Navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto IV\GTAIV\pc\models\cdimages\
(Adjust the path for the Rockstar Launcher or retail DVD version)
Find the file named playerped.rpf. Do not open it yet.
Right-click playerped.rpf and select Copy (or press Ctrl+C). gta 4 playerpedrpf backup
GTA IV does not have a "Verify Integrity of Game Files" feature like Steam Workshop games do. While the Steam version has a basic verification tool, it rarely fixes deep .rpf corruption correctly. In many cases, Steam will think the file is fine even when it is not, because the modified date matches the original.
Here is what happens when you mod without a backup: Without a proper gta 4 playerpedrpf backup ,
Without a proper gta 4 playerpedrpf backup, your only recovery options are:
Paste the file into the backup folder. Rename it to clearly indicate its origin. For example:
playerped_VANILLA_ORIGINAL.rpf gta 4 playerpedrpf backup
Pro Tip: Also copy the pedprops.rpf and weapons.rpf files while you are at it. Many mods touch these as well.