If you are still seeing "at address link," it’s likely a specific missing dependency. Download a tool called Dependency Walker (depends.com). Open your gta-vc.exe in it.
The "gta vice city unhandled exception c00005 at address link" is a rite of passage for classic gamers, but it doesn't have to ruin your playthrough.
If you do ONE thing: Install SilentPatch. It solves 99% of c0000005 errors, restores modern resolution support, and fixes widescreen.
If you prefer not to mod, the single-core affinity trick (Fix #3) combined with Windows XP compatibility (Fix #4) will get the job done.
Now, get back to Vice City. The Malibu Club isn't going to buy itself, and Tommy Vercetti has a phone call to make.
Keywords used: gta vice city unhandled exception c00005 at address link, fix c0000005 vice city, gta vc memory access violation, silentpatch vice city, vice city crash address 0x0053f4a2.
If you have spent any time modding or even just trying to run Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on a modern PC, you have likely stared at a small, frustrating pop-up: "Unhandled exception c0000005 at address..."
This error code is a memory access violation. It essentially means the game tried to read or write to a memory address it didn’t have permission to use. Because Vice City was designed for Windows 98 and XP, modern memory management and hardware drivers often trigger this crash. gta vice city unhandled exception c00005 at address link
Here is the comprehensive guide to identifying the cause and fixing the C0000005 exception for good. 1. The "Essential" Fix: SilentPatch
Before tweaking any Windows settings, install SilentPatch. This is a community-made plugin that fixes dozens of engine bugs, including many that cause the C0000005 error.
What it does: It fixes the "Frame Limiter" issues, allows the game to run better on modern CPUs, and increases the memory pool.
How to install: Download the SilentPatchVC.asi and the scripts folder, then place them in your GTA Vice City root directory. 2. Address the Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
DEP is a security feature in Windows that prevents apps from running code in protected memory. Since Vice City is old, Windows often "misunderstands" its memory usage and shuts it down. Open the Start Menu and type "Performance." Select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows. Go to the Data Execution Prevention tab.
Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select."
Click Add, navigate to your GTA Vice City folder, and select gta-vc.exe. Apply and restart your PC. 3. Clear the Settings File (gta_vc.set) If you are still seeing "at address link,"
Sometimes the crash occurs because the game is trying to load a resolution or audio setting that your current hardware no longer supports. Navigate to your Documents folder. Open the GTA Vice City User Files folder. Locate the file named gta_vc.set and delete it.
Launch the game. It will generate a new, clean settings file. 4. Tackle Common "Address" Specifics
While the C0000005 code is universal, the Address link (the hex code following it) can sometimes point to specific culprits:
Address 004xxxx / 006xxxx: Usually related to a corrupted save file or a mod conflict (like a bad car model). Try starting a "New Game" to see if the crash persists.
Address 005xxxx: Often related to audio drivers or the "Frame Limiter." Ensure the Frame Limiter is ON in the in-game display settings; turning it off can break the game's physics and memory handling. 5. Compatibility Mode and Admin Rights
Modern Windows versions (10 and 11) handle legacy games poorly without specific instructions. Right-click gta-vc.exe and select Properties. Under the Compatibility tab:
Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows XP (Service Pack 3). Check Run this program as an administrator. Check Disable fullscreen optimizations. 6. Fixing Mod-Related Crashes The "gta vice city unhandled exception c00005 at
If you are using mods (like textures or new cars) and getting this error, you are likely hitting the Streaming Memory limit.
Solution: Install a HEAPSIZE adjuster or a Fastman92 Limit Adjuster. These tools allow the game to use more than the standard 32MB of RAM allocated for textures and models, which is the primary cause of C0000005 crashes in modded setups. Summary Checklist Install SilentPatch. Add gta-vc.exe to DEP Exceptions. Delete gta_vc.set in Documents. Turn the Frame Limiter ON in the game menu. Run as Administrator in XP Compatibility Mode.
If you've followed these steps and still see the error, tell me:
Are you using specific mods (like ReVC or Definitive Edition mods)?
Did the crash start after a specific mission or hardware change?
This is a detailed diagnostic and troubleshooting report for the GTA: Vice City “Unhandled Exception c0000005” error, typically encountered when launching or playing the game on modern Windows systems.
For older systems:
Start → dxdiag → Sound → Hardware Acceleration → Basic acceleration.