Help transferring steam files to another pc/NOT PIRATING

[proto13]

Can't find an answer to this, so I suppose it's time I ask the pros for heIp. I purchased several games for the girlfriend during the summer sale but her internet isn't the best. So that she can avoid waiting an eternity for 100+ gigs to download, Is it possible for me to download the games for her & transfer them via flash drive/external storage device? This is NOT a pirating question, every game I purchased for her was also purchased for myself (mostly co-op stuff).

I really appreciate any help on this matter. Best answer gets a fish...or maybe a broadsword....

Furthur information: We also have the exact same model pc and our steam file structure is the same. Not sure if this information is relevant, but there it is.

Brains, do your work!

[spoof]

you could even use your network.

just copy or share the common folder in
steam\steamapps

just let steam do its thing when you install the game in the new location it will detect the files.

[ReBoot]

Use the Steam backup feature.

[proto13]

Originally posted by spoof:

you could even use your network.

I forgot to mention, we have the same internet, I just download everything at work (Fiberoptic ftw).

As for sharing the common folder, I wondered if that wouldn't work, hadn't had the chance to try it yet, going to try it after work. Thanks. Do you think I should tell it to install first and then pause and transfer the files (so that it creates the file structure) or should I transfer the files to the common folder first and then tell it to install? Thanks again man, your fish or broadsword is on the way!

[proto13]

Originally posted by ReBoot:

Use the Steam backup feature.

I tried this before (about a year ago) and for some reason I seem to remember things going awry. Maybe I did something wrong & should try again. Do you know for sure this will work to xfer to her pc? And thanks for the suggestion. :)

[BigZiegel]

Just start the download and pause it. Then copy your game files into the steam folder and restart steam. Thats it.

[proto13]

Originally posted by Big-Ziegel:

Just start the download and pause it. Then copy your game files into the steam folder and restart steam. Thats it.

Will do after work. Thanks so much guys! This will save so much time. Btw, fish and broadswords for everyone!!!!

[StealthMomo]

Originally posted by proto13:

Originally posted by Big-Ziegel:

Just start the download and pause it. Then copy your game files into the steam folder and restart steam. Thats it.

Will do after work. Thanks so much guys! This will save so much time. Btw, fish and broadswords for everyone!!!! :fishing::sword::fishing::sword::fishing::sword:

I think the Steam backup works better than this trick. Backup needs internet connection by the way for authentication process I think.

[proto13]

Originally posted by StealthMomo:

Originally posted by proto13:

Will do after work. Thanks so much guys! This will save so much time. Btw, fish and broadswords for everyone!!!!

I think the Steam backup works better than this trick. Backup needs internet connection by the way for authentication process I think.

Ok, good to know. I'll try the backup method first. I intended to make backups of my games anyways, Win/Win. Thank you sir.

[spoof]

sharing and copying not just sharing ofcourse.

I will be extra clear about it next time.

[proto13]

Originally posted by spoof:

sharing and copying not just sharing ofcourse.

I will be extra clear about it next time.

No problem dude. Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

[proto13]

While I'm at it, (not trying to be rude), but what's with random one word posts? I've seen a couple in this discussion but now most have been deleted. Accidental posts maybe?

[Stinkyremy]

Hey forget the steam backup, it is a waste of time, just copy and paste from steam apps, when you try to install the game from the library after the file has been pasted in the new common folder, it says creating disk space, as usual, but then goes to "dececting existing files", reads them quick, DLs any updates, and then installs new, no problems.
I have done it a few times when reinstalling windows or with games I don't play often that I keep the backups on an external so it doesn't clutter my hard drive, and I don't need to re download them.

[Atheus]

Yes, thanks for the tips. About to do this, myself with a new computer at home.

[proto13]

Originally posted by spoof:

pillar of community task spam.

ty valve and thought luck to you moderators :)

Oh wow. That makes sense. Sounds like the task is more trouble than it's worth, for the moderators I mean.

Originally posted by Stinkyremy:

Hey forget the steam backup, it is a waste of time, just copy and paste from steam apps, when you try to install the game from the library after the file has been pasted in the new common folder, it says creating disk space, as usual, but then goes to "dececting existing files", reads them quick, DLs any updates, and then installs new, no problems.
I have done it a few times when reinstalling windows or with games I don't play often that I keep the backups on an external so it doesn't clutter my hard drive, and I don't need to re download them.

Really? Awesome. I wonder if it works as well with a different account? Steam doesn't authenticate the files to the original pc does it? So that the original pc is the only one that can play it I mean.

[spoof]

yeah maybe we should spam gabe newells email about it.
this is only annoying to moderators and people that help around here.

it is normal that there is still a small download after you transfer all the files on a new account.