Can I move my steam folder? new install, new drive

Cutshaw · 5 Jul 2010 at 15:21

I've decided to get a new 1tb drive and make the overdue jump to windows 7 64. I'm going to hold off downloading most of the stuff I bought in the sale till I get my new drive(tomorrow, with some luck).

Will I have to download my currently installed stuff again, or can I do something barbaric like drag and drop on to my new drive with windows 7?

Memphis · 5 Jul 2010 at 15:22

Drag and drop

.

You can either move the entire folder, or do a fresh install of the Steam client and copy the steamapps folder only.

orderoftheflame · 5 Jul 2010 at 15:22

Cut and paste it.

Then run the .exe from the new location. Job done, no need to redownload.

barmyllama · 5 Jul 2010 at 15:32

You will have to re install direct x and C++ for each game when you go to play them, as well as GFWL for those games that use it. And don't forget to back up game saves for the ones that don't use Steam Cloud.

Myshra · 5 Jul 2010 at 15:35

This looks like it might be of use to you for the above problem: http://lifehacker.com/5539647/gamesave-manager-backs-up-and-restores-hundreds-of-games

Cutshaw · 5 Jul 2010 at 16:04

Hurrah!

I was fearing the worst. That gamesave app looks like it's worth a go.

MeMeMeMe · 6 Jul 2010 at 00:37

I always recommend that once you drag and drop steam to the new location, reinstall steam to that location.

Windows 7 has some file permissions issues that can cause problems for saving some games. You may find that games some games aren't being saved - this bypasses that problem.

Tombo · 6 Jul 2010 at 00:50

Just run Steam.exe as an admin, that will install the steam service and avoid any problems, no need to install over.

666_Pounder · 6 Jul 2010 at 01:08

Either C+P or reinstall Steam and use the build in backup tool, I have all mine backed up on another HDD.

MeMeMeMe · 6 Jul 2010 at 23:28

Tombo said:
Just run Steam.exe as an admin, that will install the steam service and avoid any problems, no need to install over.

If you want steam to start up automatically with windows, that won't work. You can do it, but you need to create a task in Task Scheduler.

ste2005 · 7 Jul 2010 at 00:41

I just copy the steam apps folder, then just reinstall steam on my new HD, then copy over the old steam apps file, restart steam and your games are their

Tombo · 7 Jul 2010 at 00:52

MeMeMeMe said:
If you want steam to start up automatically with windows, that won't work. You can do it, but you need to create a task in Task Scheduler.

There's an option to do that in the settings.

perry081064 · 7 Jul 2010 at 01:14

ste2005 said:
I just copy the steam apps folder, then just reinstall steam on my new HD, then copy over the old steam apps file, restart steam and your games are their

+1

MeMeMeMe · 8 Jul 2010 at 00:36

Tombo said:
There's an option to do that in the settings.

There is indeed- but it doesn't work if you want to run steam as an administrator, as the earlier poster suggested. Do try to keep up!