Resolved: Steam Drive Writing Issue (Preallocation Failure)
Resolved: Steam Drive Writing Issue (Preallocation Failure)
I recently assembled a computer using entirely new components, except for the power supply and two solid-state drives. After installing Windows 10 on one SSD and formatting the other, I attempted to install Steam and games like Grand Theft Auto V, Tekken 7, and Hitman 2. However, I encountered "Disk Write Error" issues with several of these titles; some games installed successfully while others still produced the error.
I’ve taken the following steps to resolve this:
* Removing the empty GTA5 folder
* Modifying the Steam folder's permissions to be owned by Administrators
* Clearing the download cache
* Adjusting the download region
* Repairing the game files
* Running Steam with administrator privileges
* Disabling the firewall and Windows Defender
* Reinstalling Steam
When examining the content log, it indicated a "Failed to preallocate (Disk write failure)" error specifically for “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\downloading\389730\TekkenGame\Content\Paks\pakchunk0-WindowsNoEditor.pak.” I also removed the file referenced in the log, but the problem persists. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
These three games necessitate a significant installation area—approximately 60GB. During the setup process, compression and related operations could potentially demand additional storage capacity. Do you possess sufficient unallocated space on your target drive?
These three titles necessitate a substantial installation volume—approximately 60GB. During the setup process, compression and related operations could potentially demand additional storage capacity. Do you possess sufficient unallocated space on your target drive for this installation?
Dom_79 :
Those three titles demand a significant amount of storage room to install (approximately 60GB). During installation, additional decompression and processing may occur, potentially needing even more space.
Are you certain you have sufficient available space on the target drive?
I’ve personally formatted both SSDs and installed Windows 10 on one – it boasts 708GB free and the other SSD has a total of 465GB.
Thank you for your response.
Adjusting the permissions on your Steam folder to Administrator has been noted. Are you or your user account the system administrator? This could potentially restrict write access and cause a disk write error—though it should ideally be classified as a permission issue. Furthermore, what antivirus and firewall software are you utilizing? Is it Windows Defender? If so, you might need to locate a method within the AV/Firewall program to elevate privileges for Steam (rather than solely through file explorer).
Regarding your changes to the Steam folder's access permissions, are you or your user account designated as administrator of the system? This could potentially restrict write capabilities (resulting in a disk write error, though it should primarily be classified as a permission issue).
You also asked about your antivirus and firewall software. Are you utilizing Windows Defender? If so, you might need to locate a method within the AV/Firewall program itself to elevate privileges for Steam—not just through File Explorer.
Users typically possess full control over the Steam folder, and I’ve attempted disabling both Windows Defender and the Firewall without success. Even with them active, I've added Steam to allow passage through the firewall. I also tested an installation onto an external hard drive, which was slow but successful, suggesting a possible issue with the SSDs.