Migrating Steam Content Created 14 years ago2010-03-10 21:55:19 UTC by Notewell Notewell

Created 14 years ago2010-03-10 21:55:19 UTC by Notewell Notewell

Posted 14 years ago2010-03-10 21:55:19 UTC Post #279613
It looks like I might be able to start getting parts for my new PC soon, so I wanted to make sure of this.
Is it possible to move over stuff from the steamapps folder on one computer, and get the content to work on another, as long as Steam is installed on the second computer and the user has the same steam login on both?
I really would prefer not having to re-download HL2, Lost coast, the SDK, ect, because it would take years at 1/2GB a month, and I would be without any other kind of internet in the meantime.
So, has anyone done/attempted this? Is it possible? Or would I need registry entries that can only be obtained by downloading the games?
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 14 years ago2010-03-11 00:20:06 UTC Post #279614
I don't have Steam, but I figure you will probably need some secret registry entries and whatnot. If you find out where those secret keys are, just transfer them too.

Have a try, what can you lose?
Posted 14 years ago2010-03-11 00:21:06 UTC Post #279615
1. Install steam on the new PC and log in once
2. Quit Steam on both machines
3. Copy old steamapps directory into new Steam install
4. Start Steam back up

Logging in for the first time might take a while as it does a full directory scan to see what files are present. You might need to re-enter your serial key for some 3rd party games, just right click the game and choose 'View serial keys'. No registry junk needed.
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 14 years ago2010-03-11 18:12:05 UTC Post #279629
Thanks. I hope that works.
If it does, HL1 will probably be the first game I play on my new computer, followed by HL2- With working transparent shaders on models and water undersides!
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 14 years ago2010-03-11 20:51:42 UTC Post #279631
1. Goto File menu, Backup games.
2. Check the games/applications you wish to backup.
3. Select destination folder.
4. Enter the backup filename and select a filesize. If you plan to use an external harddrive for transfer, make sure that you know what the filesystem of your disk is (FAT32 or NTFS). If its FAT32, then make sure that you split the backup file in chunks that are no larger than 4 gb, as FAT32 cannot handle files larger than 4 gb.

On your new computer, simply run steambackup.exe to install the games/applications.
Posted 14 years ago2010-03-11 21:54:07 UTC Post #279632
I'll try that if the first doesn't work, thanks. (always try the simplest one first, right?)
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
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