When launching GTA San Andreas Multiplayer (SAMP), the game directly connects to a specific server (":7777") instead of displaying the server browser, preventing you from choosing a different server.
Solution: Remove Compatibility Mode Settings
The issue may be caused by Windows' compatibility mode settings applied to gta_sa.exe and samp.exe. These settings can cause unexpected behavior, including forcing the game to connect directly to a specific server. Here's how to fix it:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Locate the Game Files:
Navigate to your GTA San Andreas installation directory. By default, it might be located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockstar Games\GTA San Andreas\ or a custom directory if you chose a different installation path or installed it by Steam. - Disable Compatibility Mode:
gta_sa.exe:
Right-click on gta_sa.exe. - Select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Uncheck "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" if it’s selected.
- Click Apply and then OK.
samp.exe:
- Right-click on samp.exe.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Uncheck "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" if it’s selected.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Open SAMP again to see if the issue is resolved. The server browser should now appear instead of directly connecting to ":7777".
Additional Notes:
- Reinstalling Didn't Work?
If reinstalling SAMP or GTA San Andreas didn’t fix the issue, it’s likely because Windows retains compatibility settings even after an uninstallation. That’s why it’s crucial to manually check and disable compatibility mode as described above. - Windows Compatibility Settings:
Windows might have automatically applied compatibility settings to these files due to the age of the game. Disabling them allows the game to function as intended without forced compatibility, which can cause issues.
Conclusion:
By removing the compatibility mode settings on both gta_sa.exe and samp.exe, you should be able to restore the normal functionality of SAMP, allowing the server browser to appear instead of automatically connecting to a specific server.
If you continue to experience issues or have any other questions, feel free to reply here or create a new thread in Discord: https://discord.com/channels/524318544243195917/1021840307874168862