February 2019
I made a post about this issue, but I was advised to make a new topic since answers there didn't work for me. I Include 3 screenshots and DxDiag.
Copy of my post:
"Well, my saves don't work - with or without Cloud Storage. No Antivirus - only Windows 10 anti-malware software. And when it saves it says "saving the content", but all I can do is switch between my three characters, that I've played for 10 minutes, and none of them have saves. I installed Origin Games - so Mass effect on the D disk, instead of C, but the saves directory in Origin when I click on properties shows disk C. I will try to run the game on administrator, perhaps with Compatibility to Win XP. I've played Mass Effect 1 on many computers. I just bought this copy couple of days ago - it is my FIFTH copy of the game - I wanted to show support for great RPG/Shooter. And instead I cannot play.
Three screen captures says how it looks. There are no saves on computer - there is only one profile in Documents - should be 4 (I created 3)."
I started once again this time without using Origin and I've had both diagnostic tool and the game set to Run as Administrator. Still didn't work. I will try to use compatibility mode with Windows XP SP3 and Windows 7. I included only 2 of 3 screenshots since you don't allow for more than 3 files.
FunnyPunch
Solved! Go to Solution.
February 2019 - last edited February 2019
Try to disable the Steam cloud save function and your Anti virus program (Even if it is the defender, go to offline mode if you have security concerns.)
Also look if the "Controlled folder access" of the Windows defender is activated. If so deactivate it.
February 2019
Do you use Onedrive? If so look if the game saves to the ondrive folder.
The save games should be under "Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Save". Is the folder present at that location?
February 2019
I have a one drive - it says it is empty. Yes there is folder saves in the documents, but it only has profile. No Saves. This whole folder and above was read only. I changed it to normal, just as I did with Origin Games. Unfortunately folder Origin, when I try to change it to be not-read-only, says that I need an administrator approval. I am on administrator account. Well I have only account and it has Administrator privileges. Unfortunately even eliminating the read-only option it still didn't allow to save
February 2019
Don't worry about the read only option, it will be there again if you look now.
You can't set folders to read only with this box, only the files in it, and that only after they get created.
Try this:
Press the Windows key and "X" at the same time > Click on "Command prompt (Administrator)" or "PowerShell (Administrator)"
In the CMD or PowerShell window, at the prompt type or copy: takeown /F "xxxxxxxxxxxx" (With the quotes. Replace the X with the full path to the "Save" folder > Standardly: C:\Users\>your user name<\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect 1\Save .) > hit "ENTER"
February 2019
I didn't notice your reply, I was browsing bioware forum archive and there was the same problem. There was a solution
1. So I moved the game on the same disk that has "Documents"
2. I deleted Save and Logs folders
3. I went into "Documents" properties, changed it's directory to C:\My documents - yes I added "My"
4. I ran "MassEffectConfig" changed one thing, saved, changed it back, saved.
5. I ran the game from Origin and it works.
BTW Reinstalling and other things didn't work. I will look into your solution and can provide the link for this one on bioware site (I think). But now I have to go sleep. Just explain to me what does your solution "makes" (Sorry It's 4:30 a.m. and my English is wavering) ?
Sincerely,
Funny Punch
Thank You for your help!
February 2019 - last edited February 2019
I'm having this same problem with the Steam version. It will create the INI files on first run in the right place, but never update them. Saving gives an error. If I copy one of my old saves into the directory it just freezes when I try to load it. It's a bit frustrating to diagnose because getting through the character creation and intro takes a few minutes each time.
February 2019
If it works now you don't need to do anything else.
My approach would have give ownership of the ME1 Save folder to your user account.
How is the exact error message?
Did you tried to run Steam and/or the game as Administrator?
February 2019
"A problem occurred while saving the game. No game data session was preserved. Please try again."
Tried running as admin, so shouldn't have access rights problems. All folder permissions are correct. The launcher/configuration utility has no problem writing the settings (INI files in Documents / Bioware). Really stumped on this one.
Had similar issues with ME2, but I did get it working on Steam, but not Origin, though. Bizarre. I only have ME1 for Steam though.
February 2019 - last edited February 2019
Try to disable the Steam cloud save function and your Anti virus program (Even if it is the defender, go to offline mode if you have security concerns.)
Also look if the "Controlled folder access" of the Windows defender is activated. If so deactivate it.
February 2019