Delay, halt or roll back an unwanted Steam update

[Rooker75]

I'm not sure in which of the many Fallout 4 categories to post this. Sorry if this is the wrong place.

 

So, Beth released an unexpected update to Fallout 4 and it is breaking all the things. Here is some info to help avoid that (or any other) update for the time being, without having to fly the black flag. I hope this is useful and not too late for too many people.

 

In your Steam library, set Fallout 4 to "update only when I launch" (Steam library > Fallout 4 Properties > Updates)

Personally, I hate Steam, so I keep it offline when not using it for something. I also firewall it for good measure, because even in offline mode, it still misuses my network without permission to update itself.

Never, ever, EVER launch the game from within Steam, or from the desktop shortcut that Steam creates. Never do that. Launch it from F4se or just make a shortcut to fallout4.exe if you don't use the script extender.

Zip up your entire Fallout 4 folder and save it somewhere, just for situations like this.

If Steam says there is an update required, but has not yet downloaded it...

Immediately put Steam into Offline mod and then close it. Check the system tray to make certain it's not still running.

Find the file appmanifest_377160.acf, which should be in the \Steam\Steamapps\ folder. Open it in a text editor. Look for this line: "StateFlags" "XX" where XX is a number. Change that number to "4". This tells it that the game is installed and is fully up-to-date, no update required.

Look for these two lines and make sure the number is 0 in both:

"BytesToDownload" "0"
"BytesDownloaded" "0"

When you're done, save it, close your text editor and set the file to Read-Only. You'll need to undo this if you ever decide to allow the update.

Look in the \Steam\Steamapps\Downloading\ folder and if there are any files or folders with "377160" in the name, delete it immediately.
You *should* be safe to play the game now, as long as you DO NOT EVER launch it from within Steam. To be extra safe, only ever launch the game while Steam is offline.

If it already started downloading the update but didn't install it, this *might* work to halt the update and return it to a playable state, but I can't promise anything.

 

EDIT Jan 19, 2019:: I've just noticed that, while Steam is online, this hack will not allow you to play the game. I don't know if that's a new development or if I just missed it. You will need to keep Steam offline in order to launch the game, at least through the Steam launcher. I don't know what would happen if you launched it through F4SE while online and don't really want to find out and possibly screw up my own game. While online, Steam will attempt to change your appmanifest file to show that an update is required, but it will fail to make the change as long as you remembered to set it Read-Only.

Edited February 4, 2019 by Rooker75

[ArcaneDesmond]

I'll have to try this out. After the recent update I can only play in vanilla, that is unless you use Bethesda's mod injector which has it's own array of problems. Here's the real kicker: Every single mod that needs updated currently actually works if you use the Bethesda Mod Injector :mad: "In the Latest 1.10.2 they still work!" Now that sucks... so much for achievements or quick save survival 447 hrs played rebuilding the Wasteland then this. Ahhh well.. and I deleted the save file because it no longer worked. (aggravated)

[RS13]

There's an easier way. Change the name of your fallout 4 folder. Now steam won't think fallout 4 is even installed. You can still launch from the relevant exes. You will need to update the file paths in nmm or mo2 but everything should work fine.

[StarMystyk]

A kudos to the OP :smile:

 

Ever since the latest update I've been keeping Steam in offline mode, so I can stay with the previous game version. It was all good until 15 minutes ago, lol, when I forgot to disconnect from the internet (via wifi) before launching Steam, as was my usual thing to do before booting up.

The game hasn't been trying to update, I'd previously set scheduled updates - through Steam settings - to only update games between 4 and 6am, when I'm never online, lol. Unfortunately due to my forgetfulness Fallout 4 now sits at "update required."

I can't stay in Steam Offline mode forever, there are other games I want to buy and/or update. I remembered this thread with the instructions so am glad I found it again :smile:

[vin2579]

Thanks! Doing the same for my SSE rn, and making a back up of EVERYTHING (app local data for SSE/loot/NMM)

[Rooker75]

I've just noticed that, while Steam is online, this hack will not allow you to play the game. I don't know if that's a new development or if I just missed it. You will need to keep Steam offline in order to launch the game, at least through the Steam launcher. I don't know what would happen if you launched it through F4SE while online and don't really want to find out and possibly screw up my own game. While online, Steam will attempt to change your appmanifest file to show that an update is required, but it will fail to make the change as long as you remembered to set it Read-Only.

 

OP edited with new info

Edited February 4, 2019 by Rooker75