Possible Fix for Save Game Problems

[GustoGaiden]

Hey folks!

My Situation

Here is my situation. If your problem sounds like mine, this solution might help you. I just installed Shadow of Mordor yesterday. I have played the game several times, but my game was NEVER saved between sessions. While playing the game, I could exit to the main menu, and immediately continue playing, but once I closed the game to my desktop and reopened the game, it would start from the beginning. I tried this with Steam Cloud on and off, and while signed in and out of WB Play.

The Problem

After looking at this post about where save file is located, I was reminded of a problem I was having earlier this week. Windows treats the Program Files directory with extra security. Even if you are an administrator on your own computer, you have to jump through some SERIOUS hoops to create new directories, and save new files anywhere in Program Files. I suspect that Shadow Of Mordor is trying to create a new save file, but is failing because of Windows Security protocols. I think a recent windows update made these security protocols a LITTLE more strict. It is possible that the game was released before these new protocols, and now that they are in place, all kinds of wierdness is happening.

The Solution

The solution is to Re-install your Steam Client outside of the Program Files Directory. Shadow of Mordor saves to the same directory as your Steam Client. The default install directory for the Steam Client is in Program Files. Windows enforces extra security with the Program Files directory. If you re-install the Steam Client in a directory without extra security, you will be able to save your game as expected.

Note that the Steam Client is different than the [bSteam Game Library[/b] directory. The location of the Client must be outside of the Program Files directory, because that is where the game tries to save. If your Game Library ALSO falls under the Program Files directory, you can just copy and paste that folder into a new location with no problem. Steam doesn't care where the Game Library is, it just needs to know where to find it. You change the Library folder in Steam -> Settings -> Downloads.

Alternate Solution

I am by no means a security expert, a windows expert, or an IT professional, but I AM a programmer, and I know my way around. I tried fiddling around with the Security Permissions of the Program Files directory, but couldn't get Windows to release it's death grip on User Permissions. Maybe someone with a better grasp on Windows Security and User Access Permissions could write up a quick tutorial on how to grant Steam and Shadow of Mordor the ability to save to the location it wants to.

I hope this helps you guys out!

[thilobayer]

Hi there, my steam games folder is outside the Program Files directory - in fact you may install Steam on C:\ and then move the games folder to D:\ with just a few tweaks. But I have the mentioned problem with no game progress anyway after the latest Mordor patch.

[GustoGaiden]

Originally posted by thilobayer:

Hi there, my steam games folder is outside the Program Files directory - in fact you may install Steam on C:\ and then move the games folder to D:\ with just a few tweaks. But I have the mentioned problem with no game progress anyway after the latest Mordor patch.

I just updated my post to make it a little more clear cut. Shadow of Mordor tries to save to the same directory as the Steam Client. That directory can be completely different than the location of your Game Library directory. Make sure that both your Client, AND Game Library are not contained in Program Files (which is the default install location for the Steam Client).

[SpawnCap]

Can also try right click game save file, pick properties, pick previous versions. Mine showes two previous versions but never tried to restore them because never lost a save in 80 hours of playing, but also do not have steam cloud turned on either so no steam client save done.

[thilobayer]

I've found a solution for my "not saving the game progress" problem. I moved all my saves outside the Mordor folder, then started a new game, then went outside the game and copy my gamesave over the new one. This fixed the game progress. Now I can play the story. :-)