TLDR: Is there a way I can just choose files to seed automatically instead of downloading again first?
Pretty new to using torrents and I have a bunch of files I’ve been able to download over time through magnet links. Some of which I was unable to seed for long periods of time so removed but would like to be able to still seed them again.
It doesn’t look like I have torrent files for them and I tried copying the. Torrent file to another folder when using magnets to see if I could get it from that. I was able to get some from that but it seems to just start a Download again. Can anyone explain this process a little bit better for me so I can offer up my files at later times too?
Depends on your torrent client. Be careful that the client does not accidentally overwrite your files, replacing the completed content.
In qBittorrent you add the torrent without starting the download, and then let it or make it re-check [existing] files. it should then progress the check to completion with the correct files and file names in place.
If you have the torrent added and then put/move the files correctly, you can use the context menu “force re-check”.
When you then start that complete torrent, you’re seeding.
As simple as what I’m about to suggest is, it is priceless.
This is an example when copy > paste. Copy the file content, perform the methods shared in this thread, then once you’ve verified that everything is running properly you can delete the original copy.
If it bunks and overwrites, no biggie, you planned for that.
I’d love to say that I’d never made the mistake of choosing CUT when I should have chosen COPY, but I guess sometimes we learn things the hard way. 💀