How to Restore Steam Backup Files

Losing your files is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a computer user, whether the information lost is valuable business data or your favorite vacation photos. Backup programs allow you to create a separate copy of your files, just in case something happens to the originals. Valve's Steam gaming client offers just such a backup feature, and the process of reinstalling your favorite games with all your customizations, settings and saved games intact is both easy and free.

Things You'll Need

• Steam client
• Backup file
• steambackup.exe

Instructions

1. Run steampowered.exe by double-clicking on the icon. This will launch the Steam Backup utility. If you do not have a copy of steampowered.exe, you can download it from the link provided in the Resources section. Make sure that steampowered.exe is in the same folder as your backup files before starting the backup utility.

2. Select the game that you want to restore from the provided list. For example, if you wanted to restore Team Fortress 2, click the words "Restore Team Fortress 2 Backup." The Steam login screen will pop up.

3. Log into your account. The Steam installation utility will automatically launch once you're logged in.

4. Check the amount of disk space available before installing. Click the "Next>" button if there is enough space.

5. Select whether you want Start menu and desktop icons to be created for the game. These are handy if you play the game often. Click "Next>" to begin the installation process.

6. Click the "Finish" button once installation has completed. Steam will update the game files if necessary. Once the update is completed, you are free to play the game.

References

• Steam Support: Using the Steam Backup Feature

Resources

• Steam Support: Download steambackup.exe