Skyrim Noob

[cupcakewars]

So while I was waiting for my Skyrim CDs to arrive I decided to google some start up guides (I've never used steam before) and now I'm freaking out about installing the game disc to my PC and it being ignored by Steam and using up my 8gb monthly data limit to d/l the game...

I downloaded Steam a couple of days ago and now I'm wondering if I should have waited until prompted by the disc when I do the install? Please tell me that my 8gb are safe and that my fears won't be realised!

TIA

Cupcake x

[VirtualWeasel]

I'm not 100% sure what you're asking, but I can tell you that Skyrim is about 6GB in total size, so if you haven't already used 2GB of data this month, you should be fine.
If not, wait until next month, I suppose.

[cupcakewars]

I bought the game installation disc from a games retailer. From what people have been saying on some forums I've found that Steam ignores the fact you have the disc and proceeds to download the full game from the internet anyway. Also since my 8gb only reset 3 days ago and there are 4 other people in this house that have to use the internet there is no way I can use up any more of that 8gb than I need to. It's the whole reason I decided to buy the game discs for what I thought was an offline game, to save on internet :/

I also find I can't link any non forum posts yet so it's hard to show you exactly what I'm on about lol

[Dark Spark]

When I first installed Skyrim, I had a rather slow connection to Steam. However, the download window said it would take only 25 minutes to install the game. It finished in less than 15.

I wonder if the disc contributes data and speeds up the process.

As for Steam, you can have in installed long before you get your Skyrim installation without any ill effects. Far as your computer is concerned, it just has a Steam browser running and it's just waiting for you to install any or all the games offered by the service.

[cupcakewars]

Do you know how much internet data it used?

I'm assuming I still need to D/L the DLC from steam and that will occur during the initial installation. The game description said it "included" the DLC. Again though I'm very, very new at these types of games since having played and downloaded LotRO and it's expacs over a 6 month period. It is a very small game compared to others I've found.

Every minute piece of internet data is precious to me, since I have to basically sell my soul to pay for it.

[Dark Spark]

I didn't gauge who much data was downloaded. I only noticed that it installed much faster than what many people were complaining of at the time (it was launch day).

And I have no doubt the "DLC included" means keys/permissions for Steam to download those expansions to your game, if you choose them.

[cupcakewars]

I might have to try and save some data until the last day of my billing cycle and install it then if it's going to take up more than a couple of GB to download the remainder of the game and whatever patches and DLC there are.

I'll still try loading it tomorrow and see how I go (providing the discs get here in time!)

Thanks for your help. I post back here once I get everything sorted. Hopefully I'll be fine and don't have too many issues. It's just the amount of people who had been complaining about this issue is alarming for one such as myself. It's the worst thing about living on a farm out of town and not being able to get ADSL and a decent data limit.

[PandaPo]

Install the game from disc.
Then open Steam, select "add game" and key in the CD key that comes with your game.
Problem solved.

Edit: Steam may download additional updates for the game, if your CDs don't contain the latest version.

[cupcakewars]

Obviously you guys didn't have an issue like all these other people I'm reading about! Fingers crossed it's smooth sailing for me too!

[cupcakewars]

I got the legendary edition for PC... IDK how updated it is. I honestly can't find much other info from the store I bought from online (about what discs and other bits and bobs are included in the pack)

[PandaPo]

I'll rephrase my post - Steam allows the owner of the game to install it via DVD or CD, it doesn't have to be downloaded via the service, hence saving the owner the time and cost of doing so. But in order to play the game Steam will need to validate that it's a legit copy, hence the need to key in the CD key.
Downloading Steam itself shouldn't bust your bandwidth, at most it's a few (low) hundred MBs I think.
I'm sorry if I misunderstood your post.

[cupcakewars]

I hope so! Thanks for your replies. Don't think the mail is arriving today now... maybe monday

[cupcakewars]

Got it all worked out... No problems with downloading from the disc and the DLC was 1.1gb. It's a gorgeous game. I just need a mouse because playing with a tracking pad on my laptop absolutely blows!

I rolled a Nord warrior woman named Brydda

[PandaPo]

Glad it worked out for you. Now be prepared to kiss a normal life goodbye.

[Dalos]

... Now be prepared to kiss a normal life goodbye.

Roger that!

[cupcakewars]

I need to stop being a altoholic.... I keep rolling a new character!

I play as much as I can, while juggling, home life and lotro, I 'would' play all day and all night if allowed! Bought myself a cheap mouse and it works a treat just need to work out keybindings for things now, so my potions are always on hand. Pausing the game to click through my inventory is a bit annoying

yep still a noob