How can I move the Quicktime cache?

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Level 1

4 points

How can I move the Quicktime cache?

Does anyone know how to move the Quicktime cache onto another drive? By default, it's in
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer\QuickTime\downloads
I prefer to keep my system drive as small as possible for backups and even though I've got cache size set to 100Mb, this folder often grows to 250Mb until I clear it.

Alienware 7700m, Windows XP, Quicktime Pro 7.0.3

Posted on Dec 22, 2005 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 22, 2005 11:48 AM in response to cjdshaw

One would have to hack both the QuickTime Player application and the users directory format of Windows XP to achieve such a goal.
You can set the "cache" to "never" using the QT Control Panel.
New to QuickTime 7 is a new caching scheme that allows users to set the size of these cached files. They are even available for "offline" viewing. Very useful features for modern hard drives and user habits.

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Answer 2

Jacumba

Level 4

2,349 points

Dec 22, 2005 4:21 PM in response to cjdshaw

With windows explorer you can move things around between drives I believe its a drag and drop or copy and paste. I use a file management program called Total Commander to do these things, so I can't give you the steps. A internet search or microsoft's knowledge base probably can.
I don't know what effect moving it will have on QT or if you really need it. I was able to move it, and QT still played files from the net. You can always put it back if there is a problem.

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Answer 3

cjdshaw Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 10, 2006 3:51 PM in response to QuickTimeKirk

Kirk:
I'd rather not kill the cache entirely. As you say, it's useful for viewing the second time or offline. I just want to make QT save the cache on another drive. The cache limit seems odd though. Even though it's set to 100Mb, it regularly grows to over 250Mb. Bug?
Thanks for the suggestions though

Jacumba:
I know how to move files in Windows. I'm not a complete idiot. I want to change the location where QT creates the cache. If I move it manually, QT will just recreate it in the same place.

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Answer 4

Jacumba

Level 4

2,349 points

Jan 10, 2006 5:02 PM in response to cjdshaw

Apparently you are a idiot. I moved the QT cache from C to E and it has not recreated in C. It has remained in E. With nothing in it.
A cache is mostly used for internet files to be stored temporarily on the HD because they can be accessed faster from the disk than re-downloading the same files over and over, that are frequented. This was more practical in the days of dial-up connections. With broadband speeds you can set the cache to 0

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Answer 5

cjdshaw Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 11, 2006 12:55 AM in response to Jacumba

Interesting. What exactly did you move? If I move either
C:\Documents and Settings\chris\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer\QuickTime
or it's downloads subdirectory, they are recreated next time I play a movie from the net. I don't really want to disable the cache entirely since I'm often on a low bandwidth connection.
So, to summarise: I want to use the cache, but I don't want it on my system drive. Most applications allow you to set the location of their scratch disk or cache folder, but QT doesn't seem to.

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