavy preference you try first) - just add me on steam - there is no other way.. NOTE - FAR LESS LIKELY AFTER JAN 1, 2023 / profile note. Teamviewer is also off the table. I don't help like that anymore unless in 'extreme' circumstances, and I chose to. -.-

**Jun2022+ below are 2 quick things that are common 'recently' -
1-RENAME my documents / rockstar games to rockstar games-old. Do not use cloudsave/sync if/when it asks, use local saves. Test. If it works, you can try pulling your rockstar games-old/gtav/settings.xml, and profiles folder to the 'new' one the test recreated, and test again.

2-Open c / program files / rockstar games / launcher - rightclick launcher.exe, properties, compatability tab, put a check in run as admin. accept. test. Some users may need steam.exe as well. More info below regarding variations of this.

Otherwise - onward to the rest of the post -.-

There are a few different reasons to have this problem.
When I'm asked to teamviewer/fix it - I first make sure -
That mandatory ASLR in windows defender/exploit protection is OFF.
Then check/install media feature pack IF ON A N/KN windows version <-- click for info.
Then I then remove ANY files they put in gtav folder~ -.- <---click for instructions .
Then I check launcher.log /other logs, crash reports for extra details/narrowing of 'fixes'. Test. Check logs again for 'progress' / changes in errors and move forward.
After all that - I end up using an AIO (run as admin) to remove/clean/reinstall the vcredists (normal uninstall/reinstall does not always work). (not 'always' necessary - but since the release of the launcher this step alone has cured many issues with it) - One example - http://m.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/visual_c_runtime_installer,2.html
or another -
https://m.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/visual_c_redistributable_runtimes_aio_repack,2.html
Should also not discount the installation of the dx9 installer, or get an updated one from microsoft~

*March2022- some users reporting simply installing vcredist 2022, an AIO up to 2022, etc etc - as 'working'. Which is basically same concept as previous instructions - and signifying you had an issue with vcredists. The launcher is still only installing 2015-2019.

*also possible for links to be broken, removed, updated, so on. Can search site for files by name, recent/top downloads, google, find other tools, etc. -.-

^^*** - after running the above AIO/installers and no progress for 2 users, manually uninstalling, and reinstalling (run as admin) the c / program files / rockstar games / launcher / redistributables / vcred / x86 and x64 versions there - they started working.

*June-2022 --- 3+ instances now in last month where the AIO's 'worked' but upon closer inspection, were not. After attempting to manually uninstall all vcredists from apps/programs - and reinstall them. Some gave errors uninstalling, and others gave errors while installing. Both variations also were capable of adding/not removing their entry from the installed apps/programs list. You can try using this tool - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed-cca7d1b6-65a9-3d98-426b-e9f927e1eb4d to go in and fix/repair the install/uninstall of the various vcredists giving you issues. Personally, I'd straight up all of them. Run tool, try cleaning up the uninstalls first, then the installs. Then, either re-manually install them all, or run the AIO again. Some of the cleaning/fix process via this app looked like it froze and took 5-10 minutes. YMMV.

Verify cache. -.-
(and/or if there was any mod use ever - remove all mods, or atleast dinput8.dll if exist - which is quite literally the 3rd step I listed above. Remove the mods, rule that out)

Afterwards, (when I teamviewer as so many ask me to do) - I will do my usual - rename my docs / rockstar games to rockstar games-old. Then exit steam. Then bounce from all the .exe's (steam, r* launcher, gtav) involved and see what stuff is set as - run as admin, or not. Removing all 'run as admin' then test. Doesn't work? Then only running epic launcher (or steam(for steam version), or r* launcher (for R* version)) as admin, and go from there. Some users regardless of the 3 versions - need all gta5 .exe's to run as admin. Some also need R* launcher .exe's - and some even need social club .exe's. That 'usually' fixes it. Be aware I used plurals. Not just gta5.exe... but gta5, gtavlauncher, playgtav, etc.

In a few cases, have had to close other 3rd party apps, add the r* launcher, social club, and gtav folders to whitelists/exclusions in some av/security (including windows defender/controlled folders access, and search/defaulting exploit protection settings - especially 'mandatory ASLR' to OFF (on x2, off x1, on x4), or even manually remove or recreate some folders necessary for the game to save settings/info/etc (my docs / rockstar games doesn't always generate correctly like it should due to permissions - onedrive usually the issue with that one). Yep, this includes Onedrive screwing with my docs / rockstar games folder. Sometimes even a sfc /scannow via command prompt is necessary. Depending on what was done in this paragraph - possibly even starting this link of instructions over again.

**Note - for mandatory ASLR/exploit protection - overtighten your security, deal with the consequences. This is doubly to those that use the program settings tab and need/want to actually configure individual exploit protection configurations for these things. Remember that social club can/will update/install out of 2 locations:
steam/steamapps/common/gtav/installers
AND
c/programfiles/rockstargames/launcher/redistributables/socialclub

If you still have issues - you can also go through and delete:
program files / rockstar games / social club folder -
program files / rockstar games / launcher folder - and manually reinstall both social club and launcher as admin too from steam/steamapps/common/gtav/installers. You could also download the updated launcher from R* and try that (also as admin) - this is 'usually' the latest version, the steam one usually has to self-update (connection issues could cause more problems here). There is also a c / programdata / rockstar games folder to rename to -old - and users / <username> / appdata / local / rockstar games to also rename to -old. Usually when you take this route - you only install the launcher/social club, and never attempt to run gtav UNTIL after you've ran the launcher individually, and had it update itself, and CLOSED IT entirely (or restart pc), then - you restart and try gtav from steam.

Once the launcher reaches that point of causing issues (from a single launch) - you usually need to either restart the pc or use tasklist/taskkill in command prompt to force close it (which sometimes doesn't work). 'Sometimes' - you can close steam (for steam version -.-;; can't believe I have to specify this).

YMMV though - when I do this, everything seems to work. For others - may/may not - because who knows what else anyone has done/ (or skipped -.-), like leftover mods, missed .exe's, not installed/updated media feature pack for N/KN windows, missed programs that can interfere/etc, not restarted computer, and can also be from network/service related issues(which can appear, and disappear randomly), and more. Then toss in a side of audio drivers/device related issues, including wireless headset, software/audio devices, and more - that have been problematic since release. Stuff really hard to sort out when servers having issues. In general - just complete methodical thoroughness (or lack thereof -.-).

Yes, I can teamviewer and sort it out - when I have time. Just add me - been doing it for years. (and if you are a random coming from this thread - explain the issue.. blind invites = go nowhere unless I've directly msg'd with you.)

**Dec2021 - Some users having problems after the mid Dec update - and were resorting to creating a new windows user, giving it admin, and playing there. Of course, that shouldn't be necessary. Some stated 'after' doing that - they went back to original user and tried, and it still crashed. Others, said it 'crashed' but it still appeared to be loading, so they didn't hit anything, and the game eventually loaded fine - and was fine since. Others having the same exact issue after that update - I looked at/talked with/walked through some things and it was fixed without the windows user. YMMV - obviously.

**July2021 - Note -- Recent/potential issue since Tuner update? going around for some with the R* games library service resetting itself/needing to have an actual login/password(possibly administrator account - can even create one specifically for gtav) applied to the service on startup (services.msc, rockstar games library services, properties, logon tab, 'this account' / add details --- and/or changing the service to manual(I use manual)/automatic in case they disabled it while previously trying to cleanboot windows). Personally- not needed to use on anyone I fixed. Some others rumored to have been corrected after windows finished its updates (which could possibly be fixing corrupt system files mentioned below) - though that has been an issue/common knowledge on/off for years now. Some also claim the R* library service doesn't exist - although I've personally not been able to tv/look at/troubleshoot any of those to gather info. -.-

**May/Jun2020/recent issue (not the new 'Nov5/win7' issue)-
---- supposedly fixed -----
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2450469119947082025/#c2450469119947683880


Other recent/similar links/info -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2450469119955082985/#c2450469119955133320

And the above is still just for 'immediate' launcher issues - still completely plausible to be crashing past the launcher, or with the game itself, and there is many more issues/reasons related to that in the info below.

...my usual copypasta when there isn't any info, logs, reports, error codes...
Here's a link that covers many -common- problems/fix AND a link with more steps for methodically cleaning/reinstalling various components - and info regarding log files/crash reports to further 'attempt' to help if that link/steps didn't resolve the problem.
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1368380934244197003/#c1368380934244499526

Of course - R* support, if you'd prefer they fixed it, or have issues with free time help-
https://support.rockstargames.com/categories/360002126893?step=13cce8c9
Webtickets, livechat, and even phone callbacks are available. The options may 'move' around and appear under different catagories. Poke around and /goodluck.

Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2253434652389187525/#c2253434652389483301

Step 1 - Read. If it is in ( ) - it is for the R* version of gtav. Try gtav after each step.

Step 2 - Restart computer.
Rightclick gtav in steam, properties, local files tab, verify integrity of game cache~

Step 3 -
Open steam/steamapps/common/gtav/_commonredist/vcredist/2012
(now in steam/steamapps/common/steamworks shared)
(or for R* version users.... Click ME - download x86 AND x64 [www.microsoft.com] )
Run both .exe's there - uninstall when asked. Run both AGAIN and install them.
Then- open steam/steamapps/common/gtav/_commonredist/directx/jun2010
(now in steam/steamapps/common/steamworks shared)
(or R* version... Click ME - directx june 2010 [www.microsoft.com] )
Run dxsetup.
Restart pc - try again.

Step 4 -
Hit windowskey+pause/break - Click device manager on the left.
Expand display adapters - find which one(s) you have and download the drivers for it/them.
Then uninstall your gpu/video card drivers.
(Preferably- use DDU (display driver uninstaller) in windows safemode to uninstall them)
(it has been repeatedly proven to work better than straight uninstall/reinstall for some)
Install the new drivers you downloaded for your gpu/video card.
(don't use whatever windows automatically detects/installs)
If you have 2 gpu on a desktop pc - try disabling the onboard gpu.
If you are on a laptop - you might be able to specify gpu in the gpu/driver control panel.
Restart pc - try gtav again.

(next step (semiredundant) is done incase step3/dx install had issues/perms/corruption -.-)
Step 5 - Use this janky .bat file I wrote --- it will move the directx files to backup folders for you-- exit steam, rightclick .bat - run as admin. "Should" create 2 folders with 90 files each.
(yes, rightclick, edit it, and look at it if you want to verify its only moving files/making 2 folders)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rJvafaYjKDOZia5IBMeeIOU5sVZPfzKW/view
-then-
After you've moved them with my .bat - install directx again from the websetup - making sure to rightclick/run as admin. (from steam/steamapps/common/gtav/_commonredist/directx/2010)
(preferably - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 )
Restart pc and try again.

Step 6 - Something else you can try - YMMV. Personally never fixed any with this.
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/611704531883807449/#c611704531886684596
(though also stated to "work" under - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Direct3D\Drivers) -.-
Or a few other places if you dig around - 64bit systems can be different too -.-
Considering the majority of people fixing with "pc restart" - I question any regedits for this.

Step 7 - disable onboard gpu / make sure using correct gpu/port if multi gpu~
Step 8 - used mods, remove'm. (uninstall gtav/reinstall does NOT remove mods)
(for that matter - if ANYTHING was put in the gtav folder.. dx / MFP files included)
(For steam version - delete ANYTHING NOT a folder AND NOT a .RPF file. Verify cache)
Step 9 - delete my docs / rockstar games / gtav / settings.xml
Step 10 - (rare -.-) Open program files and program files x86 - delete rockstar games / social club folder. Reinstall from steam/steamapps/common/gtav/installers - rightclick - run as admin.
Step 11 - (even rarer) uninstall/reinstall/update your audio drivers. Or disable audio devices while testing. (here because people don't follow directions or provide f'n feedback -.-)


Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/611704531883807449/#c133257324785628800

Corruption/access/permissions/etc with a couple files/folders can cause issues relating to every launch needing Eula, calibration, asking to repeat prologue, no Online option at start menu, etc. The below instructions help fix many issues - not just thread title. -.-


Exit steam, rightclick steam, run steam as admin. (shouldn't need saying - gtav closed)
Delete/rename-
My documents\Rockstar Games\GTAV\Profiles\<profilename>\pc_settings.bin
My documents\Rockstar Games\GTAV\Profiles\<profilename>\cfg.dat
(if you have multiple folders in 'profiles' - delete the above files from each)
Try gtav again.

Can also try outright RENAMING mydocs/Rockstar games folder to Rockstar games-OLD
(your saves will vanish into the renamed folder - rockstargames/gtav/profiles/<profilenname>)

You may have to complete prologue once more after the above instructions.
(and preferably go all the way through til the first save at Franklin's house)

If you have made the folders hidden, that could also cause issues. Onedrive can cause problems too. As can having a non-default my documents location and/or simply modifying the wrong one. Even possible a lack of admin could prevent the correct saving of said files. Some antivirus/security software can also interfere (less likely you login / not blackscreen).

If you run any antivirus/security that controls permissions/access to above folders you may need to add gtav, social club, and launcher to whitelist/exclusions. This includes windows defender and controlled folder access.

R*'s link-
https://support.rockstargames.com/hc/en-us/articles/210870328-Being-Asked-to-Accept-EULA-and-Re-Calibrate-Settings-Each-Time-GTAV-PC-is-Launched



Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1743357605568053909/#c1743357605568091316

Confusing error - does not always mean 'corrupt files/verify cache' - nor is it always an issue on your end. Sometimes this runs in combo with offline mode errors. Can even get it without having access to internet.

Personally I'd start with this -
Run steam as admin, test. Doesn't work? Set all gta5 .exe's to run as admin. Test. Still? Also go set the R* launcher .exe's to run as admin. Test. Still? May/may not need social club .exe's as admin. And some pc's do not like all .exe's as admin - just steam. It really depends on which version you are using/launching/etc. Using epic? Set it to run as admin.

And because I'm tired of saying it...
open my documents and rename rockstar games to rockstar games-old while you test.
(do not use cloudsync when it asks - stay local for now)

For kicks - I would also open c / program files / rockstar games -
delete launcher, and social club folders. Either redownload the launcher from R*, or use it from steam/steamapps/common/gtav/installers to reinstall it. Then launch it (as admin) - it SHOULD self update/install/update social club also.

Additionally- the verify game data error message is 'confusing'/not limited to corrupt/modded installations because other 3rd party programs can interfere with gtav and cause that error - such as nahmic, asus, logitech, razer, msi, rtss, d3dgear, etc (etc, meaning - there are more, many more - including things that hook/things with overlays, the list goes on). Oh, hosts file manipulation, memory, actual corrupt files, some usb/controllers, mods... Force close tasks in taskmanager to test, stop them from starting up via msconfig/taskmanager startup (and other places), or uninstall above said programs to test. I've even seen things get buried in taskscheduler that msconfig/startups wouldn't touch. There are tools out there to see 'everything'. In some cases - once you've ruled out the offending software, you could uninstall/update/reinstall it and it work correctly.

*Oct 2021 - at least 2 instances now of laptops having the incorrect gpu set in the control panel pop'n the error. Possibly driver issues with either gpu. Just info/mentioned for now. Possibly update driver, correctly select gpu to use, so on.

Then - hosts file manipulation, memory, actual corrupt files, some usb/controllers, mods... Force close tasks in taskmanager to test, stop them from starting up via msconfig/taskmanager startup (and other places), or uninstall above said programs to test. I've even seen things get buried in taskscheduler that msconfig/startups wouldn't touch. There are tools out there to see 'everything'. In some cases - once you've ruled out the offending software, you could uninstall/update/reinstall it and it work correctly.

Directions to clean folder of mods -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1499000547495596089/#c1499000547495630914

Additionally, installing gtav, social club, or the R* games launcher, and even the various vcredists without admin - can also cause issues. There have been other instances of users launching the game with no audio enabled - causing the same error. And just to make things more annoying - connectivity issues can cause this in some cases too (and a portion of those can't even be touched by you). There HAVE been some cases in the last couple months where certain DNS would crash. Simply changing to google dns (and probably others - didn't test) - was enough not to crash.

Edit - also possibly relevant/further help - launcher/game already running/etc -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2253434652389187525/#c2253434652389483301


Connectivity, launcher, social club related issues -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/133259227525755057/#c133259227525787698

And no - it doesn't matter if "it used to work before with no issues" - games, drivers, os, software updates can all throw a wrench in the gears. Remove the variables and rule it out. This includes applying the appropriate media feature pack if on N/KN version of windows.

Still can't do it? Look at my profile - I'm more than happy to teamviewer and help.
(again, I said teamviewer - the days of stepbystep for hours in txt are gone - let me do it in 5)


Nope, this doesn't get into R* launcher issues - mostly with vcredist, .netframework, or antivirus/security messing with services, or interfering with complete installations. Nor linux/various installs/builds/updates having on/off issues seemingly every update. -.-
You can download the r* launcher from R* website to force a reinstall. The steam gtav 'typically' default installs an OLD launcher and social club. Then, the launcher is opened.. by whatever/whoever, and it self updates. It downloads updates to its install locations / redistributables. You can find the 'newer' version of social club there to also try to force install as admin + vcredists.

Edit - slapping this here as it has been helping far more frequently -
And for good measure, and because of how iffy the launcher is for some - I would also look into redoing the vcredists - there are some AIO options to help -
Examples -
https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/new-c-installer-released-hassle-free-uninstaller-reinstaller.393405/
http://m.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/visual_c_runtime_installer,2.html







OLD OLD OLD - bug specific timeframe/bug related -
(20+days later - supposedly fixed)
** Update Nov 5, 2020 - yes, the new launcher update is causing this for many users - from what little info gathered - appears to be affecting Win7 users mostly. All users can try adding
"-launchdirectly" to commandlike args in whatever form that is avail. Steam has it, epic has it in settings. Can also try it on the shortcut to playgtav.exe, gtavlauncher, etc. Requires some trial/error - YMMV depending on which version of game. Be aware that this most likely will prevent the launcher from autoupdating itself/social club. Starting the launcher by itself should be enough to pull the updates if/when they arrive.

Other steam users are opening steam, then R* launcher, and starting from launcher with some success. (personally have had ZERO issues thus far after much 'available' testing). Some options also appear to be affecting the launcher, most mentioned is allow background downloads, and personally tested/experienced issues with hibernate enabled = crashing. Disabled = working (while still follow above info). More info -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2972901184159781286/#c2972901184160161924


Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2803982773085113890/#c2803982773085122277

Not that "common" of a problem unless you live in the Philippines.
(and if you DO - friend me - I'll get you going -.-)

Firewalls, background antivirus/security software, proxy's, vpns, malware/virus, etc can all cause possible issues when trying to connect. That doesn't include isp, dns, geographic locations either.
A link of various fixes/things to check for all sorts of social club problems-
http://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/351660338717989936/#c351660338718031622


Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/1694921076567650738/#c1694921076567851318

Running any razer apps/software? Stop/close/end - and even uninstall them. Razer is the common one, logitech and others can also count. Antivirus/security software are suspect as well. (yes, this link is old - more recently people have pointed at logitech, and other background softwares not specifically named - probably various usb/rgb things -.-, msconfig services instructions below 'helps' remove some of that for testing).

Open msconfig, services, hide ms services - disable the rest not R* related to rule them all out.
Also open startup tab / taskmanager - disable everything there too - apply/restart.

Yank ALL usb devices except kb/mouse.

And then firewall rules, is gtav/social club allowed/ so on-


Then modem, router, ISP, settings, vpn, etc etc... more info in links below-

http://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/133259227525755057/#c133259227525787698

** Big link of social club / connection related fixes **


Some oddball/additional fixes here - give section 2 a read - Possible fixes...

Original link -
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/app/271590/discussions/0/2549465882914290739/#c2549465882914308064