* Backup File Size

[SpencerDudeUK]

I've suddenly noticed a huge increase in the file size of my backups - going from 186 mb on 12 December to 451 mb when I next back up 2 days later. Since then, it's always been the larger size. Is there a way to compact the file to eliminate 'white space', etc.? I certainly didn't do an enormous amount of changes and/or additions to warrant tripling the size of the backup...

[ColeValleyGirl]

What format are you saving your FH file in, and has it changed recently? UTF8 versus UTF16 can make a huge difference.... (which is bigger depends on the languages most used in your file).

[tatewise]

Spencer only bought FH in June this year so it would have been V6.2.7 and probably using UTF-16 all along.
Anyway it would have to be an ENORMOUS GEDCOM file to account for a 250MB change in size.
So something else is accounting for the increase.
Up until V6.2.6 it was the ThumbCache.dat file that could get very large, but that is now excluded from FH Backups.

Spencer, exactly what type of Backup are you performing?

Are you using FH File > Backup/Restore and which option Small, Medium or Full?
Those use a Compressed ZIP format that is already compact.

Or are you using some other external backup technique?
In which case, it might well be the ThumbCache.dat file that is the culprit.
It can grow quickly if you are viewing Diagrams &/or Reports with Media images included.

[SpencerDudeUK]

I'm backing up the whole directory. Yes, the culprit would appear to be the cache folder, which has several large .dat files in - the last one being the date in question. I can't remember doing anything that would have created that, but I'm assuming they can be deleted?

[SpencerDudeUK]

I deleted them all except the latest one, and the backup size has dramatically decreased...thanks for the help

[tatewise]

When you say the "whole directory" which one are you referring to?
The Project folder, or Family Historian Projects folder, or what?
It is not wise deleting files without knowing the consequences

You can delete the ThumbCache.dat file.
It holds image thumbnails and will get automatically recreated when needed.
As I said, whenever Media image thumbnails are displayed they are saved in that cache file.
There are Tools > Preferences settings that govern its use if you are interested in experimenting.
Why not use the FH File > Backup/Restore > Full Backup command that will automatically omit the ThumbCache.dat file and compact everything to make the backup even smaller?

Do NOT delete the FindMyPastCache.dat file or the MyHeritageCache.dat file.
They hold details about online 'hints' for the Internet Data Matches feature that will be lost if they are deleted.
If you don't use that feature then Disable it via Internet > Internet Data Matches select Provider and click Settings.

There should be only those three ...Cache.dat files in then Cache subfolder.
If there are more, then something is upsetting things and that needs investigating.