need advice installing pc games on d data partition pls..

Q1) I've got my 500gb laptop hdd partitioned w majority on d data partition (have not INSTALLED anything ever to d - only c)
I DO have my user folders relocated to the d part.
*where should I install or set up game directory for my d partition?
(current game i'm installing is recommending c/prog files(x86)/published/game title) should I just change c: to d: even though those folders don't exist, installation will create them?

Q1b) Are steam games installed to different path normally than x/program files
how might future steam game installs affect where/what directory folders?
Don't have any clue about this stuff yet...

q2) anyone recommend a program for remapping or whatever would be needed to use an xbox 360 controller for pc games?
thanks-

Wishmaster said:

Are all of your games through Steam?

Steam installs all of its games to the same directory.
Inside the Steam main folder .. steamapps/common

Personally I have Steam installed on its very own HardDrive. This keeps Steam, and all my games seperate from the OS and applications.

Moving the steam directory isn't all that difficult.
What you may do, is back up the steamapps/common folder (this is where your games are) or move it over to the D drive.
Then, just to be safe there are no broken shortcuts, uninstall all your games and steam.
Next, make a folder on your D drive called Steam, and install Steam in it.
Then just move your steamapps/common folder you moved to "D" earlier, back where it goes (in the Steam folder) and re-install the games.


Other games which are not part of STEAM can be installed in similar manner. For the sake of keeping things organized, just make a new folder called "Games" on your D drive, and do a custom install to that location.
the installer should make a new folder with the name of the game, inside the Games folder.

You may want to un-Install any game thats already in place on the C drive, then re-install to the new location.
Just remember to back up all your save games.

thanks... I'm not following 100%, likely because I do not yet have ANY PC Games installed (nor have I ever in past) Hard to tell what your talking about till I actually try I guess.
To clarify *Considering I have NONE Installed..
1-Non Steam Games I create a "games" folder in root of d partition. Point the game installed to d:/games let it install to d/games
1b- what about changing default c/program files(x86)/publisher/game title just change the c: to d:?
1c - should I let it create a program files(x86)/pub/game title
any complications with using (created) 'games' folder without the default publisher/game title directory setup?

2- what is default (c:) steam install path?
does it, too, default use program files(x86)/steam setup?

3- First game i'm trying to install is call of duty black ops...
when i launched installer default path was (paraphrase) c/prog86/pub/codbo
*will it ALSO create a steam directory for online multiplayer or Does Black Ops not use steam at all?
** If game uses steam at all will entire install go to steam directory default? or just the online part go to steam?

I know I'm likely over-complicating... Thanks for tasking time (from weekend no less) to help out!)
---> for anyone else with any advice too.

Wishmaster said:

In short ,
If you have nothing installed now, just create your new folders and point everything there with a custom install. It will be just fine.


No there will not be any issue changing the default installtion locations with non-steam games.
For example, I have Mirrors Edge (retail) installed as
D:/Games/Mirrors Edge


The only issue is moving a games folder that is already installed.
With Mirrors Edge for example, by default is something like:
C:/Program Files (x86)/EA Games/Mirrors Edge

If you install it there, and simply move that folder to a new location (such as D:/Games/Mirrors Edge) there may be issues, because Windows thinks its at the default location.
But, if installed to a custom location from the start, all is well.

This is why I suggest if a game is already installed on the C drive, to un-install & re-install at the new location.whatever new location you choose.
So the OS knows exactly where everything is.



As far as your custom folders go, you can name them however you want. I just use D:/Steam & D:/Games (for non-steam games) to keep it simple.
But,you can name them anyway you choose.
If you want it to be something like: D:/My Super Top Secret Games/Super Secret/Keep Out ... Have at it. It'll be fine :)

All that matters is that Windows knows where they are.




Steams default install path for its games is usually:
C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common


All that matters for Steam, is where Steam itself is installed at.:
And yes, all games through Steam will be here, the complete game.

Sorry for delayed reply...
Thank You for help! Works very well...

I'm so grateful there are other computer users out there whom are willing to take time to help and share their wisdom. If it not for you your willingness to volunteer your insight and tech support, a lot of us would likely not even bother/risk many otherwise too intimidating computer ventures...