Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Install from the CD
• Method 2 of 2: Install a downloaded version
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the second sequel to the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto 3. In GTA: San Andreas, you can play as Carl "CJ" Johnson, a young gangster trying to navigate the troubled world of San Andreas, a satirical state modeled after 1990s California. Originally released for the Playstation 2 in 2004, GTA: San Andreas also released for PC less than a year later. Read on at Step 1 to learn how to install GTA: San Andreas for PC!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Install from the CD

1. Do the GTA:San Andreas CD in your computer to start the installation. Usually, an autorun window will now be displayed telling you that the installation can begin.
   • San Andreas is a 10 year old game and therefore does not have too heavy system requirements. Most modern computers should be powerful enough to run it. But if you're not sure about the suitability of your system, check out Rockstar Games' San Andreas official system requirements.
2. If the autorun window is not displayed, please open the installation file manually. For a number of reasons (for example, because the game is not designed for modern hardware), the autorun window may not launch immediately when you launch the San Andreas CD. If not, try opening and installing the game from "My Computer" by running the EXE file.
3. Choose a folder where you want to install the game. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard as directed. Eventually you will be asked to provide a location for installing the game. The vast majority of users will opt for the default location, but if you want to install the game elsewhere, please indicate this in the text box.
4. Choose between "Complete" and "Custom" as the installation type. Eventually you will be asked to choose a "complete" or "custom" installation. Most users will choose "complete" because it is simpler and faster. But if you want to save disk space by choosing which game components to install, choose "custom" and follow the additional instructions.
5. Wait for the game to install. When you are done with all the installation settings, the game will be installed. This may take a few minutes to complete.
6. After completing the installation, insert the “Play” CD into the computer. You should now be able to play the game. After inserting the "Play" CD, an auto run menu should appear.
   • If not, try to start the game manually by clicking on the EXE file with the disc inserted.
7. If you cannot get the game to work, please consult the Rockstar Games online troubleshooting section. As mentioned earlier, San Andreas is an old game. This may be the reason you are having trouble starting the game after an otherwise successful installation. If you have any problems, try to find a solution in the Rockstar Games support forum for help.

Method 2 of 2: Install a downloaded version

1. Download San Andreas from a reliable source. For starters, you want a functioning version of San Andreas, without viruses. Only download it from a reliable website or torrent. Never download from a website that you are unfamiliar with, that looks suspicious, or that contains persistent advertisements.
   • If you are not sure whether a website is safe, use a free or commercial tool that you can find through a simple search.
2. Extract the downloaded file. Usually downloaded or torrented copies of the game are "compressed", and the file will need to be extracted to install. Right click on the downloaded file and choose "Extract" or something similar (depending on the tool you use for it). Then choose a location for the extracted file.
   • To extract a compressed file you need a special type of software. Fortunately, there are several excellent free solutions available for download. An example is 7zip, a free utility that can do most such tasks.
3. Install the file. After you have extracted the EXE file you can start installing it. You should get an opening screen with installation options.
4. Follow the directions. Depending on your download, these instructions may differ. Most of the time, all you have to do is follow the directions as directed.
   • Something you perhaps will have to do to get the game running is to "mount" the ISO of the file to a virtual disk. In essence, you are fooling the computer by pretending that there is a CD in the system. Also read wikiHow's guide to mounting ISO images for more information.
5. Do not download cracked versions of games. This is illegal just about everywhere. While anti-piracy measures often have no effect (especially when it comes to games over 10 years old like San Andreas), it remains a crime. In addition, you can never say with certainty what the quality of the cracked version is. Not only are you in danger of being prosecuted, it can also cause you to download a version of San Andreas that is not working or is full of bugs and viruses or malware.
   • Using a cracked version of computer games is at your own risk.

Tips

• Do not install a cracked version, it is illegal!

Warnings

• If you are under 18, you are not allowed to play the game yet!

Necessities

• GTA San Andreas CD