GCA4 not working

[Alden Loveshade]

I have GCA5 installed. But now, I can't seem to load GCA4.

Considering every single GURPS character I've created for GURPS Fourth Edition was done on GCA4, that's a major problem for me.

How can I fix this?

[Armin]

GCA5 is a completely different platform from GCA4, so one shouldn't have any effect on the other.

Now, as to why GCA4 won't load: I have no idea, and you've given me zero information to work with. My suggestion would be to try reinstalling it, and maybe see if your malware protection decided to block it.

[Armin]

Seriously consider switching over to GCA5 full time. GCA4 is built on an ancient platform that will just continue to have more and more trouble running on modern Windows versions.

[AOTA]

You should be able to load your old characters into GCA 5 that is what I have been doing.

[rkbrown419]

I kept GCA4 around for the template builder, but I've noticed it hasn't worked since I updated to Windows 11, even running in compatibility mode.

[Alden Loveshade]

Originally Posted by Armin

GCA5 is a completely different platform from GCA4, so one shouldn't have any effect on the other.

Now, as to why GCA4 won't load: I have no idea, and you've given me zero information to work with. My suggestion would be to try reinstalling it, and maybe see if your malware protection decided to block it.

Is GCA4 still available for download? I didn't see it in warehouse23.com but maybe I missed it.

Originally Posted by AOTA

You should be able to load your old characters into GCA 5 that is what I have been doing.

Thanks--but I had read a while back that wouldn't work. But the program has been updated since that message was posted.

I did just try it, and it looks like I'm going to have to add all the books/traits I use to GCA5 for it to work right, including ones that are individualized.

Originally Posted by rkbrown419

I kept GCA4 around for the template builder, but I've noticed it hasn't worked since I updated to Windows 11, even running in compatibility mode.

Thanks for the note. I'm actually trying to run it on Windows 10.

[Celjabba]

Originally Posted by Alden Loveshade

Is GCA4 still available for download? I didn't see it in warehouse23.com but maybe I missed it.

It is not visible for purchase in the store, but if you owned it before, it is in the download list (or should be)

GURPS Character Assistant LEGACY ONLY (Version 4) (SJG31-4001-4L)

[Armin]

Originally Posted by Alden Loveshade

Is GCA4 still available for download? I didn't see it in warehouse23.com but maybe I missed it.

See Celjabba's post above.

Originally Posted by Alden Loveshade

Thanks--but I had read a while back that wouldn't work. But the program has been updated since that message was posted.

GCA5 has always been able to load GCA4 characters. It just can't save characters in the GCA4 format. (It also loads a copy, it does not alter the GCA4 save file.)

There are certain elements that may have different types of issues. For example, protection works very differently internally, being based in the various loadouts now, so some adjustment may be required. Also, Languages and Cultural Familiarities have their own lists, so things that apply bonuses to those (such as Language Talent) may need to be accounted for when mixing the loaded character with new library traits.

(GCA5 also uses GCA4 data files almost without change, and most data is still from GCA4. Primarily the Languages and Cultures lists require adjustments, and GCA5 supports more types of data.)

Originally Posted by Alden Loveshade

I did just try it, and it looks like I'm going to have to add all the books/traits I use to GCA5 for it to work right, including ones that are individualized.

Everything within the character should still work on the character. If you resynchronize upon loading, some things may break and need to be fixed, because you'll have changed internal lists and such.

Of course, I can't account for heavy customization, and don't know any specifics about what you've done.

But updating to GCA5 is definitely recommended over continuing to use GCA4.

[Alden Loveshade]

Originally Posted by Celjabba

It is not visible for purchase in the store, but if you owned it before, it is in the download list (or should be)

GURPS Character Assistant LEGACY ONLY (Version 4) (SJG31-4001-4L)

Thanks for that!

Originally Posted by Armin

....GCA5 has always been able to load GCA4 characters. It just can't save characters in the GCA4 format....Everything within the character should still work on the character....But updating to GCA5 is definitely recommended over continuing to use GCA4.

Thanks for the info! Apparently what I read about GCA4 to GCA5 was either wrong or I misinterpreted it.

I appreciate the quick and detailed response and help!

[rkbrown419]

Originally Posted by Alden Loveshade

Thanks for the note. I'm actually trying to run it on Windows 10.

Only time it wouldn't work for me under Windows 10 was if I had OS updates that hadn't finished installing. Never understood why but it didn't want to work if the OS wasn't updated.