Is it OK to download mods to Program Files x86?

[Laplace]

I read that it's a big no-no to install Skyrim and mods to x86, so I uninstalled the game and tried making a new install destination on my C: drive. Once I was able to do this by tinkering with libraryfolders.vdf, I couldn't download Skyrim to my new folder due to a disk write error. Tried everything, couldn't get rid of the error.

Then someone told me that they have Skyrim and all their mods installed to x86, and they never ran into any issues. I'm also starting to see a few people say the same thing. At this point, I'm really getting ready to just use x86.

Thoughts? Is it really OK?

[JDaremo Fireheart]

Best you have the game and mods installed to a folder outside the Windows Protected folders.
eg. C:\Games\Steam\etc
I have everything installed to a secondary drive.

[mikk011]

Installing to x86 isn't going to automatically fail. However, since you say you use mods, a number of the modding tools and applications don't interact well with windows security, especially in the \Programs folder. Moving your steam installation is mostly a way to reduce problems caused by windows.

I also noted that you were "tinkering" with libraryfolders.vdf. Moving your steam installation on a windows machine is pretty much just a cut-and-paste transfer and by itself shouldn't need anything like that. You may want to read what steam has to say about how to do this. If you have already read this, I apologize for wasting your time. https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129&l=

[Laplace]

Originally posted by mikk011:

Installing to x86 isn't going to automatically fail. However, since you say you use mods, a number of the modding tools and applications don't interact well with windows security, especially in the \Programs folder. Moving your steam installation is mostly a way to reduce problems caused by windows.

I also noted that you were "tinkering" with libraryfolders.vdf. Moving your steam installation on a windows machine is pretty much just a cut-and-paste transfer and by itself shouldn't need anything like that. You may want to read what steam has to say about how to do this. If you have already read this, I apologize for wasting your time. https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129&l=

Oh, I see. I read that the only viable way was to add a new line to libraryfolders.vdf, but it did seem a bit fishy for that to be the ONLY way. Thanks for pointing me towards that article, I hadn't actually read that yet. It says to delete everything besides SteamApps, Userdata, and Steam.exe. Is that really OK? There are quite a few files/folders. Thank you in advance

[Vomit Heart]

i have moved a steam install with the way described above it worked fine.

[mikk011]

These were the instructions I used when I did this for myself last November. The files you are deleting are Steam UI items, and you want Steam to create new filepaths to account for the new location. I would definitely heed the warning to create a backup of your SteamApps folder before doing this. That way, even if you have to completely uninstall and reinstall Steam, you will not have to re-download your games.

The biggest pain in the neck when I did this was updating all my desktop/start menu shortcuts and making sure all my mod managers and tools were reflecting the new file locations.

[Laplace]

Originally posted by mikk011:

These were the instructions I used when I did this for myself last November. The files you are deleting are Steam UI items, and you want Steam to create new filepaths to account for the new location. I would definitely heed the warning to create a backup of your SteamApps folder before doing this. That way, even if you have to completely uninstall and reinstall Steam, you will not have to re-download your games.

The biggest pain in the neck when I did this was updating all my desktop/start menu shortcuts and making sure all my mod managers and tools were reflecting the new file locations.

Just did it. Many thanks for pointing me towards that article. I can now select the new file location as the install destination and it works without issue. But is it really necessary to update all of the shortcuts? It seems that even with the new file location, all of my old shortcuts work normally.

[craigsters]

I have steam installed on my C:\Program Files (x86) but it only has three files and folder for it's steamapps folder in it, and I followed this help page of steams many years ago and moved the game install location path to my D:\Steam\steamapps

It was the meddle part of this page of steams I followed the instructions for moving or copying steam to another drive https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129 after the warning box was the part I followed

[mikk011]

If everything is working then you are golden. Have fun!

[JDaremo Fireheart]

Originally posted by Vomit Heart:

i have moved a steam install with the way described above it worked fine.

This is the best way. Move the whole steam install folder and then move your games, especially if you mod games. As Mikk pointed out, windows security is usually a problem when modding.
Oh, and mods & the game should be on the same drive, so don't split them up.

For modding this game, get either Vortex or Mod Organizer 2. They are the best tools to use.
Here's 2 Pinned Discussions for you to read regarding modding that will be invaluable to you.
1. Skyrim SE: Guides and Resources
2. Helpful Links And References
Both were compiled by long time modders like myself and are updated regularly. Additionally, here's a discussion thread you can goto to ask questions and get answers from modding vetrans.
Old Farts Coffee House
Don't let the name fool you, lol.

[Laplace]

Originally posted by mikk011:

If everything is working then you are golden. Have fun!

Thanks!

[kerdan019860]

Did you ever run into any problems using x86? I’m about to try the same thing.

[Ozymandias]

Originally posted by kerdan019860:

Did you ever run into any problems using x86? I’m about to try the same thing.

Installing in program files:
- pros: none
- cons: might not work

Installing anywhere else:
- pros: it just works
- cons: none

[kerdan019860]

Originally posted by Ozymandias:

Originally posted by kerdan019860:

Did you ever run into any problems using x86? I’m about to try the same thing.

Installing in program files:
- pros: none
- cons: might not work

Installing anywhere else:
- pros: it just works
- cons: none

Update: So I went ahead with the Wildlander mod pack even though I have Skyrim saved in program files x86 and I am 20 hours in without any problems whatsoever. :). I checked with meeka on Reddit first and she said it would be fine.

[DPMR]

Yes….. please leave it there by all means, we could all use a good laugh down the road.