Got a new computer...now, how to transfer Steam files?

[Groxkiller585]

Ok, I know how to do alot of the other stuff, but how do I copy Steam Files over from one computer to another? Is it as simple as logging in on that computer, and the stuff ( stock Game files, settings, etc.) is instantly connected/downloaded to that computer? Or do I need to go through some hoops?

[omnicoder]

Just download all the stuff in your library again.

[Gary]

If you install Steam on the other computer then log in, all the games you purchased on Steam will available for download.

Note that this does not work for mods, your have to ether re-download them from the appropriate site or copy the mods over to the other computer.

[Groxkiller585]

Just download all the stuff in your library again.

So it IS that simple? Hmm, useful. Well thanks for the response.

[cheesemoo0]

Or just copy over your SteamApps folder if you don't want to redownload everything.

[omnicoder]

Or just copy over your SteamApps folder if you don't want to redownload everything.

Makes steam go crazy trying to update things for a few days though.
It thinks everything needs updating but it its updated so it gets stuck at updating 0% forever until a update really is released.

[Plague]

Or just copy over your SteamApps folder if you don't want to redownload everything.

Makes steam go crazy trying to update things for a few days though.
It thinks everything needs updating but it its updated so it gets stuck at updating 0% forever until a update really is released.

I always do this whenever I move to another comp/OS.

Never had such issues.

[cheesemoo0]

Never had such issues.

Ditto.

It always "updates" for me, but it is just verifying that the files are there. I have done it a couple times without any problems. Maybe something screwy on your system?

[BubbleQ]

My buddy once tired to copy the whole steam folder, that did not work at all. Not sure of what error os he got though, but I am pretty sure as the other guys says, downloading all your steamgames again is the best choise.Let the computer run over the night or so

But the best thing about this is that if you don´t play portal or ep1 anymore, you just don´t download them and spare some space on you harddrive Though if you wanna play gmod it is good to have atlealst one other source game installed than just hl2?

[Psy]

Just copy your Steam folder and run the steam.exe. This has yet to fail for me.

[Terr]

If there are any games you don't want on the new computer, just "uninstall" them. You can reinstall them whenever you like.

Or just copy over your SteamApps folder if you don't want to redownload everything.

This, more or less. It'll save you a metric ass-ton of time spent waiting for downloads to finish. I regularly copy over GCFs from one machine to another when TF2 is updated.

1. Go to old computer.
2. Make sure Steam is not running. (Important to prevent glitchiness.)
3. Copy the SteamApps directory to an external drive, or at least all the GCF files.
4. Go to new computer.
5. Install fresh copy of Steam on new computer.
6. Paste over data from new computer.
7. Start Steam, log on as your same account.

[haymaker]

helps to make sure the new address is the same as the old one ie same drive letter, same dir structure

[zombie@computer]

helps to make sure the new address is the same as the old one ie same drive letter, same dir structure

why? No need for that.

[Vilham]

surprised no one has mentioned making Steam Backups of your games, then you never need download them ever again.

[cheesemoo0]

How is that different than keeping a backup of your SteamApps folder?