After new Steam install, some games don't have my save data

[Cyberdude]

I installed a new version of my OS. I have always installed my games on a USB 3 external hard drive, and it's always worked fine. I made a new directory on my external hard drive, copied my games to it, and the games work. However, some games like Jumpjet Rex and Stardew Valley seem to have my save data because I can pick up where I last saved. But other games like Runes act like I don't have any saves because they make me start out with a fresh start.

I copied everything over to the new directory, which is proven because some games can access whatever file data has the game saves. I didn't delete anything. I've done this before a couple years ago when I installed a newer version of Linux Mint, and everything went fine, but this time some games act like there's no save data. Why don't some games see it? How can I get my save data back?

[aiden]

Each game has a different directory for copying over game files. I had o do this with FF7 and System Shock 2, and I couldn't find the ricght folder to put my save file into.

Each game will have a different save file(s) that you will have to copy to a USB and manually transfer over to the new PC. Then it is a matter of finding the right folder to dump the file(s) into.

I would reccommend looking up a tutorial for each game you need to see Step-By-Step instructions for each game. You don't want to put a file in the wrong place and screw up everything.

Youtube is really helpful for these problems, but if you can't figure it out, post a discussion directly on the game in questions's Community Page, and bump it until someone answers.

Hope this helps!

[Cyberdude]

Alright, I'll try it when I have time tomorrow. Thanks!

[Glimmer]

Typically games are saved in My Documents, it's extremely uncommon for games to place their saves in the installation folder. Of the two games you mentioned having the save files, they use the Steam Cloud which is probably how the saves were transferred

You could also use a program to help backing up the save files rather than the tedious process of manually backingup
http://www.gamesave-manager.com/

[aiden]

Originally posted by Glimmer:

Typically games are saved in My Documents, it's extremely uncommon for games to place their saves in the installation folder. Of the two games you mentioned having the save files, they use the Steam Cloud which is probably how the saves were transferred

You could also use a program to help backing up the save files rather than the tedious process of manually backingup
http://www.gamesave-manager.com/ [/]

I just realized that games saved in Installation files (Program 86x) most likely sync to the Steam Cloud, and local (My Documents) do not. I know for Stardew you can
drop a save file into an installation files and launch it ingame, so it is possible, just slightly rare. Apparently it just depends on the game.

Cyberdude, just browse around for the save folder, or take a gander on YouTube, you’ll find it eventually. Glimmer is right, a possible location for your save folders are in My Documents, under a too-obvious-to-miss name.

[Cyberdude]

I use Linux, so there's no such directory as "My Documents". I don't use Windows unless I absolutely have to. But that gave me the idea to look in the hidden .steam/ directory in my home directory. I'll check when I get time.