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Hauptwerk Cache management


Hi all,

I also posted this topic on Milan's HW Forum just now. Let me repeat the post here: perhaps I have missed something in the Hauptwerk set-up or my management before discovering the huge cache file size on my machine!

Jack

Having installed and operated HW4 "only" since March-August 2019, I regard myself as a "newbie" here, and I'll declare also that it's unlikely I will be upgrading to HW5: it does not offer me enough additional features compared to my HW4 program.

Only very recently I discovered the INCREDULOUS size of the Hauptwerk Cache file (250+ GB on my system!), AND I discovered that some, any or ALL these cache files can be DELETED by the user without damaging the operations of HW.

I am stunned that, given the enormous size of these cache files, that Hauptwerk does NOT offer a "normal, user-friendly" cache management menu option in the general drop-down menu, where the user can list all cache files by date created or file sizes in GB or MB, paired with a simple highlighted "chooser" to pick those files (oldest ones, biggest ones?) to delete them from the system.

Now, given the assumption that Hauptwerk 4 users are rapidly becoming the "weirdos who do not belong to the "real" Hauptwerk community any longer" by Milan, it's unlikely that an update of HW4 will be forthcoming with this menu option, the same point remains for HW5 - THIS SHOULD BECOME a menu option for HW5 as soon as possible.

Your thoughts?

Jack
by jacko
Feb 24, 2020 05:47 PM

Replies (8)

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management

jacko wrote:

Hi all,

I also posted this topic on Milan's HW Forum just now. Let me repeat the post here: perhaps I have missed something in the Hauptwerk set-up or my management before discovering the huge cache file size on my machine!

Jack

Having installed and operated HW4 "only" since March-August 2019, I regard myself as a "newbie" here, and I'll declare also that it's unlikely I will be upgrading to HW5: it does not offer me enough additional features compared to my HW4 program.

Only very recently I discovered the INCREDULOUS size of the Hauptwerk Cache file (250+ GB on my system!), AND I discovered that some, any or ALL these cache files can be DELETED by the user without damaging the operations of HW.

I am stunned that, given the enormous size of these cache files, that Hauptwerk does NOT offer a "normal, user-friendly" cache management menu option in the general drop-down menu, where the user can list all cache files by date created or file sizes in GB or MB, paired with a simple highlighted "chooser" to pick those files (oldest ones, biggest ones?) to delete them from the system.

Now, given the assumption that Hauptwerk 4 users are rapidly becoming the "weirdos who do not belong to the "real" Hauptwerk community any longer" by Milan, it's unlikely that an update of HW4 will be forthcoming with this menu option, the same point remains for HW5 - THIS SHOULD BECOME a menu option for HW5 as soon as possible.

Your thoughts?

Jack

I'm using V. I have noticed those cache files. So can they really be deleted? They are taking up a lot of space on my limited disk.

by contrabourdon
Feb 25, 2020 12:24 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management

contrabourdon wrote:

I'm using V. I have noticed those cache files. So can they really be deleted? They are taking up a lot of space on my limited disk.

To be safe, I'll quote from an email from Christoph Schmitz, who's an experienced HW developer here: https://www.hauptwerk-organ.com/

Today I deleted my 2 Midlwolda cache files (extended and "normal"), then loaded the Midwolda Extended again (the only version I use). Both files were 16GB. After loading Midwolda, I now have ONE, not TWO 16GB cache files.

Once you delete one or more cache files, the organs you use need to load/open again "for the first time". If you only use one or two samplesets regularly, it pays to delete huge files of organs you barely use! Make sure to spot the right OrganID number though, so you know which file you delete.

From the email (relates to HW4 - I don't use HW5):

"The cache file is stored in .../Hauptwerk/HauptwerkInternalWorkingFiles/ConfigX-OrganCaches with the name of the UniqueOrganID, e.g. OrganID000010.Cache_Hauptwerk_hbb (X = 0-3 for the 4 Hauptwerk configurations). The example is taken from ID 10, which is the ID of St. Anne's. If you run out of disk space you can easily delete these files as they will be rebuilt if needed."

Jack

by jacko
Feb 25, 2020 01:01 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management

contrabourdon wrote:

I'm using V. I have noticed those cache files. So can they really be deleted? They are taking up a lot of space on my limited disk.

One more response: last month, my local computershop replaced my 500GB D:/ drive, where I install all my organs, with a 1 TB drive, copying all files on the new drive. Cost me $180, including the drive and labour. Was well worth it, but on reflection, it should have been a 2TB drive!

Here is my entry and replies on the HW Forum:

http://forum.hauptwerk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&p=138564#p138564

Jack

by jacko
Feb 25, 2020 01:16 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management


I think that HW already manages its caches OK. There can be only one cache file per organ, what more could you ask?

You can easily tell when you last used an organ because the "Date Modified" in the "Cache" directory listing will tell you.

I have some cache files that were last modified in 2017. There is also one which is only 1Kb in size!! Not much of a cache!!

I also found a whole load of old empty cache folders which I have deleted.

My main criticism of cache's is the time it takes when you exit HW and it spends ages re-caching things which have not been changed. I do not want a re-cache if I leave a stop open when I exit HW. I always press the cancel button.

csw900
by csw900
Feb 25, 2020 04:21 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management


What happens when you first install a demo version of an organ, and then later buy the full set? I guess the demo cache remains needlessly on your PC.

How can we find these cache files? Are they clearly indicated by name so you can delete them easily?

Thanks!
by adri
Mar 2, 2020 06:43 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management

adri wrote:

What happens when you first install a demo version of an organ, and then later buy the full set? I guess the demo cache remains needlessly on your PC.

How can we find these cache files? Are they clearly indicated by name so you can delete them easily?

Thanks!

Hi Adri,

I learnt from Martin Dyde the other day, that when you have installed the "paid" set and then un-install the DEMO set, the Hauptwerk program also deletes the DEMO cache file ALWAYS. That's the good news I didn't know about.

I also discovered that deleting a cache file might mean that the organ "loads for the first time" in the same way as it loads after you've just first installed a new sampleset, but that deleting a cache file does NOT delete your personally programmed MIDI commands, the keyboard-MIDI-learn functions you've entered before and the programming of the organ pre-sets etc. while the cache file was not un-installad. That's ALSO good news.

How to find the cache files? Simple, if you have the Unique Organ ID. You can discover this ID often by opening the Organ Information file, and them look at the broser address bar which often shows that ID number. You can also discover it during the installation of an organ you've just downloaded (it shows in Hauptwerk's Windows Installeer Window when it's "unpacking" or "installing the thousands of little files: watch that window!

And you can find it by choosing "uninstall an organ", then wait for the Hauptwerk list to choose an organ, then LOOK and scrutinise the Organ DATA (not the organ itself) and write numbers down - without actually un-installing any data or organ.

I now have a COMPLETE list in a database file of all the organs installed on my PC, including details of the "real" organ, the sampleset maker, its location on the planet, the number of keyboards and the Organ ID.

In several cases there are two or even more "organs" when you buy one - dry, wet, surround, extended etc. Often they all have their own Organ ID.

Keeping a record, and cataloging is the best practice way of keeping on top!

Jack

by jacko
Mar 2, 2020 07:05 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management


Good day sir! The last time we corresponded was when Australia was ablaze. Now the world is ablaze with the onrushing pandemic.

Through the expertise of my Hauptwerk consultant, Francois Ratte, I was "converted" from H4 to H5 in December. I have about seven organs on the computer he designed for me, including the large three volume Salisbury wet sample set. I fully admit to be ignorant of most things related to computers, including those pertaining to Hauptwerk- thus my need for help from Francois. All I can say is that the operation of my files has not been disrupted by the conversion. Rather, the excellent reverberation algorithms now available through H5 have allowed me to play my formerly dry samples with a much more pleasing and realistic sound. Most improved is the Masterworks Mt. Carmel Skinner, and to a lesser extent, Paramount 341. Perhaps I have those cache file issues you have noticed, but so far, I seem to be ok. Lots more time to play, now that we are all asked to remain away from others as much as possible and cloister at home. Please stay safe, my friend!
by Jonny
Mar 18, 2020 07:47 AM

RE: Hauptwerk Cache management

jacko wrote:

Hi all,

I also posted this topic on Milan's HW Forum just now. Let me repeat the post here: perhaps I have missed something in the Hauptwerk set-up or my management before discovering the huge cache file size on my machine!

Jack

Having installed and operated HW4 "only" since March-August 2019, I regard myself as a "newbie" here, and I'll declare also that it's unlikely I will be upgrading to HW5: it does not offer me enough additional features compared to my HW4 program.

Only very recently I discovered the INCREDULOUS size of the Hauptwerk Cache file (250+ GB on my system!), AND I discovered that some, any or ALL these cache files can be DELETED by the user without damaging the operations of HW.

I am stunned that, given the enormous size of these cache files, that Hauptwerk does NOT offer a "normal, user-friendly" cache management menu option in the general drop-down menu, where the user can list all cache files by date created or file sizes in GB or MB, paired with a simple highlighted "chooser" to pick those files (oldest ones, biggest ones?) to delete them from the system.

Now, given the assumption that Hauptwerk 4 users are rapidly becoming the "weirdos who do not belong to the "real" Hauptwerk community any longer" by Milan, it's unlikely that an update of HW4 will be forthcoming with this menu option, the same point remains for HW5 - THIS SHOULD BECOME a menu option for HW5 as soon as possible.

Your thoughts?

Jack

Hello,

I am using HW4.2 and I don´t need the additional features of HW5 or 6. My sound module MOTU 828mk3 has implemented a good convolution reverb function that I use with the only two channels sampled organs, without CPU use.

Talking about the high size cache files, these can´t be removed or you will have to install the organ samples again. But, what´s about the "OrganInstallationPackages"?. Once the sample set has been installed and cached, they could be safeguarded and removed; isn´t it?

by biogon
May 10, 2021 04:53 PM

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