Back Up & Restore PC Game Saves - GameSave Manager
Simplifying Game Save Backups with GameSave Manager
For avid PC gamers, transitioning to a new machine or performing a system reformat can represent a significant investment of time. GameSave Manager streamlines this process by automating the backup of your valuable game saves.
Addressing Scattered Save Files
PC games frequently store saved game data in a multitude of locations across your system. This fragmentation can make locating and preserving your progress challenging.
GameSave Manager consolidates these disparate save files and registry entries. It then packages them into a single, easily manageable file.
Easy Transfer and Restoration
This unified file format allows for seamless import of your saves onto different computers. This eliminates the need to manually search for and copy individual save files.
Cloud Backup Option
Furthermore, GameSave Manager offers the convenience of backing up your saved games directly to Dropbox. This provides an additional layer of security and accessibility.
With automated backups and simplified transfer capabilities, GameSave Manager significantly reduces the hassle associated with maintaining your gaming progress.
Acquiring the Software
The GameSave Manager application is provided without cost, operating on a donation-based model. A comprehensive list detailing the over 1000 games with official compatibility can be located on the developer’s website.
Should your preferred title not be present in the supported games catalog, manual addition is possible, allowing you to define it as a custom game.
Key Features and Flexibility
This allows users to manage save files for a wide variety of games, even those not explicitly listed. The software’s adaptability ensures a broad range of gaming experiences can be backed up and restored.
GameSave Manager provides a convenient solution for safeguarding your progress. It’s designed to be user-friendly, regardless of your technical expertise.
Initial Setup
Upon installation and startup of GameSave Manager, a welcome screen will be displayed. Configuration adjustments can be made within this window if desired, though the standard settings are generally sufficient.
To begin, an up-to-date list of compatible games should be obtained by navigating to the Help menu and choosing “Check for Updates.”
If a newer database version is detected, GameSave Manager will notify you. Select “Apply Update” to download and implement the latest version.
Following database installation, GameSave Manager will automatically initiate a scan of your computer for installed games.
The system scan performed by the application identifies games for potential save data management.
Safeguarding Your Game Progress
The most straightforward method for creating backups of your games is through the "Backup Gamesave(s)" functionality. GameSave Manager will, by default, choose all currently installed games for backup. However, you retain the ability to deselect titles if you prefer not to include them in the process.
After reviewing your selections, initiate the backup by clicking the “Backup Now” button located at the bottom of the interface.
You will then be prompted to designate a filename and storage location for the resulting backup archive.
GameSave Manager consolidates all your game data into a single .gsba file. This archive can then be easily transferred to various storage media.
- Copy the file to a USB drive.
- Burn it onto an optical disc.
- Store it securely in cloud storage.
- Share it with others.
This provides a convenient and comprehensive solution for protecting your valuable game progress.
Dropbox Integration for GameSave Manager
Users with Dropbox installed have the option to connect their game saves to their Dropbox account. GameSave Manager facilitates this by relocating your saved game files to a designated Dropbox folder. Symbolic links are then established in the original game directories.
This process ensures that Dropbox automatically synchronizes your saved games each time changes are made.
Enabling Dropbox Synchronization
To activate this functionality, navigate to the “Sync & Link” panel within GameSave Manager and initiate the process using the “Start Now” button.
Alternatively, if a direct link isn't desired, saved games can be backed up to the Dropbox directory through a standard backup procedure.
This is configured within the “Program Settings” menu, specifically in the Dropbox section under “Cloud Options,” where Dropbox support can be enabled.
Additional Backup Options
Beyond Dropbox, GameSave Manager also provides the capability to back up your game saves to an FTP server.
This offers flexibility in choosing a backup solution that best suits your needs.
Automated Game Save Backups
The “Scheduled Tasks” functionality allows for the automatic backing up of your game saves on a recurring basis. This process establishes a new task within the Windows Task Scheduler, meaning GameSave Manager doesn’t require continuous operation in the background.
Consequently, backups can be performed without the application needing to be actively running.
Custom Games
The “Custom Gamesave Entries” feature allows for the addition of games not currently recognized by GameSave Manager. Initiating the process involves clicking the “Add” button.
You will then be asked to provide details such as the game’s name, the directory where save files are stored, and any necessary registry entry locations.
Adding New Game Support
Upon completion of this information, selecting the “Submit” button will forward your entry to the GameSave Manager developers for review.
Their team will evaluate the submission for potential inclusion in a future database update, expanding the program’s compatibility.
This system enables users to extend GameSave Manager’s functionality to a wider range of PC titles.
It provides a community-driven approach to ensuring comprehensive game save backup and restoration capabilities.
The process allows for the ongoing improvement and expansion of the GameSave Manager database.
By submitting custom game entries, users actively contribute to the tool’s overall effectiveness.
Recovering Previously Saved Games
To load a previously saved game, utilize the "Open" function located within the "Restore Gamesave(s)" section. This will allow you to select a .gsba file.
After the file is opened, initiate the restoration process by clicking the “Restore Now” button.
Restoration Process Details
The selected backup will then be applied to the game, effectively reverting it to the state it was in when the save was created.
While widespread implementation of cloud-based save systems, similar to Steam Cloud, remains a future goal, GameSave Manager provides a valuable interim solution.
Currently, many games do not natively support cloud saves or consolidate save files into a unified system directory.
Therefore, GameSave Manager serves as an effective tool for managing and protecting your game progress.
- It offers a convenient method for backing up and restoring game saves.
- It addresses the limitations of games lacking built-in cloud save functionality.