'Missing executable' error. Trying to move games between SSD and HDD.

[SpaceBallzz]

Hello, I have a 128gb SSD and a 1tb HDD. I'm downloading games to the HDD and then when I want to play them I move them to the SSD for faster load times etc...

So I copy the game folder across and delete the original folder on the HDD but when I try to launch the game I get the 'missing executable' error.

I'm saving the game folders to the common folder in steamapps.

Steam>steamapps>common..... Or however it goes.

I tried deleting the appcache folder, closing steam and re-starting PC but that's not working.

Maybe steam thinks it should still try to launch the game from the HDD, although the game is no longer there.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks, Lee.

[Tev]

Don't forget to move the appmanifest_<app-ID>.acf -file from the HDD's steamapps\ -folder on your SSD's representing steamapps\ -folder. Do this while Steam -client is off.

Otherwise Steam will look for the game from your HDD and will thus respond with that error.

Out of your games,

• Alien Isolation - appmanifest_214490.acf
  
• BioShock Infinite - appmanifest_8870.acf
  
• The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition - appmanifest_20920.acf

[SpaceBallzz]

OK, moved those acf files from HDD to SSD, moved all game folders to SSD and deleted same game folders from HDD.

Witcher 2 launches but Isolation and Infinite give me the missing executable error.

[Tev]

So, presuming your SSD uses the disk letter C:\.

Your BioShock Infinite's files are currently installed like this, for example?

C:\\...\steamapps\appmanifest_8870.acf
C:\\...\steamapps\common\BioShock Infinite\*

Did you reboot Steam since doing that?

[SpaceBallzz]

It's working now, I re-started PC and all 3 games are launching from SSD.

So in future I just make sure the appmanifest file is in the SSD and aslong as the game is also in there it will launch ?

Thanks for your help.

[Tev]

Originally posted by SpaceBallzz:

It's working now, I re-started PC and all 3 games are launching from SSD.

So in future I just make sure the appmanifest file is in the SSD and aslong as the game is also in there it will launch ?

Thanks for your help.

When moving games, make sure to move both the game folder from under steamapps\common\ and the game's representing appmanifest -file from under steamapps\. The numeric identifier usually matches that of the game's on the Steam Store -page's address.

That should be enough. :)

There's third party programs such as Steam Mover for the purpose too.

[SpaceBallzz]

Same problem again now but with XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

I have the game files in the SSD and I deleted everything from my HDD, missing executable error. If I restore the folder back to HDD from recycle bin then it works. I moved the appmanifest file to SSD aswell.

[Tev]

So, you exited Steam, then you moved the XCOM: Enemy Unknown's folder under steamapps\common\ (from HDD to SSD) and the appmanifest_200510.acf under steamapps\ (from HDD to SSD) and restarted Steam?

The part I'm wondering is why your game works when you only return the folder to HDD. (Acts like the appmanifest is in place on the HDD already.)

[SpaceBallzz]

I got XCOM working again, I had the same game folder on both drives, appmanifests in both drives but it wouldn't launch.

Deleted the folder from SSD then copied the HDD XCOM folder to SSD, deleted the folder from HDD so now it's only on SSD, and it works.

Now it's Witcher 2 giving me trouble, I only have the game folder on HDD but it doesn't matter where the appmanifest is, it will not launch.

Maybe moving the folder to SSD would work, I'm done playing that now anyway I just want to know all this moving malarkey works.

[Tev]

Well, as I suggested earlier, you could consider just using Steam Mover too.

[SpaceBallzz]

I might try that.

I know you might be running out of patience with me now and I appreciate your continued support but I just deleted all traces of the witcher 2 and now steam tells me none of my games are installed, even though the other 3 are definitely all on my SSD.

[SpaceBallzz]

Should've got a 1tb SSD because this is ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.

[Silicon Vampire]

You've got something amiss. I have three computers with SSDs and multiple HDs working without issues and I've transferred over 1000 games, twice now. Lots of transfers between HD and SSDs and back again as well.

I have seen on occasion where errors on my part have caused similar issues. To be sure, I have seen Steam bork it all up on occasion.

To make this as pain free as possible, make sure you:

1. Exit Steam before moving anything.

2. Always be sure only one of each game folder and corresponding .acf file exists when Steam is started.

3. While rare these days, some .acf files need to be altered for the new game location. Always check with a text editor and modify if needed. I recommend notepad++.

4. Always verify the files before attempting to run any game.

5. Remember most games will want to do a first time set up once again. Let them. And remember some redistributables (C++, VS, DirectX, etc) *may* need to be run manually for a particular game if not running correctly.

6. Remember some games just don't transfer well...

[SpaceBallzz]

OK thanks, I realise in my frustration I went a bit mad and started moving stuff everywhere and ended up with multiple copies of the same files.

I uninstalled everything and started from scratch, only 4 games so far so not a big problem.