How do I install a Steam game from the DVD disc, and into a custom directory?

Question

I want to install a Steam game into a custom directory. For example, I want to install my new game which I activated through Stem but then cancelled the installation because I have the retail disc, into E:/Program Files/.

How do I go about installing the Steam game into a custom directory?

Asked by gameaddict

Answer

There really isn't a way to install Steam to a custom directory, as it always wants to install in the default Program Files location -- usually C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86). However, you can use the Windows "mklink" utility to create a file system pointer from the default location to wherever you want to store the files. Typically I do this with my game data files (everything under "\Steam\steamapps\common" within the Program Files folder), since these are the files that take up the most space.

Also, installing from a DVD is another matter, so I will answer that separately.

To install Steam data to a custom directory:

• Locate your game data, usually under C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common or C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common (if you have 64-bit system)
• Copy it to the new location
• Delete it from the original location (make sure you have it copied / backed up first!!)
• Open a command prompt by selecting Start and typing: cmd
• In the command prompt type the following (include the quotes): mklink /J "C:\Program Files\steam\steamapps\common\GAME" "c:[new location]\GAME"
• Example: mklink /J "C:\Program Files\steam\steamapps\common\altitude" "c:\games\altitude"
• This will create what is called an "NTFS symbolic link" (sort of like a directory shortcut) which transparently links Steam's default directory to whatever directory you specify.

There is also an app which will do the heavy lifting for you, called "Steam Mover".

To install a Steam game from a DVD instead of downloading it, do the following:

• Log in to Steam and click on Library.
• Right-click on the game, and select Delete local content.
• Insert the DVD and close Steam (Steam > Exit).
• Press Windows Key + R to open Run
• Type: "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D: (Replace "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" with your actual Steam install location if different; replace D: with your DVD drive letter if different), and click OK.
• Steam will launch and ask you to sign in if you do not have your password saved. Your installation should continue from the disc.

Answered by Ben

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Can I register a retail boxed copy of a game with Steam?

Question

I personally do not like to purchase games digitally. There's just something magical about going to the store, picking up a boxed game, staring at the amazing box art, bringing the game home and putting the disc in the drive.

That being said, I know that several game distribution companies are leaning more toward digital distribution, with Steam holding a large chunk of that market. Is it possible to buy a retail boxed copy of a game, but still get the benefits of Steam (e.g., automatic updates, install on multiple computers, etc.)?

Asked by cowgod

Answer

It depends on what game it is. Obviously Valve's own games are possible to register on Steam. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 also comes to mind since that one has to be played via Steam.

Here is a list of all retail games that can be activated on Steam: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7480-wusf-3601

Answered by sippa

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Have RCT3 retail on my PC, bought RCT3: Platinum from Steam. How should I set up?

Question

I've had a retail copy of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 since it first came out, which was several years ago. It's a great game. I don't play it as regularly as other games, but I still love it.

The other day there was a Steam Daily Deal on RCT3: Platinum (RCT3 + Soaked! + Wild!). I went ahead and grabbed a copy because I don't have the expansions, there was no way to purchase each individual expansion via Steam, and 10 bucks seemed a good deal in my book anyway. Also, I like the Steam platform.

My save games and other data are probably going to be compatible two expansions up, so I'm not worried about those. But what do I do with my existing RCT3 installation itself? Do I need to get rid of that first before having Steam install RCT3: Platinum?

Answer

You should run into no problems. If you're hurting for disk space, you could delete it, but your OS knows which one is which and they are not sharing resources.

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Retail boxed Steam activated games: can they be resold?

Question

I recently purchased retail boxed versions of

• Dead Island (which is awesome)
• Warhammer 40k: Space Marine (not so much)

I finished both games and I was thinking of reselling them or giving them to a friend to play. However, these are both Steam activated games that had a required Steam registration code I had to enter -- and validate on Steam -- as part of the installation.

If I give these games to a friend or resell them, will they even work? Is the registration code single use and tied to a single person / computer / Steam account?

Answer

As both of the answers above state, once the game is registered with the account, it's tied to it and that's that.

However, an option that I have read about people taking is that for every single game, they create a new email address / steam account and register that game with that address. Then when they get in a situation where they are ready to get rid of it, they sell the steam account and the email account.

All in all, not very convenient, but it works.

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