Hi, so every time I open the project file, or start a new project with or without those instances loaded. It will say " STEAM folder not found, Would you like to locate it? ", then I will have to link the STEAM folder to the plugin again. Once I have done that, I can use the plugins normally throughout the session, but once I close the project and load it again, the same error message appears. Is there a way to set a permanent link between the STEAM folder and the plugin so that it remembers the path? Although it's not a huge deal, it is still slightly annoying and disrupts my workflow a bit, so I was wondering if any of yall know how to solve this issue? Thank u!

I have all my STEAM folders on an external SSD btw. Thank u!

 

Last edited: Jan 19, 2025

The easiest way to do it might be to just reinstall the plugin (only the plugin, you already have everything else done). When you are installing it, you select your STEAM folder. It should hold.

You can also create a symbolic link aka symlink, to another location. Below is process from GPT, but there are also small utility programs that will let you do this from a program with a GUI. Google symlink or symlinker. (i'm not on Windows). It will basically forward from the folder it is currently looking at for files, and redirects it to where you actually have it.

If you click Diagnostics button, it will show you where it is currently looking. (from splash screen, or click the logo on the plugin)



how to create a symbolic link on windows
ChatGPT said:
Creating a symbolic link (symlink) on Windows is straightforward if you follow these steps:

Steps to Create a Symbolic Link

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Win + S, type "cmd," right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
2. Use the mklink Command:
   • The basic syntax of the mklink command is:
     php
     mklink [options] <Link> <Target>
     • <Link>: The path of the new symlink.
     • <Target>: The original file or folder the symlink points to.
3. Options for mklink:
   • No options: Creates a symbolic link to a file.
   • /D: Creates a symbolic link to a directory.
   • /H: Creates a hard link instead of a symbolic link (for files only).
   • /J: Creates a directory junction (similar to a directory symlink but without requiring elevated privileges).
4. Examples:
   • File symbolic link:
     cmd
     mklink "C:\Path\To\Link.txt" "C:\Path\To\TargetFile.txt"
     
     
   • Directory symbolic link:
     cmd
     mklink /D "C:\Path\To\LinkFolder" "C:\Path\To\TargetFolder"
     
     
   • Hard link (for files):
     cmd
     mklink /H "C:\Path\To\Link.txt" "C:\Path\To\TargetFile.txt"
     
     
   • Directory junction:
     cmd
     mklink /J "C:\Path\To\LinkFolder" "C:\Path\To\TargetFolder"
5. Verify the Link:
   • Navigate to the location of the symlink in File Explorer. It should appear as a shortcut, and accessing it will take you to the target.

Notes:

• Administrator Privileges: You need administrative privileges to create symbolic links unless your system is configured to allow non-administrative users to create them.
• Differences:
  • Symbolic links (mklink /D) are more flexible and can point to network locations or non-existent targets.
  • Directory junctions (mklink /J) are limited to local, existing directories but don't require administrative privileges.

 

A

Ahhh ok, so the only way for me to fix this is to create a symlink or reinstall the plugin, then set the plugin's steam path to my current one that I want? But if I remember, I don't think there was an option to select the steam path when installing. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Also right now when I click on Diagnostics, it is looking at the right location, it is just that I have to look for the steam everytime I open the project file
Thank you!

 

i think you have to create a shortcut for steam, my steam folder is on an ext ssd and the shortcut is named E\STEAM and place it in spectrasonics program data folder it should work, give it a try

 

Hi @dabye, I've STEAM folder in an external USB drive and it works without symlink, I chase that folder only the first time, after install.
But, sometimes, as I have several external drives connected, plugging and unplugging them, they change letter (G: or H: or I: ....) and so the plugin (Omnisphere) can't find the libraries and asks for folder. Maybe it's not your case but check if the drive letter is always the same.
Also, if you want to create a symlink, there is an easy way using Link Shell Extension by Gerhild Shinagl, it's free.

 

Hello @dabye, after you have opened the STEAM folder, you should save your projects again in your DAW.

 

Run the plugins standalone as admin. That should fix it!

 

Also, what happens if I decide to move the STEAM folder, or rename it?

 

Hi, I have saved the projects in the DAW, but when I reopen it, it asks for the STEAM again.

 

Try to run your DAW in "Administrator mode", open a project, locate STEAM, save project and reopen project.
Some files access are locked in User mode.

Same with standalone version : run it in Admin mode too, once.

 

It shouldnt consistently ask for the location of the STEAM folder upon every instance of reloading project files.
That said omnisphere can have idiosyncronicities such as youve mentioned and also authorisation..
Its not an issue having The STEAM folder on an external drive to which the plugins actually installed, i have it on a seperate drive also and have experienced your problem before, but ultimatley everything worked and patches were recalled correctly , it was just an annoyance of relocating the STM Folder each time..

If your going to try reinstallation make absolutley sure you remove all traces of omni from your system, all keys deleting via reg eit, every reference to omnisphere erased systemwide

Theres instances in which ive reinstalled as administrator which in many cases worked but equally theres instances it didnt.
I would suggest making sure youve full control over the drive and or the STEAM folder where youve placed the lib upon, as theres times that fixes the problem, despite omni not prompting you regarding read write permissions, this has been a fix ive also used before.
If you really need omnisphere and your patches are being recalled correctly and its just the annoyance of the couple extra mouse clicks to tell the plugin where its librarys contained then i may suggest simply putting up with it as reinstallation done incorrectly is going to give you a potential headache

Omnispheres kinda fickle across different systems and has some idiosyncronicities bespoke unto itself
i wouldnt symlink it personally but thats just me ,
unless the entire installer was on symlink,
even then, the steam location can be manipulated across different drives/locations without problems even after installation, Or after migrating STEAM from its initial location to another, often even if omnisphere doesnt prompt you about permissions, this can be why, make sure youve full control, but dont compress the contents of the folder down in the proccess though

 

Last edited: Jan 20, 2025