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How to Get a Clean Install of Red Dead Redemption 2

A clean install of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is the process of completely removing all traces of the game and its associated files from your system before reinstalling it. This ensures that any corrupted files, conflicting mods, or lingering settings that might be causing issues are completely eliminated, providing a fresh start and often resolving performance problems, crashes, or modding conflicts. The basic steps involve uninstalling the game through your game launcher, manually deleting any remaining game files, and then reinstalling from scratch.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean RDR2 Install

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to perform a clean install of RDR2, covering both Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher versions:

1. Uninstall RDR2 Through Your Launcher

Steam:
- Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
- Right-click on Red Dead Redemption 2 in the list of games.
- Select Manage and then Uninstall.
- Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.
Rockstar Games Launcher:
- Open the Rockstar Games Launcher and sign in.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Under My installed games, find Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Click Uninstall below the game title.
- Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

2. Manually Delete Remaining Game Files

This is the most crucial step for a truly clean install. The uninstaller often leaves behind residual files and folders.

Default Installation Location (Steam): C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonRed Dead Redemption 2
Default Installation Location (Rockstar Games Launcher): C:Program FilesRockstar GamesRed Dead Redemption 2
- Navigate to the location where RDR2 was installed. If you installed it to a different drive or folder, adjust the path accordingly.
- Completely delete the “Red Dead Redemption 2” folder. This will remove the core game files. Be absolutely sure you’ve backed up any files you want to keep before deleting this folder (especially save games).
- Next, locate and delete any folders that contains settings files. Delete the “Settings” folder located in the documents folder.
  - Location: Documents/Rockstar Games/Red Dead Redemption 2/Settings
- Lastly, delete your shader cache folder. This step resolves many performance issues after a fresh installation.
  - Location: Documents/Rockstar Games/Red Dead Redemption 2/PipelineCache

3. Remove Related Files and Folders

While the above steps are the most important, checking these locations can further ensure a clean slate:

Rockstar Games Launcher Data:
- Navigate to C:ProgramDataRockstar Games.
- Carefully examine the folder. If you have other Rockstar games installed, leave this folder alone. If RDR2 was your only Rockstar game, you can delete the entire “Rockstar Games” folder, which might contain launcher data and profiles. Be cautious with this step and only proceed if you are certain.
Temporary Files:
- Type %temp% in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
- Delete the contents of the Temp folder. Some files may be in use and cannot be deleted; simply skip these.
Registry Entries (Advanced – Use with Caution):
- Important: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause serious system problems. Back up your registry before making any changes.
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Search (Ctrl+F) for any keys containing “Red Dead Redemption 2” or “Rockstar Games”.
- If you find any, carefully evaluate if they pertain only to RDR2. If they do, right-click and choose Delete. Again, use extreme caution! It’s generally best to avoid modifying the registry unless you are experienced.

4. Restart Your Computer

After deleting the files and folders, restart your computer. This ensures that any files still held in memory are fully released.

5. Reinstall RDR2

Open Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher.
Navigate to your Library (Steam) or My installed games (Rockstar Games Launcher).
Select Red Dead Redemption 2 and click Install.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the game.

6. Update Graphics Drivers (Highly Recommended)

After reinstalling, it’s crucial to update your graphics drivers. New driver releases often include optimizations and bug fixes that can significantly improve RDR2’s performance.

NVIDIA: Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website.
AMD: Download the latest drivers from the AMD website.

7. Verify Game Files (Optional but Recommended)

Steam: Right-click on Red Dead Redemption 2 in your library, select Properties, go to the Local Files tab, and click Verify integrity of game files…
Rockstar Games Launcher: In Settings under My installed games, RDR2 has an option to verify the game.
- This process checks for any corrupted or missing files and re-downloads them.

8. Initial Launch and Settings Configuration

Launch the game.
Configure your graphics settings according to your hardware capabilities.
Start a new game or load a previous save to ensure everything is working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will a clean install delete my save games?

Yes, if you don’t back them up. Save games are typically located in the DocumentsRockstar GamesRed Dead Redemption 2Profiles folder. Back up this folder before starting the clean install process.

2. Why should I do a clean install of RDR2?

A clean install can resolve a wide range of issues, including performance problems, crashes, modding conflicts, and corrupted game files. It provides a completely fresh start.

3. I’m using mods. Will a clean install remove them?

Yes, a clean install will remove all mods. You’ll need to reinstall them after the process is complete. Make sure you have a list of the mods you were using and where you downloaded them from.

4. Does a clean install fix stuttering issues?

Often, yes. Stuttering can be caused by corrupted game files, conflicting mods, or outdated graphics drivers. A clean install addresses all of these potential causes.

5. Can I skip deleting the “ProgramData” folder?

Yes, you can. Deleting the “ProgramData” folder is only necessary if you suspect the Rockstar Games Launcher itself is causing problems. It’s generally safer to skip this step unless you are certain it’s needed.

6. Is it safe to modify the registry?

Modifying the registry carries inherent risks. Incorrect changes can cause system instability. Only modify the registry if you are experienced and have backed it up beforehand.

7. What if the game still doesn’t work after a clean install?

If the game still has issues after a clean install, consider these steps:

Check your hardware to ensure it meets the minimum or recommended specifications.
Ensure your operating system is up to date.
Check for conflicting software.
Contact Rockstar Support for further assistance.

8. How long does a clean install take?

The duration depends on your internet speed (for downloading the game) and the speed of your storage device (for uninstalling and installing the game). It can range from a few hours to overnight.

9. Will a clean install fix online-related issues?

It might. If online issues are caused by corrupted game files or conflicts, a clean install can help. However, server-side problems are beyond your control.

10. Do I need to deactivate my product key before a clean install?

No, you don’t need to deactivate your product key. Your game license is tied to your Steam or Rockstar Games Launcher account.

11. What if I can’t find the Red Dead Redemption 2 folder after uninstalling?

Ensure that you are looking in the correct default installation directory or the directory you specified during the initial installation. If you still can’t find it, try searching for files with the “rdr2.exe” extension.

12. Is there a tool to automate the clean install process?

There are no official tools from Rockstar Games to automate this process. It’s generally recommended to perform the steps manually to ensure everything is properly removed. However, third-party applications can sometimes automate these processes. Use these applications with caution.

13. Can a clean install improve FPS (frames per second)?

Yes, it can, especially if your previous installation was plagued by corrupted files, conflicting mods, or outdated settings.

14. What should I do after completing a clean install?

Update your graphics drivers, verify the game files, configure your graphics settings according to your hardware, and test the game.

15. I have RDR2 on multiple drives. Do I need to clean install on all of them?

No, you only need to clean install on the drive where the game is installed and where related files (save games, settings) are located. This is typically your ‘C’ drive.

How do I get a clean install of rdr2?