Don’t Starve Together players often hit a brick wall when greeted with the "unable to write to config directory" error. This guide breaks down why it happens and how to reclaim your survival adventures.

Why Your Game Can’t Access Configuration Files

The error occurs when Don’t Starve Together (DST) lacks permission to modify files in its save directory. Common culprits include:

  1. Overprotective antivirus software (especially Avast) quarantining DST’s config files
  2. Windows Controlled Folder Access blocking writes to the Documents/Klei folder
  3. Steam/DST running without admin privileges in protected system directories
  4. Corrupted save files from mod conflicts or failed updates

A Reddit user reported losing 200+ hours of progress when their antivirus silently moved config files to quarantine. Another player’s world disappeared after a game update changed file permissions.

Fixing Write Permissions for Good

Method 1: Nuclear Option – Change the Save Location

The most reliable fix creates a dedicated save folder outside protected system directories:

  1. Create a new folder (e.g., C:\DST_Saves)
  2. Right-click Don’t Starve Together in Steam > Properties
  3. In Launch Options, add:
    bash -persistent_storage_root "C:\DST_Saves"
  4. Launch the game – it will generate fresh config files here

Pro Tip: Migrate old saves by copying from Documents/Klei/DoNotStarveTogether to your new folder.

Method 2: Disable Security Overrides

If changing directories doesn’t work:

  1. Run Steam/DST as administrator

    • Right-click Steam shortcut > Run as Administrator
    • Navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\Don't Starve Together\bin\dontstarve_steam.exe and repeat

  2. Whitelist DST in antivirus

    • For Avast users: Settings > Protection > Core Shields > Allowed Apps

  3. Disable Controlled Folder Access:

    • Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Ransomware Protection
    • Turn off Controlled Folder Access

Method 3: Mod Conflict Cleanup

Mods like Global Positions and Extra Equip Slots often break after updates:

  1. Disable all mods in the DST main menu
  2. Delete Documents/Klei/DoNotStarveTogether/modsettings.lua
  3. Re-enable mods one by one to find the culprit

A player’s server kept crashing because a deprecated backpack mod conflicted with new armor slots. After removing it, their 1,000-day world loaded normally.

When All Else Fails: Nuclear Reinstall

  1. Back up Documents/Klei/DoNotStarveTogether
  2. Uninstall DST via Steam
  3. Manually delete any remaining files in:
    • Steam install folder
    • Documents/Klei
  4. Reinstall and verify integrity via Steam

Illustration of the backup process for Don’t Starve Together saves

Always back up your saves before making changes or updates.

Real-World Survival Stories

Case 1: The Phantom Antivirus

A streamer couldn’t host games for weeks until they discovered Avast had moved cluster.ini to quarantine. Whitelisting DST restored their 10-player server.

Case 2: Update Apocalypse

After a 2023 patch, players using default save locations got locked out. The community-developed -persistent_storage_root fix became Klei’s recommended solution.

Case 3: Mod Mayhem

A popular modder’s tweak to equip slots corrupted config files for 12% of users. The solution? Delete modsettings.lua and rebuild the mod list.

Keep Surviving

  1. Always back up saves before updates/mods
  2. Use -persistent_storage_root for portable installations
  3. Join the Klei forums for real-time help

Final Tip: If you see "dedicated server failed to start" after fixing config errors, disable caves temporarily – they require separate permissions.

Need more help? Check these resources:
- Klei’s Official Troubleshooting Guide
- Steam Community Fix Compendium

Survival isn’t just about braving the wilderness – sometimes it’s about outsmarting error messages. Now get back to keeping those sanity meters full!