Does Steam save install files?

[asmcint]

I'm changing between versions of Windows and I want to back up as many of my games as possible(even if just as installation media) to DVD so that I don't have to redownload them and risk running over my data cap(or be forced to space downloads out over a few months). Does Steam save installation media, or am I screwed on that front?

[Mattio]

There's no installation in Steam, at least it's handled differently. (well I guess it's still installation, but you don't have it the same way as run "setup.exe", it's handled inside Steam)
When you download from Steam the files are packed into temporary files, then once it has fully downloaded they get extracted to the game files, not really the typical installation method. Those temporary files get deleted afterwards.
And then upon first run, Steam does install basic dependencies like DirectX or Redists etc.

If you want to backup you just need to copy your steamapps directory to an external media then you can copy them back later.
You can also use Steams backup feature if you want, would recommend reading: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129

[asmcint]

Originally posted by Mattio:

There's no installation in Steam, at least it's handled differently. (well I guess it's still installation, but you don't have it the same way as run "setup.exe", it's handled inside Steam)
When you download from Steam the files are packed into temporary files, then once it has fully downloaded they get extracted to the game files, not really the typical installation method. Those temporary files get deleted afterwards.
And then upon first run, Steam does install basic dependencies like DirectX or Redists etc.

If you want to backup you just need to copy your steamapps directory to an external media then you can copy them back later.
You can also use Steams backup feature if you want, would recommend reading: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129

Unfortunately the only external storage media I have are about 8 rewriteable DVDs(with about 9GB storage each, I think) and a couple of 2GB USB sticks, which is why I was hoping I could get ahold of installation media in a format like Origin uses. Guess I'll just have to space my re-downloading out for Steam games.

[Mattio]

Originally posted by asmcint:

Unfortunately the only external storage media I have are about 8 rewriteable DVDs(with about 9GB storage each, I think) and a couple of 2GB USB sticks, which is why I was hoping I could get ahold of installation media in a format like Origin uses. Guess I'll just have to space my re-downloading out for Steam games.

The Steam backup feature uses compression and it can split your filesizes. So if you have a big game you can split the game into 8GB files and put them onto each CD.
It'll only work for games that unpack and patch through Steam though, if you have a game that runs a 3rd party launcher then it won't work.

[baFfLe]

Originally posted by Mattio:

If you want to backup you just need to copy your steamapps directory to an external media then you can copy them back later.

But doesn't the OS make all kinds of associations etc in the registry as well as supporting files in other locations that will be gone after he reformats and reinstalls Windows?

This would be like making a copy of the entire "Program Files" folder and then putting it back after an OS reinstall, no? Does this work?

[Brujeira]

Originally posted by baFfLe:

Originally posted by Mattio:

If you want to backup you just need to copy your steamapps directory to an external media then you can copy them back later.

But doesn't the OS make all kinds of associations etc in the registry as well as supporting files in other locations that will be gone after he reformats and reinstalls Windows?

This would be like making a copy of the entire "Program Files" folder and then putting it back after an OS reinstall, no? Does this work?

It works fine. Have you read the article that Mattio linked four and a half years ago? It explains it fully.

[nullable]

Your current PC only has a C drive?