How to play games from HDD when using SSD as primary drive?

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callum118

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Jul 26, 2014
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I've just bought a SSD and have installed Windows 7 and some other applications on it.

However, I'm confused on how I go about playing games when using Windows on my SSD. How do I do it?

Also, is there a way to move some games over without re-installing them?

Thanks.
 
Solution
USAFRet
In the Steam client:

Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add Library Folder

This is mine from several months ago:
ejgo2UB.png
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jakegroves

jakegroves

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Jan 31, 2015
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When you are installing a game it will say "set destination folder" , choose the drive that you want it on. Say your SSD is the "C" drive then if you want a game to boot fast etc then choose that drive. But if you have a game that takes alot of space and your HDD is the "D" drive then choose somewhere to locate it in your "D" drive. You do this by navigating to 'my computer' and choosing the drive. But no you can't move them without re-installing them because of registry's etc. If you are using a game portal for your games, they have their own methods, check the FAQ's etc.
 
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callum118

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Jul 26, 2014
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Thanks for the replies.

I should have been more specific. I already have the games installed on my HDD, I simply want to play them from my now primary drive (SSD drive).
 
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the_crippler

the_crippler

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If you're saying that you made your old primary drive a secondary drive, and you want to play games that are installed there, you're going to have to make the service look for them there. If you're using Steam or Origin, you just need to change the installation director to where it now is (Say, if it was C: Program files/Steam, it might now just be D: Program files/Steam) and hit "install." Both services will begin the installation, find the existing files, and then update.

However, you'll clear up a lot of space by wiping that secondary drive (since it probably still has all of your Windows installation files on it) and reinstalling your games. Steam Cloud backs up most game saves these days, and for others (and other services) something like GameSave Manager can help you migrate.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Install the Steam client on the SSD.
In the client, designate the current Steamapps folder as another location.
The first time you start a game, it should recognize that location.

Does your current HDD still have Windows and all that? You may wish to move the Steamapps folder out from where it currently is, then tell your new Steam client where that is.

Any other games and applications that were installed on their own (not Steam or Origin) will need to be reinstalled.
 
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callum118

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callum118

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Thanks. But this doesn't help me at all, created a new thing but now what. It's all too much for me, I've googled everything, YouTubed it all but can't find a difinative answer. Is it that difficult to play games stored on a HDD when using Windows 7 on a SSD.

Appreciate the help but am just gonna send it back, had nothing but trouble with it and it's all too complicated for me. Thanks once again
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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In the above comments, what was complicated? It 'just works'.
 
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callum118

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Jul 26, 2014
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In the Steam client:

Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add Library Folder

______________________

It works when you know what you're doing. I done the above, and nothing worked for me.
 
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