I've got the San Andreas 2nd edition (the re-release without the hot coffee) and there's a problem with mods relating to .IMG files.
I tried installing a few new cars (enzo, McLaren F1, M3) and any changes to the GTA3.IMG file causes the game to freeze halfway through the loading bar when starting a new game.
I used IMG tool to replace the .DFF and .TXD files. Example, the Enzo replaces the Euros. After I recompile the file, which takes several minutes, all is fine until I try to run the game.
The game starts up just fine and goes to the menu. When I try to start a new game or load a saved game the load screen comes up and the loading bar freezes halfway through the load process. The music is still running but I can't even shut the game down. I have to power off the PC manually.
I also tried it with SAMI and I get the same results.
The changes to the other files, like Handling.cfg are fine. I simply restore the GTA3.IMG file from my backup and leave the other modded files as-is (modded state) and the game works just fine.
Also, certain .SCM files work and others don't. I forget which one it is, but the one that unlocks San Fiero and Las Venturas works just fine. Another similar one which enables everything (girlfriend in Las Santos, missions completed, gangwar mode) works ok for 30mins-1Hr and then simply crashes to desktop.
Again, keep in mind this is the latest release. The second edition of SA that was just recently put back onto store shelves. The one where the Hot coffee stuff was removed.
I'd really love to get those beautiful car models (Enzo, M3 etc.) into SA. Anybody have a work around or even knows why this is happening at all?
Thanks