GTA4 on steam issues

[matter11]

when i start it from steam I get "GTA IV FATAL ERROR: Windows Vista: Need to have service pack1 or higher to proceed."

I use windows 7 64bit

other people have had this problem and say it can be remedied by going into the files and launching as an administrator.

When it start and I can hit play but I get locked in GTA's loading screen where it's just music and pictures of characters.

any ideas?

[Elder]

verify file integrity via properties. Tends to help fix some bugs with file missing when downloading for some reason.
Its your best bet besides a full re-install or worse

[matter11]

Service pack for windows 7 finally downloaded and installed and after going into the files and setting compatibility to windows 7 (not an option with out the SP) it worked.