Steam backups - internal or external methods best?

[crossy]

I've reached that horrible point where my Steam library has now pretty much filled up my "apps" SSD, so I need to offload some old content (starting with CoD:Ghosts). I know that Steam has the Backup/Restore feature, but I've come across a couple of references that say that this is a bit temperamental and it sometimes missed out on content. In which case the poster(s) have recommended the low-tech approach of just zipping up the appropriate subdirectory in Steam's "Common Files" directory.

Does anyone have any opinions either way? I must admit that the couple of times I've tried to Steam-Backup an old game (SRII) it's got to 98% and then pushed up a "Failed" message. On the other hand apps like 7Zip have test-archive-integrity features that'd give me a warm feeling about that new backup.

[Dooms]

Is there any reason that you want to use the backup option instead of just redownloading the game IF you ever want to go back to it? Unless you are planning some major offline time with only a 3g tether to activate I can't see why you would bother, even on a 10mb line.

[Ferral]

You could just copy the folder where the game is installed to an external device (it is under the common folder within Steam directory), once copied just delete the install.

Then when you want it back again just copy it back to where it was and Steam will do a small download relinking shortcuts etc.

[shaithis]

I've used steam backup twice, one restore failed. Since then I haven't bothered with it. (Admittedly it was a LONG time ago)

If I add a new games drive, I copy the folder across from steam\steamapps\common\<game> ...works fine every single time. The only oddity I have seen is putting the folder back in the correct location if you use multiple steam libraries.....you can get around that by starting the download and finding where it saving the files and then close steam and just copy your saved/zipped files over to the identified location.

These days I use Acronis backup though and just restore if needed.

Bottom line: There is nothing fancy about the steam game files. Games are just files and can be backed up just like documents, no registry keys you need to mess with etc.

[kalniel]

You can junction point the steam folder or selected subfolders to a mechanical drive.

[shaithis]

You can junction point the steam folder or selected subfolders to a mechanical drive.

With multiple library support, there is now no need to even do that.

[crossy]

Thanks all, that's exactly what I needed - would prefer to zip the files so I've got one "item" to keep track of, plus I might get a couple of bytes recovered. One item makes it easier to slap that on an external crate.

Is there any reason that you want to use the backup option instead of just redownloading the game IF you ever want to go back to it? Unless you are planning some major offline time with only a 3g tether to activate I can't see why you would bother, even on a 10mb line.

That's me taking the Saracenic view that Steam is inherently evil and my game (plus it's DLC) might not be available at some future point for redownload. Or, as my missus says, you're a right control freak!.

[Domestic_Ginger]

I just copy the folder in steamapps when I want to move a game.

I think I would just reinstall rather than back them all up.

[Millennium]

posted without warranty it seemed to work a bit for me

http://www.traynier.com/software/steammover

[TaintedShirt]

Another vote for Steam Mover. Always worked for me.