Re-install Steam and Train Simulator after computer crash.

[drivertime61]

I’ve read everything I could find on here about re-installing the sim, but would appreciate some info. or confirmation specific to my situation before proceeding.

Background: in early November I was attempting to load Train Sim and got to the main menu screen, whereupon the screen began blinking and flashing and other nasty signs of trouble, plus none of TS options were visible on the main menu. After a couple computer restarts I had nothing but a dark screen upon computer boot-up.

I had to ship the machine back to Dell (under warranty thank goodness) and they found the video card was damaged, along with a processor. While they had the machine they also found it necessary to re-install the OS resulting in all data being wiped.

I do have file backups on an EHD. I currently have a 2015 copy of the entire Steam folder including the Steam files themselves as they were at that time. I also have a copy of Railworks 2016 without the Steam files.

My tentative plan:

1. Swap the TS 2016 Railworks folder into the Steam 2015 folder so that it’s as up to date as I can make it.

2. Move the entire Steam 2015 folder back into Program Files x86 (if that’s where it goes – my brain has been fried over the past three weeks).

3. Try to get into my Steam account and if it recognizes me hopefully let Steam automatically update everything to TS2017.

4. I know that Steam itself has had several updates since 2015, so I hope that doesn’t cause a problem with my 2015 version installed.

5. And one more question please: my 2015 backup version with the entire Steam files is not sitting inside a Steam folder. Should I create a Steam folder in my C:\Program Files\x86 folder and then transfer all the files shown below inside it?

Please let me know what you think, whether there is a better way, etc. Thanks as always for the help and sorry for the length of this post.

I've attached a jpeg of exactly what's in my Steam 2015 backup folder.

[buzz456]

I think a simpler way would be to sign onto steam and see if it loads a clean version of 2017. It will ask you if you are on a new computer and will send you a security code to proceed. It did when I bought a new computer. After it completes that just merge your asset and content folder and you should have 2017 with all of your personal files installed.

[drivertime61]

Thank you sir. Only reason I came up with my "plan" was to save time downloading the sim. But no problem - I have fast broadband and your way makes sense, as usual.

One thing: do you think Steam will recognize me without all the Steam client files currently installed?

[buzz456]

You need to install Steam and then sign in. It will take a lot to update from 15 to 17 anyway if you did it that way. Holler back if you run into any snags.

[drivertime61]

OK. MY apologies but just want to clarify I need to create that Steam folder in x86 first and then transfer the Steam 2015 files I have into it?

Will check back tomorrow for your guidance on this and then tackle the re-install. I'm being sucked outta here.

Thanks for the hand holding. I have concrete in the part of my head where most people's computer skills are located.

[buzz456]

OK. MY apologies but just want to clarify I need to create that Steam folder in x86 first and then transfer the Steam 2015 files I have into it?

Will check back tomorrow for your guidance on this and then tackle the re-install. I'm being sucked outta here.

Thanks for the hand holding. I have concrete in the part of my head where most people's computer skills are located.

You don't need to create anything. Just go to Steam page and D/L the Steam client. It will do everything for you unless you want to install it somewhere other than the Program folder. If I remember right it will ask you where you want to put it. It will run from anywhere.

[drivertime61]

Thanks Buzz. Hectic times here at the moment so haven't gotten to it. Will do next week. Appreciate the help.

[peterhayes]

DT61
IMO the worst place to install steam/TS2017 is in the C:\Program Files (x86) folder.
This is subject to a lot of extra security by Windows and that can cause some issues with games.
Its best to install it in its own folder eg C: \STEAM and go from there, or better still on its own separate drive.
This has useful information: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_art ... -YUBN-8129.
Do NOT copy over any of the files you list above they may overwrite good new files.
The only folders that could be copied over (as they may contain reskins and add-on routes and scenarios) are the "ASSETS" and "CONTENT" folders using the windows merge function and only copying over "missing" files.
pH

[drivertime61]

Buzz: I re-installed the sim this morning and it went without a hitch. Again, thanks very much for all the hand-holding.

Peter: I'm sorry, but I went ahead with the re-install into x86 before seeing your post. What you are saying makes good sense. I can only say that I had no problems (that I'm aware of anyway) during the 2 1/2 years the sim was installed previously. But I always look for and respect your opinions and thanks for offering it here. The only files I will copy over are the "enhanced" versions of some routes that I made and are backed up on my data drive.