Steam Folder - reformatting

[thedoc46]

So is it possible, just to copy the entire Steam folder onto say an external HD, then restore it back to the same place, and everything remain the same on a new O/S ? (same ver)

Doesn't it install registry settings and things outside the actual folder?

Or do you have to download and re-install everything all over again?

I'm confused on this one.

 

[thedoc46]

thats what im doing

copy steamapps folder

reinstall steam
paste steamapps folder
bingo

and this is a tried and tested amoung others?

Don't some of the games need installing? Or is Steam smart enough to just copy over the install cabs, and if detected that you are on a new computer, it'll re-install, thus recreating all the registry entries and so forth.

 

[thedoc46]

Check the Windows user folder as a whole - I recently re-installed the OS, backed up my documents and missed a load of saves elsewhere (had nearly finished Crysis 2 ) - I really wish they would keep save games to one location. One of the many reasons Windows fails as a platform for gaming.

I've got GameSave Manager 2 installed, which I'm hoping will take care of the business. Can't vouch for it yet, as I've not used the restore, but it seems to know what its doing. So hopefully, fingers crossed, i'll be all set.