Transport Tycoon Deluxe Save Games and Backups on Windows
Protect transport empires, transfer saves carefully and avoid mixing incompatible game formats.
Identify the game before looking for a save folder
A save file created by the old Transport Tycoon Deluxe program is not necessarily stored in the same place or format as a save generated by OpenTTD. Before following a folder path from the internet, confirm which product and release you are using. On Windows, modern programs can store user data outside their installation directory. The in-game Load Game and Save Game screens are often the safest starting points.
Create a backup routine
Keep a second copy of your important saves in a folder outside the game installation, ideally one that is backed up independently. Label saves with dates and a short note about the network milestone. When changing NewGRFs or upgrading between major versions, preserve a save from before the change as well as a new test save.
Migrating to a new computer
First install the target game and verify a new empty save works. Then transfer only the relevant user data, not an entire Windows installation folder. Open the copy to confirm that railways, vehicles and industry layouts appear as expected. A missing custom graphics set can affect visuals or behavior, so record installed modifications alongside the save itself.
Troubleshooting incompatible files
A file may fail to load because it belongs to another product, a newer game version or a modified environment. Do not rename extensions to force compatibility. Check the documentation for accepted save formats and any migration requirements. Never overwrite your only original file while experimenting with conversion or repair tools.
Create a versioned save archive
Make dated folders that describe the environment, such as a clean base game and a modified game with graphics packages. Keep important scenario files and save files alongside a short text note listing the exact application version. Include a screenshot of the active NewGRFs if you rely on them. That little bit of context can become valuable months later when a new computer or upgraded game does not load an older session exactly as you remember it.
Recovering from a bad upgrade
If a save fails after an update, do not repeatedly save over the same file. Restore a known-good backup and test with the prior application version when practical. Check whether a missing NewGRF or base graphics set is the real cause before attempting file conversion. When you establish a working state, preserve it and create a new branch of saves. This keeps experiments reversible even if a particular game build does not support your older setup.
Verified resources
The official OpenTTD release page and OpenTTD installation manual are the best starting points for current Windows setup. For the 1995 game’s history, see our Transport Tycoon timeline. Use legitimate original Deluxe media for original assets.