The Elder Scrolls IV Save File Missing: Why and How to Get It Back

After battling fierce enemies and completing epic quests in The Elder Scrolls IV, you suddenly realize your saved files are gone. Just like that, your hours of adventure vanish into thin air in a blink. Therefore, it's imperative to know why your saved files disappeared and how to regain them.

Even if due to corrupted data or accidental deletion, understanding the root cause is the first step toward recovery. Thus, read the following guide to check the Steam file location for confirmation or explore Steam Cloud. Without missing any chance to lose your hard-earned game, we've discussed an ultimate recovery tool. To master the game, we'll reveal the best console commands for The Elder Scrolls IV in the end.

Part 1. What Causes the Elder Scrolls IV Save File Missing Scenario?

To avoid facing the same issue again, keeping an eye on your save file location and overall game setup is extremely important. However, the list of some common reasons may help you find why they go missing at first:

1. Game File Corrupted: Over time, frequent crashes, forced shutdowns, or an incomplete game installation can damage your save file, making it unusable. It might also happen when the game is interrupted while saving, leading to broken data that game can no longer read.
2. Cloud Syncing Issues: Although Steam Cloud is convenient, it can be problematic when it doesn’t sync correctly for any reason. This ultimately results in the restoration of outdated progress or the overwriting and erasing of your current save.
3. Antivirus or Security Programs: Most antivirus software can be overly aggressive and might mistakenly consider saving files as suspicious. Due to frequent changes, they may quarantine or delete these files during a system scan without any permission.
4. Deleted Accidentally: The saved files are stored in system folders that players can access manually, which increases the chances of accidental deletion. However, third-party cleanup tools or system optimizers might remove these if not excluded adequately from scans.
5. Uncertain Game Updates: While official updates are meant to improve the overall gameplay, they sometimes have unintended side effects. An uncertain update that modifies how the game is handled can make older save files incompatible or unstable.

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Part 2. The Elder Scrolls IV Save File Location on PC & Mac: How to Secure Remaining Files

When you know the Steam game save file location, you can secure your remaining game progress and prevent future loss. It's important when you’re playing Steam version, as changes in the system or game updates can sometimes cause issues. Moreover, it gives you control over your saved files, especially when switching devices or reinstalling the game. Dive into the tutorial for Windows and Mac to secure the remaining saved files:

For Windows

Step 1. Press the “Windows” and “R” keys on your keyboard to get the “Run” dialogue box. Now, in the given text box, type “AppData” and hit the “OK” button to access the File Explorer.

Step 2. After this, open your “Local” file folder and scroll down to search for “The Elder Scrolls IV” saved files folder. Access the “SaveGames” folder to view all the in-game saved files. Next, copy the entire folder or the desired file to another location (external drive or Google Drive) and secure your files.

For macOS

Instructions. Open the “Finder” app and press “Command + Shift + G” to access the “Go to Folder” dialogue. In the command box, type “~/Library/Application Support/TheElderScrolls IV/Saved/SaveGames” and press the “Return” button to open the save file folder. Now, right-click on the file and copy it to a backup location.

Part 3. The Elder Scrolls IV Steam Cloud Save Location: Move the Save Files to Your System

The Steam Cloud save location is designed to sync your saves across devices, but it can make your data inaccessible. To avoid the risk of syncing errors, download your game data from Steam Cloud to your local PC. With this approach, ensure your game progress is safe and accessible even without an internet connection.

Step 1. First, access the “Steam” tab from the top bar and choose the “Settings” option from the drop-down menu to access Steam settings.

Step 2. In the “Steam Settings,” access the “Cloud” tab from the left panel and toggle the option for “Enable Steam Cloud.”

Step 3. Move ahead and choose “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered” game to re-access the “Cloud Status” option. After this, access the “Steam Cloud” website on your browser and log in to your Steam account. Once all the games are displayed, hit the “Show Files” option beside your desired game.

Step 4. Once all the game files are revealed, simply press the “Download” button to save them on your local device.

Part 4. The Elder Scrolls IV Steam Deck Save File Location: Check for Confirmation

Remember, Steam Deck uses a Linux-based file system, so the Steam Deck game save location differs from the Windows directory. It also uses Steam Cloud; thus, confirming the saved files location is not solely relying on automatic sync. The compact data folder in the Steam Deck allows users to access in-game saved files. Adhere to the stepwise tutorial and find the saved files for The Elder Scrolls IV:

Step 1. First, find your Steam ID on Steam DB and follow the path for home>deck>.steam>steam>steamapps>compact data. After this, navigate to the “Compact Data” folder from the left panel of the following interface.

Step 2. Afterward, head to SteamID to discover the game’s storage location. Enter “The Elder Scrolls IV” name and find save game files location on Steam Deck. Head to the folder to check the game's saved files for confirmation by following the highlighted path.

Part 5. Get The Elder Scrolls IV Save File Missing Back in Seconds: Recoverit

Imagine you boot up The Elder Scrolls IV to dive into your journey and finish that long, winding quest. Instead of that familiar “Continue” screen, you’re greeted with nothing because your save files are gone. This blank slate, without any warning or explanation, could be the worst nightmare for any gamer. A platform like Wondershare Recoverit is there to address such common issues during the playback.

It facilitates users in retrieving 1000+ file types, which also include game data such as Elden Ring. Besides this, you can recover any kind of data from 2000-plus storage devices in simple steps. During the process, it enables one to preview files before heading to their recovery. You can run a deep and quick scanner on your chosen location with real-time scanning results. It allows one to recover multiple files simultaneously.

Other Key Features

1. Retrieval from USB Brands: The platform supports all USB flash drive brands and types to recover files from 500-plus data loss scenarios.
2. Windows System Recovery: Recoverit is capable of retrieving all files from a crashed computer despite its booting issues.
3. Recovery from Memory Card: It can retrieve data from all types and brands of memory cards with the help of a quick scanner.

Detailed Tutorial to Recover Missing Game Files

Recoverit can dive into your system and retrieve all files that may have been deleted or misplaced in any way. Walk through the guide to retrieve your missing save files right from the correct save file location on your device:

Step 1. Choose a Location for the Lost Game File

Once the program is launched, access the “Hard Drives and Locations” tab from the default interface. Now, choose a hard disk under the “Hard Disk Drives” tab or “Desktop” beneath the “Quick Access” tab. Move ahead and proceed to the “Start” button to scan the chosen location.

Step 2. Run a Scanner on the Selected Location

The system will run an automatic scanner on the selected location, with real-time scanning results on the interface. You need to press on the file that you want to save to “Preview” it.

Step 3. Preview the Game Files and Recover Them

During scanning, pinpoint the file you want to preview and press the “Recover” button to retrieve all data.

Bonus Part. Best Console Commands for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered to Enhance Gameplay

Are you craving a fresh twist in your journey through The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered? In that scenario, draw your attention to the console commands listed and supercharge your overall game experience:

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Conclusion

To wrap up, it might soon turn your emotions into a stressful situation when you find your hard-earned progress blown away. In The Elder Scrolls IV, it can feel like a major setback, specifically after countless hours of leveling up. You might need to look into your Steam Cloud or Steam Deck save file locations to act quickly. For worst-case scenarios of losing game data, Recoverit is there to retrieve the data instantly.