Moving the Firefox browser cache?
willshak
another drive and folder (Tools/Internet Options/General tab/Browsing
History/Settings/Move Folder.
Currently, the FF folder is on the C: drive in Documents and settings.
I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
D: drive.
Can it be done, or if not, can it be considered in a new version of FF?
--
Bill
Windows XP Home sp3
Firefox 3.6.8
Thunderbird 2.0.0.24
(tried 3, went back to 2)
Michael 'Coce' Köhler
> Currently, the FF folder is on the C: drive in Documents and settings.
> I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
> D: drive.
> Can it be done, or if not, can it be considered in a new version of FF?
Moving the Firefox cache should be possible as described here
<http://kb.mozillazine.org/Browser.cache.disk.parent_directory>.
Regards
Michael
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
> In MS Internet Explorer, it is possible to move the IE browser cache to
> another drive and folder (Tools/Internet Options/General tab/Browsing
> History/Settings/Move Folder.
>
> Currently, the FF folder is on the C: drive in Documents and settings.
> I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
> D: drive.
> Can it be done, or if not, can it be considered in a new version of FF?
>
First of all, locate your current cache directory: about:cache
Then, create a new /cache/ directory where you want it located.
In about:config, type browser.cache.disk.parent_directory in the filter
window, then right-click on the line, select "Modify" and enter the new
path to your cache directory.
--
*Jay Garcia - Netscape/Flock Champion*
www.ufaq.org
Netscape - Firefox - SeaMonkey - Flock - Thunderbird
David McRitchie
Good idea to clear you cache at the end of the session if you are on
high speed access, and since you will be moving it, clear out current
Firefox cache before moving.
Firefox: (now) Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Network -> clear now.
(FF end of session) img338.imageshack.us/i/clearcache.png/
Internet Explorer: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm
Before reassigning cache directory, note old location using
about:cache as suggested by Jay. You will want to clear that out
later manually when Firefox is down.
Even when told to clear cache at the end of the session, browsers
don't clear cache, if they terminate, so you will find old files and
old data. So you want to also clear out your cache manually
at times -- even if it is just lots of empty folders.
When you name a directory for your Firefox cache, suggest including
the profile name as a subdirectory within, because you want a different
cache for each profile.
While on the subject of cache, you can best view your Firefox cache
with an extension.
CacheViewer
"This extension is a GUI Front-end of "about:cache".
Allows searching and sorting memory and disk cache files."
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2489/
--
HTH,
David McRitchie, extensions I use are briefly documented on my site
Firefox Custom: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/firefox.htm
Greywolf
> In MS Internet Explorer, it is possible to move the IE browser cache to
> another drive and folder (Tools/Internet Options/General tab/Browsing
> History/Settings/Move Folder.
>
> Currently, the FF folder is on the C: drive in Documents and settings.
> I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
> D: drive.
> Can it be done, or if not, can it be considered in a new version of FF?
>
Fairly simple to do, as others have explained.
However, could you satisfy my curiosity: why do you want to move the cache?
wolf k.
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
Because, as he said:
"I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
D: drive."
I have my cache directory on an external terrabyte drive. I try to keep
only program files on my main internal drive, the reason being is that
data is always handy on an external drive in case you have to take it
with you in the event that evacuation is necessary here in south
Louisiana. Prorams can always be re-installed but once data is lost it's
gone.
Tarkus
Of course, if he suffers a crash (FF or OS), he's going to lose that
cache anyway, so that would be the least of my concerns. Cache data is
not gone once it's lost; it only needs to be re-downloaded.
Terry R.
But it still takes up space. And that is what the OP is trying to free
up on C: to another drive.
Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
Terry R.
> In MS Internet Explorer, it is possible to move the IE browser cache to
> another drive and folder (Tools/Internet Options/General tab/Browsing
> History/Settings/Move Folder.
>
> Currently, the FF folder is on the C: drive in Documents and settings.
> I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
> D: drive.
> Can it be done, or if not, can it be considered in a new version of FF?
>
Hi Will,
I have always had only my OS's on a C: drive, data on D:, and programs
on E:. They span three different hard drives, so I'm not using one drive
partitioned. The cache is a very small portion of space taken up on a
hard drive, unless the user has it set unusually high. Either of these
methods will give you MUCH more free space that worrying about a cache
folder.
If your My Documents is already located on D:, you could:
1. Move your paging file to D: also, which usually is located on C:
Right click on My Computer, Properties, Advanced tab,
Performance section click Settings, Advanced tab,
Virtual memory section click Change.
Click on D: and select "System managed size" and click Set
Click on C: and select "No paging file" and click Set
Disregard message about dump files.
You may have to reboot
You could also reduce the size allocated to the Recycle Bin (right click
on RB, click Properties, under Global tab choose "Configure drives
independently", then reduce the size of C: as needed.
Terry R.
Sorry, I looked at your email address and wrote Will when it should have
been Bill...
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
Been my experience that if FF crashes only the memory cache is gone, not
the disk cache.
David McRitchie
> cache anyway, so that would be the least of my concerns. Cache data is
> not gone once it's lost; it only needs to be re-downloaded.
Another reason to move cache out of the profile is so that you do not have to
back it up when you back up all of your user data -- which includes FF profiles.
You also have better control over it to delete old stuff if you know exactly where it is.
Tarkus
> On 27.07.2010 18:11, Tarkus wrote:
>
> --- Original Message ---
>
>> > Of course, if he suffers a crash (FF or OS), he's going to lose that
>> > cache anyway, so that would be the least of my concerns. Cache data is
>> > not gone once it's lost; it only needs to be re-downloaded.
> Been my experience that if FF crashes only the memory cache is gone, not
> the disk cache.
Guess you've never used a dialup connection.
Or about:cache.
FF does this on purpose, though there used to be an extension that would
defeat that "feature". There is another way, but it's more hassle than
it's worth, IMO.
BTW, I just tested this by killing FF from the Task Manager. Sure
enough, the FF 3.6.8 disk cache went from nearly full to empty upon
restarting.
Tarkus
> "Tarkus"
>> Of course, if he suffers a crash (FF or OS), he's going to lose that
>> cache anyway, so that would be the least of my concerns. Cache data
>> is not gone once it's lost; it only needs to be re-downloaded.
>
> Another reason to move cache out of the profile is so that you do not
> have to back it up when you back up all of your user data -- which
> includes FF profiles.
If you use MozBackup, you can choose what you want to back up. Of
course, you may want to use a more automated method. Most of my
important stuff stays backed up via Firefox Sync, so I really don't need
frequent regular backups.
> You also have better control over it to delete old stuff if you know
> exactly where it is.
Or just kill the FF process from the Task Manager. ;)
Fox on the run
Based on testing I did to answer a question on that issue (loosing
cache on crash - see http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.support.firefox/browse_thread/thread/a3e74b0fe5bc4a9e#),
I've found that all your cash gets deleted on restart if FF crashes.
JB
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
You're right, never used a computer before. Have no idea what I'm doing
.. <sigh>
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
> On Jul 27, 11:51 pm, Jay Garcia <J...@JayNOSPAMGarcia.com> wrote:
>> On 27.07.2010 18:11, Tarkus wrote:
>>
>> --- Original Message ---
>>
>> > Of course, if he suffers a crash (FF or OS), he's going to lose that
>> > cache anyway, so that would be the least of my concerns. Cache data is
>> > not gone once it's lost; it only needs to be re-downloaded.
>>
>> Been my experience that if FF crashes only the memory cache is gone, not
>> the disk cache.
>>
>> --
>> *Jay Garcia - Netscape/Flock Champion*www.ufaq.org
>> Netscape - Firefox - SeaMonkey - Flock - Thunderbird
>
> Based on testing I did to answer a question on that issue (loosing
> cache on crash - see http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.support.firefox/browse_thread/thread/a3e74b0fe5bc4a9e#),
> I've found that all your cash gets deleted on restart if FF crashes.
>
> JB
And in all my testing I've never loosed cash before if it's moved to a
non-default location. I would imagine that it all depends on the nature
of the crash and if you have enabled to delete cash on exit.
Greywolf
> On 27.07.2010 15:47, Greywolf wrote:
>
> --- Original Message ---
>
>> On 27/07/2010 10:43, willshak wrote:
>>> In MS Internet Explorer, it is possible to move the IE browser cache to
>>> another drive and folder (Tools/Internet Options/General tab/Browsing
>>> History/Settings/Move Folder.
>>>
>>> Currently, the FF folder is on the C: drive in Documents and settings.
>>> I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
>>> D: drive.
>>> Can it be done, or if not, can it be considered in a new version of FF?
>>>
>>
>> Fairly simple to do, as others have explained.
>>
>> However, could you satisfy my curiosity: why do you want to move the cache?
>>
>> wolf k.
>
> Because, as he said:
>
> "I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
> D: drive."
Yes, but it's much easier just to reduce the max cache size. You don't
need to _keep_ any of that stuff. It's not permanent data. It just
speeds up switching between tabs.
> I have my cache directory on an external terabyte drive. I try to keep
> only program files on my main internal drive, the reason being is that
> data is always handy on an external drive in case you have to take it
> with you in the event that evacuation is necessary here in south
> Louisiana. Programs can always be re-installed but once data is lost it's
> gone.
>
Very sound precautions, but as I said, the cache isn't permanent data.
Peace,
wolf k.
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
My oldest cache entry is exactly 43 days old, permanent enough for my
purposes. It all depends on a user's particular useage that is
important, YMMV. Cache is as permanent as you want it to be or not. With
today's connection speeds, keeping cache isn't all that important.
However, cache in conjunction with cookies can be a bonus in some
instances, especially on some of the photography sites I regularly
visit. Like I said, it is only important to the user who uses the
functionality.
Greywolf
Yeah, but -
Why do you want to keep cache data? All browsers I've used have a cache
size setting. FF's default is peanuts, just 50MB.
IF OP is keeping all his cache data, of course he's using up disk space.
I've noticed that after a day or two, the cache here is around 2MB -
peanut crumbs. ;-)
So I'm still puzzled just what OP expects to gain. My guess is that OP
has a few other problems with his system, and moving the cache is not
going to provide much relief.
Peace,
wolf k.
Pete Holsberg
> On 27/07/2010 18:51, Jay Garcia wrote:
>
> > Because, as he said:
> >
> > "I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
> > D: drive."
>
> Yes, but it's much easier just to reduce the max cache size. You don't
> need to _keep_ any of that stuff. It's not permanent data. It just
> speeds up switching between tabs.
>
I've set my cache to 0 and don't seem to be missing anything!
--
Pete Holsberg
Columbus, NJ
He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes;
he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.
- Chinese Proverb
Ron Hunter
> Greywolf has written on 7/28/2010 9:19 AM:
>> On 27/07/2010 18:51, Jay Garcia wrote:
>> <snip>
>>
>> > Because, as he said:
>> >
>> > "I want to free up some space on my C: drive and move that folder to my
>> > D: drive."
>>
>> Yes, but it's much easier just to reduce the max cache size. You don't
>> need to _keep_ any of that stuff. It's not permanent data. It just
>> speeds up switching between tabs.
>
> I've set my cache to 0 and don't seem to be missing anything!
>
sprockets
wrote:
When I used to use Netscape 3.01 the first thing I did was put the cache
file on a separate drive partition so as not to fragment the C:drive as
much.
Thats going way back...
HTH,
sprockets
--
Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/
Tarkus
> On 27.07.2010 23:22, Tarkus wrote:
>
> --- Original Message ---
>
>> > On 7/27/2010 6:51 PM, Jay Garcia wrote:
>>> >> On 27.07.2010 18:11, Tarkus wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> --- Original Message ---
>>> >>
>>>>> >>> > Of course, if he suffers a crash (FF or OS), he's going to lose that
>>>>> >>> > cache anyway, so that would be the least of my concerns. Cache
>>>> >>> data is
>>>>> >>> > not gone once it's lost; it only needs to be re-downloaded.
>>> >> Been my experience that if FF crashes only the memory cache is gone, not
>>> >> the disk cache.
>> >
>> > Guess you've never used a dialup connection.
>> >
>> >
>> > FF does this on purpose, though there used to be an extension that would
>> > defeat that "feature". There is another way, but it's more hassle than
>> > it's worth, IMO.
>> >
>> > BTW, I just tested this by killing FF from the Task Manager. Sure
>> > enough, the FF 3.6.8 disk cache went from nearly full to empty upon
>> > restarting.
> You're right, never used a computer before. Have no idea what I'm doing
> ..<sigh>
Sorry if I came off condescending, but I think if you test it as I did,
you'll come up with the same results.
Tarkus
> And in all my testing I've never loosed cash before if it's moved to a
> non-default location. I would imagine that it all depends on the nature
> of the crash and if you have enabled to delete cash on exit.
I've never tried a non-default location, but I would think it wouldn't
make a difference, because it works that way by design. It's not a bug.
As for deleting cache on exit, again, I don't see how that would make
any difference, because with a crash, that doesn't come into play,
either way.
That said, some people have it set to delete cache on exit, but to
prompt them. That allows them to save the cache (if desired) after a
crash, but I consider that more hassle than it's worth, assuming you
don't really want to delete the cache. If I was still on dialup, I
might think otherwise, though.
Tarkus
Depends on the speed of your broadband, and the speed of the sites you
visit.
Tarkus
> It's not permanent data. It just speeds up switching between tabs.
Actually, it speeds up the loading of tabs (on previously visited
sites). It has nothing to do with switching between tabs. At least the
disk cache doesn't; the memory cache might be a different matter.
And it can be pretty permanent if you regularly load certain pages every
day. The graphics from those pages will likely remain in your cache
indefinitely, until you have a crash.
Ron Hunter
then you might see some degradation, maybe.
Jay Garcia
--- Original Message ---
I did test it by going to processes and ending the task - disk cache
remains unscathed.
On a lighter note, I started with a 300 baud modem Apple 2c and a 2e
dialup connection through GeNIE many moons ago. How many of you folks
remember GeNIE ?? ;-)
And before that admining a major medical facility running VAX / VMS ..
How 'bout that? and wayyy before that installing/configuring the very
first GE PAC4000 mainframe with 3 slave units at Union Carbide in 1967. ;-)
Ron Hunter
Well, the first computer I saw as an IBM 605 (I think that was the
model). It was brand spanking new at Union Carbide in Texas City, in
1957. It had 4000 vacuum tubes (pentodes), and had to be kept within 3
degrees of 65 degrees or the tubes began to explode. Input and output
was to cards to be printed on an accounting machine. First computer I
operated was IBM 1620 at Alvin Jr. College in Alvin, Tx., in 1963. And,
you bet I remember Genie.
Also, FidoNet, and lots of local BBS, one of which I ran for 2 years.
Greywolf
> On 7/29/2010 8:00 AM, Jay Garcia wrote:
>> On a lighter note, I started with a 300 baud modem Apple 2c and a 2e
>> dialup connection through GeNIE many moons ago. How many of you folks
>> remember GeNIE ?? ;-)
>>
>> And before that admining a major medical facility running VAX / VMS ..
>> How 'bout that? and wayyy before that installing/configuring the very
>> first GE PAC4000 mainframe with 3 slave units at Union Carbide in
>> 1967. ;-)
>>
>
> Well, the first computer I saw as an IBM 605 (I think that was the
> model). It was brand spanking new at Union Carbide in Texas City, in
> 1957. It had 4000 vacuum tubes (pentodes), and had to be kept within 3
> degrees of 65 degrees or the tubes began to explode. Input and output
> was to cards to be printed on an accounting machine. First computer I
> operated was IBM 1620 at Alvin Jr. College in Alvin, Tx., in 1963. And,
> you bet I remember Genie.
> Also, FidoNet, and lots of local BBS, one of which I ran for 2 years.
>
Nostalgia time! ;-)
My first encounter with commuters was in a machine language programming
course in 1963 or thereabouts, using an IBM 360. The university bought
it secondhand for $250,000, which was a bargain, I guess. ;-) We filled
in little boxes on those ubiquitous IBM cards, the data was transferred
to a paper tape, then the program ran. Usually. We started with 2-bit
binary op codes with 4-bit address codes, then "graduated" to
alphanumeric "mnemonics".
Many years later, I took another machine language course, for a Vax this
time, 'cause I needed some paper proof I was competent to head our
Communications Dept, which our principal decided should include
computing. (The Math head wasn't exactly pleased by this). I'd become
the unofficial maintainer of the staff-room PC (Windows on MSDOS 6.2x),
and helped maintain the classroom computers (all Commodores PETs), and
later assisted in maintaining the network (we had two rooms of PCs by
then.) All unpaid of course. Much later, the Board hired an IT tech. I
wrote a marks recording/calculation program for myself in Comal, because
none of the available ones did what I wanted. I've also dabbled in
Fortran, BASIC, and Cobol. Forgotten 99.99% of it....
Them wuz the daze.
wolf k.
Pete Holsberg
> <snip>
> On a lighter note, I started with a 300 baud modem Apple 2c and a 2e
> dialup connection through GeNIE many moons ago. How many of you folks
> remember GeNIE ?? ;-)
>
I even remember my CompuServe account -- 70240,334 !!
--
Pete Holsberg
Columbus, NJ
A diplomat is a person who can tell you to go to hell in
such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.
- Anon