Browser.cache.disk.parent directory

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Background

Mozilla stores its disk cache in a directory in your profile folder unless this preference is specified. In the past the same thing was specified by browser.cache.disk.directory, and before that browser.newcache.directory and browser.cache.directory behaved similarly.

Once this preference is specified, a new directory named “Cache” will be created at the path you set.

Possible values and their effects

Any path with full write permissions by the current user is considered valid. As mentioned above, the actual disk cache contents will be stored in a directory beneath this path.

Caveats

  • The disk cache must be turned on for this preference to have an effect.
  • The disk cache’s capacity must be set to a positive integer for any files to be written to the specified directory.

UI

Mozilla Suite

A “Choose Folder” button is available under “Edit → Preferences → Advanced → Cache → Set Cache Options”.

Firefox

Firefox does not have a direct UI. Using "about:config" to set the preference directly is an alternative.

Recommended settings

A fast, local hard disk is the best choice for storing your disk cache files. If you’re concerned about privacy, you may want to look into creating a RAM disk and using that as the location for your cache.

First checked in

2001-09-19 by Gordon Sheridan

Has an effect in

  • Mozilla Suite (all versions since 0.9.5)
  • Mozilla Phoenix (all versions)
  • Mozilla Firebird (all versions)
  • Mozilla Firefox (all versions)
  • Camino (all versions)

Related bugs

  • Bug 78480 - Can’t seem to set the cache directory as of 30042001 build
  • Bug 319799 - Separate volatile and personal data in profile

Related preferences

External links