Final Fantasy IX needs a particularly cautious backup workflow because the Steam save directory is named EncryptedSavedData and modern mod setups may write additional derived files into the same area. The safest baseline is an untouched copy of the whole directory before any editor or Memoria operation. That gives you a known-good source even if a mod creates exported slot files or changes which file is loaded. The Microsoft Store release uses WGS instead, so SaveEditor does not present a simple rename-and-copy operation as universal compatibility.
Where Final Fantasy IX stores PC saves
The researched save-location boundary is Windows: Steam: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowSquareEnixFINAL FANTASY IXSteamEncryptedSavedData ; Microsoft Store: %LOCALAPPDATA%Packages39EA002F.FINALFANTASYIX_n746a19ndrrjgSystemAppDatawgs. The known file or folder pattern is Steam master save commonly includes SavedData_ww.dat; Memoria/modded setups may create additional derived files.. This is the practical starting point because launcher, profile, and storefront context can change which copy is active even when two folders look similar.
Storefront and profile differences
Documented launchers or storefronts: Steam, Microsoft Store. Steam and Microsoft Store paths are different. Memoria or other mods can add extra files beside the original save and should not be confused with the untouched source data. When looking for a missing save, identify the executable/storefront you actually launched and the user/profile that created the progress before copying anything between directories.
Cloud synchronization
Steam Cloud and Xbox Cloud are documented for their corresponding editions. A cloud service should be treated as another copy of the save, not as proof that the local folder is disposable. Before a manual restore, let synchronization finish, make an offline backup, and avoid starting the game while files are being replaced.
What the files represent
The Steam release stores an encrypted save-data set under LocalLow. Microsoft Store uses WGS. Mod frameworks can add their own companion or exported files, so a clean backup should preserve the original game-owned data before modded copies. The current filename/folder evidence is Steam master save commonly includes SavedData_ww.dat; Memoria/modded setups may create additional derived files.. File-extension context: .dat A location guide does not claim that every file in the directory is safe to edit or that files from another storefront are automatically interchangeable.
If the save is not where expected
If an edit or restore seems ignored, disable competing cloud restoration temporarily, verify whether the game is loading the original or a Memoria-derived file, and use Load rather than assuming Continue points to the intended slot. Also check redirected Documents folders, Steam Play prefixes, account IDs, and launcher-specific containers where applicable. Preserve every candidate copy before testing a restore so troubleshooting does not destroy the only surviving version.
Verification context: Reviewed against current PCGamingWiki Final Fantasy IX save path and current community notes describing SavedData_ww and Memoria-derived files.