MTA:SA fix

Black screen or frozen logos when MTA starts

MTA stays on a black screen, or the GTA logo screens never end. Give the game some input first, then check GTA's own settings file and anything that blocks MTA.

Steps

Try one step, then check whether the problem is still there. Follow any "only if" line before changing a setting.

1. Click or press keys during the logos

   While the GTA logo screens play, click the left mouse button a few times or tap some keys. The MTA FAQ says the game can need input to skip those videos properly.

2. Check that GTA starts on its own

   Open the GTA San Andreas folder and start the game directly. If it does not start, rename gta_sa.set in Documents, GTA San Andreas User Files, to a backup name and try again.

   Careful: Keep the renamed file if you play single-player, so you can put your settings back.

3. Turn off NVIDIA nView

   Only if nView Desktop Manager is installed.

   If nothing happens after MTA's own splash picture and you use NVIDIA nView Desktop Manager, turn it off before starting MTA.

4. Check your antivirus

   Only if your antivirus shows that it restricted or blocked MTA.

   The FAQ names Kaspersky: make sure Multi Theft Auto.exe is not set to restricted. Other antivirus programs can block MTA in the same way, so look for a block notice from yours.

   Careful: Allow only the official MTA program. Do not turn protection off.

5. Close overlays and tuning tools

   Only if one of those programs is running.

   MTA's troubleshooting guide says to close programs such as Evolve, RivaTuner and MSI Afterburner, then start MTA again. Restart the computer if it still hangs.

6. Update your graphics driver

   In a forum case with this black screen, an MTA team member had the player update the graphics and chipset drivers first. On a laptop with two graphics chips he also had them pick the stronger one for MTA. This tool has a separate fix for the NVIDIA Optimus message.

Other problems like this

• Clock manipulation detected
• loader.dll error 126
• There was a problem validating your serial
• MTA will not start in a virtual machine or sandbox
• MTA says Windows is in Safe Mode
• MTA says it is incompatible with software on your PC
• MTA warns that it could not detect an anti-virus
• CL29: client integrity warning at launch

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