A: v1.0.5.0 saves are finicky. Before applying the EXE patch, navigate to Documents\Criterion Games\Need for Speed(TM) Hot Pursuit\Save and copy the Default.dat to your desktop as a backup.
While console players received several post-launch expansions, the original PC version was largely left behind. This "fix"—often bundled with popular repacks from sources like FitGirl Repack need for speed hot pursuit v1050s all dlcs fix