Almost Reformat Time...

sorn21 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:00

Hey,
A largely noobish post, but we don't know everything about everything!

With the impending release of win7, and the reformat that incurs, I was hoping some of you could share some knowledge with me. Only small questions don't worry!

Q1. Can I backup install files of my steam games to disc, to avoid re-downloading them?

Q2. I'm currently using a WD Raptor for OS and an F1 1TB for games and applications. I wish to upgrade to SSD soon but I have issues with space on OS drive, and I'm concerned that a smaller drive would be an issue. The Raptors 74GB, how do I allocate only a small section for OS?!

Q3. Wishing to keep my freshly formatted rig predominantly virus free, which software would you recommend in collaboration with win7?

Thanks guys any input is valued

paradigm · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:01

n1blo said:
A largely noobish post

Hence why it is in GD?

:confused:

shauncr91 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:02

1 - Right click from Steam List, backup game files.

2 - When formatting the drive, partition it by saying how much space you want to have on it.

3 - dunno.

Greenlizard0 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:03

paradigm said:
Hence why it is in GD?

Quick, get the spanking paddles out.

Tefal · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:03

1- yes right click backup files.

3 avg free edition (http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-V...l-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801)

The Dread Pirate · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:04

shauncr91 said:
1 - Right click from Steam List, backup game files.

2 - When formatting the drive, partition it by saying how much space you want to have on it.

3 - bitdefender Total Security

sorn21 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:06

shauncr91 said:
2 - When formatting the drive, partition it by saying how much space you want to have on it.

How much space would you recommend?

Tefal said:
3 avg free edition (http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-V...l-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801)

I've had AVG in the past and I've always found it good but some people on here were talking about NOD, is that free also?

Thanks!

something daft already!! · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:09

When you install windows 7 do not reformat, your old windows install which includes user files, Program files and windows files get saved to a folder callled "windows.old". Form there, you can copy your old steam folder to "program files" of your new install, then reinstall steam. You can also grab any other files you may need from your old install before deleting via Disk cleanup.

I alway reinstall this way, saves loads of hassle.

Guest2 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:12

When i installed NOD32 it picked up and removed 2 viruses that AVG failed to detect.

shauncr91 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:27

n1blo said:
How much space would you recommend?

Well for Vista I have 30gb (And around 4gb free), but I'd recommend going for around 40gb with Win7.

Someone will probably correct me though, but I've got no idea how much space Win7 takes up so not sure.

sorn21 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:33

howiepoohs said:
I alway reinstall this way, saves loads of hassle.

I've done it this way a few times, but I'm looking for a fresh format and just get rid of everything as I have a lot of duplicates!

Guest2 said:
When i installed NOD32 it picked up and removed 2 viruses that AVG failed to detect.

Thanks, I think I will try it out.

shauncr91 said:
Well for Vista I have 30gb (And around 4gb free), but I'd recommend going for around 40gb with Win7.

Nice one, thanks. Any ideas how to stop programs installing stray files on the Primary Disc? Even though I specify that the program should install elsewhere they seem to create folders on my OS Disc as well?!

manic111 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:42

1/ Yes, copy the Steamapps folder to an external drive, install Steam on your new Win 7 install, then copy your old Steamapps folder over the new one.

2/ Partitioning, should be do-able during the install process

3/ Virus scanner and firewally of your choice. I'm a Kaspersky man myself.

Guest2 · 4 Aug 2009 at 15:59

I havent used a firewall for years, just use windows firewall. I tried Zonealarm and used norton firewall for a while but they were both rubbsh and seemed to slow everything right down

marc2003 · 4 Aug 2009 at 16:21

for future reference just place your steam folder on another partition or drive away from windows. then if you re-install windows you can just browse to your steam folder and run steam.exe - this updates itself on your new windows install and all your games are there. no need to faff about creating backups files or re-installing steam even...

manic111 · 4 Aug 2009 at 17:02

Guest2 said:
I havent used a firewall for years, just use windows firewall. I tried Zonealarm and used norton firewall for a while but they were both rubbsh and seemed to slow everything right down

That's a fair point, I gave up on firewalls for a while as well. Then Barclays started giving Kaspersky Internet Security away for free with their online banking so I thought I'd give it a go, and i'm really impressed with it performance wise...so I've kept it!