Installing a new OS

[jgieske]

Hello all,
I'll soon be installing Windows 7 64bit Home Edition on my computer. I currently have Vista 32bit. I need advice on backing and transferring my steam games, specifically Skyrim and saved games, to the new OS. Is this as simple as copying the entire steam folder on a jump drive and reinstalling it in steam on the new OS or am I missing something here? Thanks for any advice.

Dell Inspiron 530 commercial build (initially)
Q6600 quad core 2.4 Ghz processor
4 gigs DDR2 ram
Antec 620 watt psu
Dell G33 mobo
evga nvidia GTX 560 factory "superclocked" version

Jeff

[GutterSmurf]

I believe you can just copy your steamapps folder to your Mydocuments folder and then install windows over the old windows without a format. once it's done you copy them out of the windows.old folder to where they should be and away you go again.... Someone correct me if I'm wrong

[bassjason]

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...7418-YUBN-8129

Basically just back up your steam folder, and your My Documents folder (which contains saved game files), restore it to your new OS, and you should be good to go. When you reinstall Steam, you will need to click "Install" on your games, but it will simply scan your existing files and make sure they are all there.

[renatoakamur]

i use Gamesave Mamager, see the list of supported games:

http://www.gamesave-manager.com/?s=s...upported_games

[Atwooooood]

Don't forget that some save files are also located in your %APPDATA% folder.

[jgieske]

Originally Posted by GutterSmurf

I believe you can just copy your steamapps folder to your Mydocuments folder and then install windows over the old windows without a format. once it's done you copy them out of the windows.old folder to where they should be and away you go again.... Someone correct me if I'm wrong

I wish it was this easy but I have to do a clean "format" install since I am going from a 32 bit system to a 64 bit. "upgrade" installations can only be done with like bit systems.

Originally Posted by bassjason

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...7418-YUBN-8129

Basically just back up your steam folder, and your My Documents folder (which contains saved game files), restore it to your new OS, and you should be good to go. When you reinstall Steam, you will need to click "Install" on your games, but it will simply scan your existing files and make sure they are all there.

I did read this article prior to posting and basically came to the same conclusion as you stated above. I just wanted to make sure I want missing anything. Seems too simple. Thanks.

Jeff

[TeKraken]

there is a sticky at the top of (i think) the help and tips section that lists most of the gamesave locations.

[rukese]

A good option but with limited usage is to buy a new hard drive if you need one. Then you can install the new OS there and if anything goes wrong you can simply use your old drive witht he old OS. I personally consider this option cause I also want to install Windows 7 in the near future and another hard drive can always be used for something.

[GutterSmurf]

Originally Posted by jgieske

I wish it was this easy but I have to do a clean "format" install since I am going from a 32 bit system to a 64 bit. "upgrade" installations can only be done with like bit systems.

fairly certain you don't need a format and so my suggestion should still work as both versions use the same file path for documents.