Dunno about you guys but I was shocked and pissed when I saw I had to download the freaking Skyrim game for PC even though I went and purchased the PHYSICAL copy of the damn game tonight!  There just had to be a workaround for this and I luckily I found it. Stupid Steam making choices for us, screw that!
 
https://support.steampowe...php?ref=5357-FSQM-0382

http://forums.bethsoft.co...disc-instead-of-steam/  
 
 
Installing from Disc instead of Steam

Question
I try to install my retail game from the included disc(s), but the game begins downloading through Steam instead.  What can be done?

Answer
Mac Users:
If you are using a Mac, you will not be able to install from the disc. Please double-click on the game in your Library list to begin downloading and installing the software.

Using Steam launch options to install retail games from disc

•      Log in to Steam and click on Library.
  
•      Right-click on the game, select Delete local content, and confirm.
•      Insert the first disc into your computer.
•      Close Steam (Steam > Exit).  
•      Press Windows Key + R to open Run  
•      In the Run window type:  "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -install E:

 
Replace E: with the CD/DVD drive you are installing from if is not correct.     Replace C:\Program Files\Steam if your Steam installation is not in the default location. Press OK.  Steam will launch and ask you to sign in if you do not have your password saved.  Your installation should continue from the disc.
 
MY ADDITIONAL  NOTE: 
The correct path for my Windows 7 64 install was 
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D:

Thanks soo much, its 2:30 and it was downloading it sooo slow. it took about 3 mins to install this way

Yeah i tried installing via DVD but it says i couldn't because it isn't launched yet. But when i clicked Preload it went into download mode but wasn't moving either.. stuck at 0% ... do you guys think that it might have thought that i purchased it from steam by that ? Im not sure and i sure as hell don't want to pay twice for this game and having a physical copy and digital copy ..

fakamal

Yeah i tried installing via DVD but it says i couldn't because it isn't launched yet. But when i clicked Preload it went into download mode but wasn't moving either.. stuck at 0% ... do you guys think that it might have thought that i purchased it from steam by that ? Im not sure and i sure as hell don't want to pay twice for this game and having a physical copy and digital copy ..

 
Be sure to note where your steam folder is located on your machine as well as the letter of your DVD drive. I had to change my path from default as I noted in first post

Steam says =  "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -install E:
My PC setup =  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D:

shaneduce

I still instal from a disk it just DL a pach for me.

 
Same here, but crap tons faster still then installing game from scratch over heavily hammered Steam network.

This doesn't seem to work for me. I've done all the steps you've described but nothing happens once Steam opens up again.
 
I delete local content -> insert the disc -> exit Steam -> enter: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install C: in Run 
-> Steam opens up, but nothing happens.
 
Help please!

I got it to work thank you so much!!!

Damn! Alot of people must be googling for answers to this frustrating issue, 7k views over night! Glad im not the only one who thinks is this utter crap on Steams part.

Skallfraktur

This doesn't seem to work for me. I've done all the steps you've described but nothing happens once Steam opens up again.

I delete local content -> insert the disc -> exit Steam -> enter: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install C: in Run 
-> Steam opens up, but nothing happens.

Help please!

 
In the end your shoud write your DVD, not C:
exempel:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install E:
 
Works for me.
 
PS: lycka till :) :DS

I'm trying this install from disc thing, and I get as far as steam opening up, but it is stuck on "validating files" -- it just sits there at 100% and does nothing. This is so frustrating, I don't want to wait an infinity for it to download from steam!

I'm glad so many people found this useful. Its utter BS that we coudln't install Skyrim off of DVD like we have every other PC game for the past, oh I dunno... 15 years?????

_Nite_

welcome to the digital world 1ceTron, I feel sorry for others who have slow internet and have to use dvd's still but I actually like steam and being able to download and update games automaticly.

 
I officially say, screw that sh1t.

for people like me that refuse to use that spyware that is called steam there is a way to by pass steam. 
 
edited out how to do it. not sure if it meets evga rules. so i just removed it to be safe

*sigh* Guys it's not workin for me at all. Whenever I type that in (for me it's windows 7 and the E drive is my iPod so I have to put in D)
("C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -install D:)
 
 It pops up saying I don't have write privilieges which is complete bull because I have only 1 account and that makes me =admin right? I;m sincerely pissed right now, cuz I got skyrim 2 days ago and haven;t been able to play it becuase of ****ing dumbass steam.

You will find more info on it here as well
 
http://forums.bethsoft.co...disc-instead-of-steam/