Formatting Computer, How to I backup Steam Saved Games?

[jacktesterson]

I've never done this. I have a huge steam collection, and usually only keep 3-4 games at a time installed. I usually format between games if needed.

Anyways, my Desktop is due for a Format. I'd also like to try Win 8 again with some of the new UI mod's coming out.

The only game right now I want to save is Sleeping Dogs. I'm about 50% done it, and I want to format, and then resume where I left off. Whats the best way to do this?

 

[shortylickens]

Depends on where they are saved. They usually just go with whatever the original game wanted. Older DOS and Win 95 stuff almost always saved in the same directory as the game itself. Newer games prefer to save in My Documents and some under My Games. Keep in mind Steam also syncs many save games now. BUT, if all you keep installed is 3-4 games at a time then I would just go hunt them down individually.

In my case I'd be in trouble, cuz I got a 1TB drive just for Steam and its almost full. But really I dont need all the save games. In fact I'd only wanna keep some of my longer role-playing games and the rest could just disappear, I wouldnt care. RTS's it doest matter. Puzzle games definitely dont matter. Most shooters can be level skipped anyway.


On an unrelated topic: I miss DOS.

 

[lupi]

you're going to have to go to the steam forums and find where the saved files are kept. most are usually in a folder in the steam directory but several can pop them in somewhere else.

 

[Gunbuster]

You should be pretty safe it you get the steam directory and your windows profile directory.

 

[jacktesterson]

Ahh I see, I just figured steam had its own place for them.

Sleeping Dogs is not a Steam Cloud game, so unfortunately I need to backup manually.

I'll just google it. Thanks!

 

[Clinkster]

check Program Files > steamapps folder. Since it's not a valve game, there will likely be inside a folder labeled "common" right after steamapps.

Be sure to take the gcf/ncf files that are labeled sleeping dogs if there are any.

 

[BlueWeasel]

You should be pretty safe it you get the steam directory and your windows profile directory.

:thumbsup:

May also be in your "My Documents" folder.

 

[Slimline]

Cant you sync to the Steam cloud for saved game backup or something?

 

[waterstain]

I highly recommend using this free and easy to use app:

SaveGameBackup.net - Effortlessly Backup and Restore Your Save Games

Whether you are upgrading your system or just reinstalling Windows, SGB.net is the right backup tool for you.

sgbnet201.zip

 

[irishScott]

Doesn't steam have a built in backup creator?

 

[shortylickens]

Doesn't steam have a built in backup creator?

I think thats for the game data itself, not necessarily for the saves.

 

[postmortemIA]

I think thats for the game data itself, not necessarily for the saves.

yep, Steam backup won't save your games save data.

Some save game data goes to my documents. i am afraid that you will have to look online for each game. If game stores its save files in Program Files, then it will be under .Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common

 

[StinkyPinky]

Weird, every game I've ever played in the last half decade has saved it either in the Saved Games folder in my profile on in a folder under My Documents.

 

[Crow550]

Try http://www.gamesave-manager.com/

Can also backup your saves in the cloud too.

Even has a steam mover for SSD users as well.

 

[gladiatorua]

I know of three places where games keep their saves.
Two are in c:\Users\[username]\
My Documents and AppData. AppData is hidden, but this is where a lot of programs keep their config data.
And the third place is steam folder.