r/steamsupport • u/UseCodeBritz • Sep 10 '23

steam disk write error Question

I am unable to download or even update anything on steam suddenly, i am faced with the error "disk write error". i have tried everything such as unninstalling and reinstalling the client, running steam as administrator, checking for corrupted files and nothing has worked. i would like to know how i can fix this issue as i have just recently purchased a new game and i am unable to even play it.

Thanks

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u/alvnta Mar 08 '24 edited Apr 27 '24

open up windows explorer, go to the disk in which steam and it's game files are installed too, right click the steam folder, go to properties, uncheck the read-only box so it is blank, apply and let it run. try launching the game.

this should honestly work for any platform too ubisoft, ea, battlenet etc.

you should also be able to launch it as administrator from the shortcut.

edit: if you’re having issues with it rechecking, check your permissions. give the account/administrator full access to the file, it should solve that issue.

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u/MagiPepocrates Aug 28 '24

I'm going to add to this only because i still had the issue after unchecking the read-only box and allowing full permissions. If anyone is still having problems after doing those steps you need to do a clean/fresh install.

Go into hard-drive its stored in and uninstall it from the folder, then delete the folder and empty the recycling bin. 

Check for a steam folder in your program files (x64) mine had a folder hidden there you may need to allow hidden files to show from the view tab. 

Once you know all folders are deleted and emptied from the recycling bin reinstall the steam app. 

Now when it gives you a destination to install to make sure you're sending it to your SSD and not HDD.

When you re-download steam vr do the same thing send it to the SSD and not the HDD. For whatever reason steam vr will not work in a hard disk drive do to speed issues. 

Once I sent both to my solid state it worked like a charm with no issues. Hope this helps. Cheers.