HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Codemasters\F1 2013\
Before we touch a single file, it is important to understand the root cause. The F1 2013 name change bug is not a corrupted save file issue in the traditional sense. It is a deprecation issue.
When F1 2013 was released in 2013, the game relied on Games for Windows Live (GFWL). This Microsoft service handled cloud saves, achievements, and profile names. In 2014, Microsoft officially killed GFWL. Codemasters later patched F1 2013 to use Steamworks, but the patch was imperfect.
The core problem is a registry permissions conflict:
Essentially, the game thinks it is saving your name, but Windows is telling it "No." The result is that you revert to the default name every time.
I installed the "F1 2013 Name Change Fix" to correct driver-name mismatches and missing names in my pirated/modified copy of F1 2013; here's a concise rundown of the install process, results, and recommendation.
Installation
What Worked
Minor Issues
Recommendation If you’re seeing blank or incorrect driver names in F1 2013, this fix is a simple, low-risk solution that restores accurate names with minimal fuss. Make a backup, follow the small INI change, and you should be good to go. I’d rate it 4.5/5 — excellent effectiveness and stability, minus minor edge-case name mismatches.
Tips
Would you like a compact step-by-step installer checklist based on this review?
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The F1 2013 Name Change Fix typically addresses a bug in certain game versions where the player's name is locked to "PLAYER ONE" or where the game crashes when attempting to edit driver details. Core Installation Steps f1 2013 name change fix install
The most common fix involves replacing a specific .dll file or applying a community-created mod.
Backup Your Files: Always backup your existing steam_api.dll and your save profile located in .../Steam/userdata/[user-id]/223670 before making changes.
Download the Fix: Obtain the fix (often called "Choose Name F1 2013" or "Name Changer Fix") from community sites like OverTake.gg. Extract and Replace: Extract the downloaded .zip or .rar archive.
Copy the contents (typically a new steam_api.dll) into your main F1 2013 installation folder, usually: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\F1 2013. Confirm the prompt to "Replace the existing file".
Edit in Game: Launch the game and navigate to My F1 > Driver Information > Driver Details to enter your chosen first and last names. Alternative Fixes (If Modding Fails)
If replacing files does not work, try these verified community workarounds: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Codemasters\F1 2013\
Peripheral Conflict: Unplug your racing wheel or controller before starting the game and use a keyboard to enter your name; reconnect the device after the name is saved.
Profile Reset: Delete your current profile in-game, create a new one with the desired name, and then restore your backup profile data to the userdata folder.
File Integrity: For Steam users, right-click the game in your library, select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files to repair potentially corrupted hardware settings. Known Issues & Risks
Security: Always scan downloaded .dll files with antivirus software, as community-shared fixes can carry risks.
Compatibility: This fix may not be compatible with large-scale conversion mods (like 1998–2007 season mods) that use their own database structures.
F1 Ultimate career mod - Instalation and name changer tutorial Before we touch a single file, it is
Based on the typical issues with F1 2013 on modern systems, the "Name Change Fix" usually refers to resolving a problem where the game fails to launch or crashes because it cannot handle spaces or special characters in your Windows username (e.g., "C:\Users\John Doe").
Here is the write-up for the installation fix.