GCF Files

[Matt.]

I need to clean my computer desperately, and noticed what is using a lot of memory is my GCF files on Steam. 38 of them are 20 gigs, and I know these are somehow crucial. Just wondering if it is safe to delete some, I don't play most of the games they are for, but still not sure if I should. Any help or advice will be appreciated.

[SpikedRocker]

From what I can find out: http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Game_Cache_File

 

Those files are created when you downloaded other steam games to keep fragmentation down. If you can figure out which game each GCF is for and if you don't play it anymore I think you can get rid of it.

[XeNo]

Your GCF Files store all the -original- data, so that they do not get lost or corrupted.

 

If you have the program to open the GCF for Source, it would have all the original maps/textures/models/ect. ect. for source in it.

 

For anyone who is curious:

 

http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=26

 

That's the program (GCFScape) used to open those .gcf files.

 

I think you can delete all of them since they're just back-up for the most part...I could be wrong though, so I don't recommend it.

[Periodik]

Well, i think the best is you can just burn it into DVD's. For more safty..