Steam OS download links points to Steam Deck Repair image... Where's the proper download?

[TheConceptBoy]

I've landed on this page, looking for the Steam OS:
https://store.steampowered.com/steamos/buildyourown

There is a link:
Automated Installation
Download the SteamOS installation

But it downloads the file:
steamdeck-repair-20231127.10-3.5.7.img.bz2

Also the instructions says to copy the zip contents to a FAT32 formatted flash drive but FAT32 does not accept files over 4gb

[MonkehMaster]

steam OS 3 has not been released yet, not sure what you were expecting.

the repair image for the steam deck wont work on a pc, its not built for that.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

It used to link the old SteamOS 2 and caused confusion after the Decks release thinking it was the new SteamOS 3. Valve decided to replace the SteamOS 2 link with the SteamOS 3 recovery image until they're ready to fully release SteamOS 3.

...which won't be for a long time.

[TheConceptBoy]

oh.

[Mte90]

the image it is still the same as today...

[Ladder Theory]

There is likely still a very long time until steamos will be publicly released. There is a lot of testing to do. This cant be like any other linux distro, this has to be a proper windows competitor. It needs to work flawlessly on most machines, including other handhelds like the ally. In fact, I'd bet we'll see a release just for the ally before a proper release for PCs.

[Haruspex]

You can try Bazzite[bazzite.gg] in the mean time. It's a Linux distro aiming to be like SteamOS. Your choice of desktop interfaces too.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Originally posted by IKategame:

Ah, the classic case of Steam being as clear as mud. You’re looking for the proper SteamOS download, but instead, you’re getting a file that looks like it belongs in a tech support nightmare. Let’s break down this mess and get you sorted out.

The Download Confusion

So you hit that link, and instead of getting the shiny new SteamOS installer, you’re stuck with a steamdeck-repair image. This is basically a maintenance tool for the Steam Deck, not what you’re after if you want to install or reinstall SteamOS. The whole situation is a bit of a joke, honestly.

Where’s the Proper Download?

1. Official SteamOS Page: First, make sure you’re looking at the right section on Steam’s official site. The page you’re on is more geared towards users who want to build their own SteamOS setup rather than just download the OS itself. You should be looking for the official SteamOS download link, but it’s easy to get sidetracked.
2. SteamOS Installation: The correct SteamOS installation file should not be linked to repair tools. If you want to use the Steam Deck for gaming, you might be looking for a file that’s specifically meant for installation rather than repair.
3. Community and Support Forums: Sometimes the official Steam forums or community discussions can point you in the right direction. People are always running into similar issues, and someone might have found the actual download link buried somewhere in the chaos. Check out threads about SteamOS or Steam Deck installations.

The FAT32 Dilemma

Now, about that FAT32 formatting issue—it’s a real pain. FAT32 can only handle files up to 4GB, so if the image file you’re dealing with exceeds that, you’re gonna have a bad time trying to get it on your flash drive. Here’s how to tackle that:

1. Split the Image File: You could use tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR to split the image file into smaller parts that fit within the 4GB limit. Then you can copy each part over to your FAT32 drive and reassemble it later on the target machine.
2. Use exFAT Instead: If you’re not specifically required to use FAT32, consider formatting your flash drive to exFAT. It supports larger files and is compatible with most systems. Just remember that not all booting processes support exFAT, so this might not always work depending on how you’re planning to install SteamOS.
3. Check the Image Size: Always verify the size of the file you’re downloading. If it’s larger than 4GB and you’re still being directed to a repair image, you might want to double-check the site for any other links or announcements regarding the SteamOS installation.

Final Thoughts

Steam has this knack for making things complicated when they don’t need to be. Just keep poking around the official site, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Steam support directly if you’re still stuck. They might not be the fastest, but they can provide you with the right info eventually. In the meantime, get ready for some trial and error with that flash drive. Good luck!

It was changed to the Deck image because people thought the SteamOS 2 was SteamOS 3 and SteamOS 3 is not ready for official release yet.

[BrianG61UK]

So changing the text on the Steam OS download page to explain what's going on is too difficult for Steam. That's PATHETIC.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Originally posted by BrianG61UK:

So changing the text on the Steam OS download page to explain what's going on is too difficult for Steam. That's PATHETIC.

When Steam OS is finally ready to be released for everyone, it will be announced everywhere on Steam and the news sites.

[HIVEmind]

I think she needs Rufus to burn the image to stick. Usb. I think you have to select dd when asked. I'm only know rutementry linux.

[HIVEmind]

Your gonna need 7zip to unpack it too.

Good luck Linux is not easy, but you have a nice toy to play with. I know. I have ipfire box