A: Absolutely not. Saves are in .b files (e.g., GTAVCsf1.b) inside the User Files folder. Do not confuse them.

The process works as follows:

Do not download random keys.dat files from shady "GTA mod websites"—many contain malware. Instead:

Cause: You edited keys.dat manually with the wrong syntax.
Fix:

A: Many total conversion mods (like Vice City Rage or Vice Cry) replace the game’s core executable (gta-vc.exe). A modified .exe might expect a different version or location of keys.dat. Check the mod’s documentation—they often include a patched keys.dat.