How to restore Steam and games?

[MichaelD]

First, let me say that everything is currently running just fine. *knock on wood*

This is a "JIC" post...b/c I don't know how to do this.

Well, using the built in backup app in Steam, I backed up all my Steam files (almost 5GB...was 9GB before the app compressed them).

I have HL2 and other Steam games installed, but I do not have my HL2 CDs with me. If I had to wipe and reload, how do I get HL2, EP1, CS, etc running again? How do I restore it all using my backup files? I don't have the Steam app on CD or HD; is it downloadable? I DO have a Steam account, obviously...

Thanks!

 

[imported_LoKe]

The steam application can be downloaded, then you just login and download everything again, or I assume you could copy and paste your backups.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: LoKe
The steam application can be downloaded, then you just login and download everything again, or I assume you could copy and paste your backups.

Thanks, Loke. I checked and the "Downloader app" is downloadable. Is there a way to download the ENTIRE Steam app? Ala DirectX redistribution pack? I'd like to have the whole Steam app on my backup HD, that way, even if my internet is down, I can reload.

 

[MichaelD]

TTT

 

[MercenaryForHire]

You can save your .GCF files from the Steam folder, and then just plop them back in. They'll probably still insist on doing the "phone home to the mothership" bit before you can play anything though.

- M4H

 

[archcommus]

The entire Steam app is downloadable from steampowered.com. After installing you can restore your backup files or just plop in your .gcf's if you have them. However you'll have to connect at least once before being able to use offline mode, there's no way around that.

Honestly if you have a fast connection, and with how often things get updated, it's not worth backing everything up. Just install Steam and let it download everything overnight.

 

[Ika]

Argh, that's the biggest problem with steam - the online connection thing. Isn't there some way you can modify the Steam program files to make it never need to connect to the net?

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: Aflac
Argh, that's the biggest problem with steam - the online connection thing. Isn't there some way you can modify the Steam program files to make it never need to connect to the net?

Definitely is not. And unless you have NO internet at all, what's the big deal?

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: Aflac
Argh, that's the biggest problem with steam - the online connection thing. Isn't there some way you can modify the Steam program files to make it never need to connect to the net?

Definitely is not. And unless you have NO internet at all, what's the big deal?

I have some... parental/internet issues...

 

[tuteja1986]

download steam application , download the game threw steam... then back up every game threw the steam backsystem burn the file on your DVD

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: Aflac
Argh, that's the biggest problem with steam - the online connection thing. Isn't there some way you can modify the Steam program files to make it never need to connect to the net?

Definitely is not. And unless you have NO internet at all, what's the big deal?

I have some... parental/internet issues...

I don't think Valve was considering your market segment. I jest.

Originally posted by: tuteja1986
download steam application , download the game threw steam... then back up every game threw the steam backsystem burn the file on your DVD

Again, backing up is rather pointless and unnecessary hassle if you have at least a 3 Mbit connection. Just download it when you need it.

And it's "through."

 

[tuteja1986]

err ;# My terrible english !!!

 

[aaron10chris]

i don't agree. when i reinstalled it i saved the .gcf files so i could have all my demos and games, I also saved my friends, servers, settings. basically just copy the steampps, config, friend and servers folder in the steam program file. then reinstall steam and paste it back in. but yeah you still have to have connection to the internet atleast once to get any updates and to log in, then you should be able to play offline

you can just copy the whole program file and the registry files and paste them into the new windows w/o having to reinstall if you're desperate but its not recommended. either way you still have to connect for a little bit atleast.