How to Fix GTA IV SecuLauncher Error?

Am I going to tell you in this documentary How to fix the GTA IV SecuLauncher error?

The "SecuLauncher: could not start application [2000]" error in Grand Theft Auto IV appears when the game fails to launch from behind the Social Club screen due to an issue with SecuLauncher. It basically means that a launcher that checks the authenticity of the game is not able to execute it.

How to fix the GTA IV SecuLauncher error?

GTA IV SecuLauncher Error Common causes include missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, outdated .NET Framework versions, compatibility issues, or corrupted game files. Conflicts with antivirus programs, issues with Rockstar's DRM system, or incorrect system settings can also cause this error.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to resolve this error.

1. Run GTA IV with Administrator Access

Giving administrative access to GTA IV and its SecuLauncher bypasses operating system restrictions, allowing it to access system files and permissions required for proper launch.

To do this, go to the location where you installed GTA 4, right-click on the game executable, and click Run as administrator from the context menu. When you see the UAC (User Account Control) prompt, click Yes to grant administrator access.

Run setup.exe as administrator If the game launches without the SecuLauncher failed to start the application [2000] error, you have confirmed an administrator access issue.

If you leave things as is, you will have to repeat this procedure every time you launch the game. However, you can modify the default behavior of the game executable to ensure that it always opens with administrator access.

Here's how to set this default behavior:

Right-click on the GTA IV shortcut or the main game executable (gtaIV.exe) and select Properties from the context menu. Right-click and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab, scroll down to the Settings section, and check the Run this program as an administrator box. Set the game executable with administrator rights.
Click Apply to save the changes, then restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.

2. Install the Visual C++ Redistributable Package

Installing the Visual C++ Redistributable Package resolves the issue by adding important parts that GTA IV needs to run properly. These parts ensure that the game can run smoothly and fix bugs for missing or broken Microsoft libraries.

Note: You must install the version that is compatible with your operating system architecture.

To install the Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package, follow the instructions below:

Visit this Microsoft.com download page, select the appropriate language, and click Download to continue. Downloading the required Visual C++ Redistributable Package Note: To avoid downloading the package, go to My Computer (File Explorer) > Steam > Steamapps > Common > Grand Theft Auto IV > Installers and run vcredist_x86.exe or vcredist_x64.exe, depending on your OS architecture.

Check the box for the file version that matches your OS architecture and click Next to start the download. Download the appropriate version of vcredist
When the download is complete, open the Vcredist installation executable and follow the on-screen instructions to install the package on the computer that is displaying the "SecuLauncher failed to start the application [2000]" error.
Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved by launching GTA IV again.

3. Run the game in compatibility mode (Windows 10 only)

Sometimes older games like GTA IV have trouble running on newer operating systems due to compatibility issues. Running the game in compatibility mode makes the system act like an older version of Windows, helping the game run properly. This can resolve issues caused by newer Windows 10 features, allowing the game to launch properly.

Open File Explorer and navigate to where you installed GTA IV. Right-click the main executable and select Properties from the context menu. Access the Properties screen for the GTA IV executable or shortcut
In the Properties menu, go to the Compatibility tab. Check the Run this program in compatibility mode box and enter Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 7 if Windows XP is not listed within the drop-down menu. Running the compatibility mode with Windows XP
Click Apply toSave the changes and then try to launch the game again to see if the problem is resolved.

4. Verify the integrity of the game

Verifying the game files can fix the SecuLauncher error by finding and replacing missing or corrupted files. This process ensures that the launcher has everything it needs to run the game properly.

Open Steam and go to the Library menu at the top. Right-click GTA IV in your list of games and select Properties.
In the Properties window, go to the Local Files tab and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. Click "Verify Integrity of Game Files" under the "Installed Files" section.
When verification is complete, try running the game to see if the "SecuLauncher failed to start application [2000]" error is resolved.

5. Install GFWL.

Installing Games for Windows Live (GFWL) may fix the SecuLauncher error since GTA IV requires specific GFWL components to work correctly. Without it, there will be some crucial files and services missing, hence the launch issues.

Follow this link from Microsoft and download the setup for GFWL.
Double-click gfwlivesetup.exe to start the installation and approve any administrator requests.
Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions. Installing the GFWL Client
Restart your computer and then open GTA IV to see if the issue is resolved.

6. Bypass SecuROM

Using a workaround to bypass SecuROM can fix problems caused by this old DRM system, which often fails to work on modern operating systems. By bypassing SecuROM checks, the game can launch without facing any compatibility or authentication issues. This approach ensures that the game runs smoothly and without any DRM-related interruptions.

To install this fix, download or extract the IPHLPAPI.DLL file and you will need to use some decompression tool like WinZip, WinRar or 7zip to extract its contents directly into the game path, in the same directory where you have the GTA IV executable.