* Option to not create an image cache

[Mark1834]

Another simple to define item for consideration -

Issues -

1. The media cache file is large and is refreshed frequently. This can cause delays in syncing with cloud storage if the user has a relatively slow internet connection (uploads are generally much slower than downloads, particularly for non-FTTP connections).
2. When working with media files, FH appears to access the cached thumbnail rather than the live file. If you are revising the image file while FH is open (e.g. by downloading an alternative version), the Media tab in the Properties Box does not refresh until you select a different record then switch back

Proposal - An option in Tools > Preferences to not create an image cache file, and always access the live image. The majority of modern PCs now have fast SSD storage, so the cache file creates more problems than it solves.

[tatewise]

The Tools > Preferences > General tab, Advanced... button, offers two cache options that may do what you requested.
( You are not supposed to post a request for a feature that FH already offers )

A related problem is that the ThumbCache.dat file only gains thumbnails and never purged of unused ones, which means it can grow incredibly large and cause various errors in FH and with cloud syncing. That known problem has existed forever!
There should be a mechanism that either purges redundant thumbnails or allows the ThumbCache.dat file to be deleted safely, whereas currently users are advised to delve into the Project folder Cache sub-folder to delete that file.
See FHUG KB Family Historian Installation Problems Error: Out of Memory and the Forum Topics mentioned at the bottom.

[arthurk]

Mike - please could you clarify what you mean by "unused" and "redundant" thumbnails? Do they relate to images that have been removed from the project, or does the thumbnail cache keep refreshing itself but without deleting duplicates?

As my cache is steadily growing, though not yet alarmingly big, I'm inclined to change the setting to Load When Needed, but that raises a couple more questions:
- will setting that option delete the existing cache, or would that still need to be done manually?
- my images are stored outside the project: does that affect any of the above?

[tatewise]

Unfortunately, the cache behaviour is not well documented so what happens is based on user observations, smoke & mirrors.
It is not even clear whether the Report/Book Image Caching and Thumbnail Images options relate to the same cache!
The problems are more likely in large Projects with many images and multiple Diagrams or Reports open.

It seems the ThumbCache.dat file only grows and never shrinks even when Media records/images are deleted or Link to Face frames are redefined and need a new 'cropped' image.

Nothing in FH ever deletes the ThumbCache.dat file, which is why the FHUG KB advises manual deletion.

It does not matter where the image files are stored as it is their thumbnail images cached by FH that matter.

[David2416]

I set the The Tools > Preferences > General tab, Advanced option to load when needed some time ago and then deleted the ThumbCache.dat
That file has not been recreated, a search of my hard drive shows just the remnants shown in the screenshot below.

Perhaps that addresses Mark's requirement? I haven't noticed any downside.

[Mark1834]

Thanks both - I’d forgotten the cache options in Preferences, so that does seem to do what I was seeking. I’ll follow David’s route and check that it does not reappear.

[tatewise]

Mark, can this thread be moved to the FH General Usage forum for the time being?

The 'remnant' ThumbCache.data files listed by David are probably simply explained...
The first one is embedded in the FH installation files for the Family Historian Sample Project, so not a 'remnant' at all.
The second is embedded in the actual Family Historian Sample Project itself, so also not a 'remnant'.
The other two are probably embedded in other Projects that David has created and could be deleted from those Projects.

[Mark1834]

No problem. I've just changed my settings and deleted all my ThumbCache.data files apart from the one under the ProgramFiles(x86) folder relating to the master copy of the Sample Project, so I'll monitor performance over the next few days and weeks.

[arthurk]

Thanks for all the comments and advice - I've likewise deleted the ThumbsCache.dat and changed the setting to Load When Needed. In the event of any problems I expect I'll be back....

[David2416]

The 'remnant' ThumbCache.data files listed by David are probably simply explained...
The first one is embedded in the FH installation files for the Family Historian Sample Project, so not a 'remnant' at all.
The second is embedded in the actual Family Historian Sample Project itself, so also not a 'remnant'.
The other two are probably embedded in other Projects that David has created and could be deleted from those Projects.

Spot on Mike; I have deleted them apart for the one embedded in the FH installation files for the Family Historian Sample Project.
The 'Load When Needed' seems to be a global setting rather than per project.

[NickiP]

Thanks for this. I have the very issue ADSL broadband and a 1.35gb cache file which I have to remember to delete each time I use FH.

[ColeValleyGirl]

Closing as not required.