F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Transferring game setups from one drive to another

Transferring game setups from one drive to another

Transferring game setups from one drive to another

H
hana_heather13
Member
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54
03-14-2021, 01:16 PM
#1
I have four distinct SSDs in my box and after organizing some files, I chose to assign one drive for installations. Is there an application available that can move data or programs between drives, saving you from having to reinstall? If reinstalling becomes necessary, is there a method to back up the data so that nothing is lost? Running Windows 11, Cheers
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hana_heather13
03-14-2021, 01:16 PM #1

I have four distinct SSDs in my box and after organizing some files, I chose to assign one drive for installations. Is there an application available that can move data or programs between drives, saving you from having to reinstall? If reinstalling becomes necessary, is there a method to back up the data so that nothing is lost? Running Windows 11, Cheers

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pirateboy774
Junior Member
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47
03-25-2021, 09:14 PM
#2
For Steam games, that feature is included by default.
To relocate an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder
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pirateboy774
03-25-2021, 09:14 PM #2

For Steam games, that feature is included by default.
To relocate an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

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V
Vinceb11
Member
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234
03-26-2021, 02:50 AM
#3
I understand this feature is available for games from Steam, but most of my games weren't installed via Steam or UPlay. Therefore, these options wouldn't apply unless I manually added them to my system.
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Vinceb11
03-26-2021, 02:50 AM #3

I understand this feature is available for games from Steam, but most of my games weren't installed via Steam or UPlay. Therefore, these options wouldn't apply unless I manually added them to my system.

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iKegreenS_
Posting Freak
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878
03-26-2021, 06:46 AM
#4
You don't require any special software to relocate games unless a DRM system was installed with them that requires knowing their exact location. Simply transfer the games to a different drive, adjust any shortcuts you made, and you're all set.

If something previously searched for the game in its original installation directory, you can recreate a symlink there by:
Opening a command prompt or PowerShell with admin privileges
Navigating to the original game folder.
For example, if your game is in C:\Program Files\EA\Command & Conquer, stop at C:\Program Files\ and then run:
mklink /J [full path of game] [new folder name]
Or use:
mlink /J D:\Games\EA "C:\Program Files\EA"
Ensure any spaces in the path are enclosed in quotes.

Creating a symlink effectively makes applications believe the old locations are still active, while the operating system redirects requests to the new ones.
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I
iKegreenS_
03-26-2021, 06:46 AM #4

You don't require any special software to relocate games unless a DRM system was installed with them that requires knowing their exact location. Simply transfer the games to a different drive, adjust any shortcuts you made, and you're all set.

If something previously searched for the game in its original installation directory, you can recreate a symlink there by:
Opening a command prompt or PowerShell with admin privileges
Navigating to the original game folder.
For example, if your game is in C:\Program Files\EA\Command & Conquer, stop at C:\Program Files\ and then run:
mklink /J [full path of game] [new folder name]
Or use:
mlink /J D:\Games\EA "C:\Program Files\EA"
Ensure any spaces in the path are enclosed in quotes.

Creating a symlink effectively makes applications believe the old locations are still active, while the operating system redirects requests to the new ones.

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T
TeamLynas2013
Member
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68
03-26-2021, 07:39 AM
#5
Programs like Steam, Rockstargames launcher, Ubisoft connect and EA app definitely offer methods to simplify game installations. In reality, this has turned into an enjoyable activity if you have the right hardware to accelerate the process. This might not be so simple with non-legitimate software, such as repackaged games, which lack straightforward installation options.
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T
TeamLynas2013
03-26-2021, 07:39 AM #5

Programs like Steam, Rockstargames launcher, Ubisoft connect and EA app definitely offer methods to simplify game installations. In reality, this has turned into an enjoyable activity if you have the right hardware to accelerate the process. This might not be so simple with non-legitimate software, such as repackaged games, which lack straightforward installation options.

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