Client Data File Settings

In this topic:

Configure Computers

You can configure how much and how long the Client stores recorded data. Access the Client Data File settings from the the Deployment Utility or Client Settings, select the the Security tab and click the Client Data Files button.

Use this panel to make adjustments to how data files are stored on the Client.

The Recorder saves events in 15 minute chunks on the local Client computer's hard drive.
The events are stored in hidden data files in a Windows system folder.
Every few minutes the Client attempts to upload the files to the Data Vault.
After they are uploaded, the events are deleted from the local computer.
If the Maximum Data Size or number of Days stored (as set in this box) is exceeded before an upload can occur, the Client starts overwriting the oldest data with new data.

For Clients (laptops) not always connected to the network
You may want to increase the Client data storage limits to avoid losing data during the time the Client is disconnected.

For a low-performance computer

You may want to decrease the Client data maximum size or duration to avoid burdening the machine during a disconnect or causing performance problems.

Data Files

Although it is recommended to keep the installation stealthy, for management purposes you may want to make the local Client data visible.

Random Folder - By default, the Client stores data in a hidden file at a random location where the path cannot be detected by Windows Explorer. This option is recommended.
Specified Folder - Select this option to specify a static location for the Client data. This option is recommended only for troubleshooting.

You can select Fixed Filenames for the Client data from the Deployment Utility's build options to increase the visibility of the data.

Extension - The Client data file extension is .SDF. We recommend you do not change the extension.

Password - Sets a password restriction on the Client data file. By default there is no password to access local Client data. If you wish, you can set a password to encrypt the data and prevent unauthorized access.

After settings are applied to the Client, the password will be required when anyone attempts to use a Viewer to access the Client's local data files or the Client's data (going forward) in the Data Vault.

The Client data password is NOT the same as the password used to open a local Client Viewer. This password is required after the Viewer is open, when you attempt to access the data that has been password-protected.

To create a password, click Set, type a password in the Enter New Password box, verify it, and click OK. A message tells you that Client data that has not yet been uploaded to the Data Vault will not be accessible with the new password. Click Yes to delete existing data on the Client when the settings are applied. Click No to keep the existing data.

Hide Data Files in Windows Explorer - Check this option (the default) to set the Windows Hidden file attribute for the Client data file. The file will not be visible in MS Explorer. Clear this option to make files visible within the hidden folder.

Snapshot Data Files

Snapshot data can vary greatly in size depending on the snapshot capture format and frequency configured and the length of time the computer is used during the day. For this reason, the Control Center allows you to set snapshot data limits separately from other recorded data.

Delete Data After n Days - Set a number of days to retain snapshots on the Client computer before deleting. The default setting is 30 days.
Maximum Data Size n MB - Set the number of MB for data storage size that will be the limit for all snapshots stored on the Client computer. The default is 500 MB.

Other Data Files

The next settings apply to all other recorded data (except email file attachments). These recordings generally take substantially less disk space than snapshots.

Delete Data After n Days - Set a number of days to retain ALL non-snapshot data on the Client computer before deleting. The default setting is 45 days.
Maximum Data Size n MB - Set the data storage size in megabytes that will be the limit for ALL non-snapshot data stored on the Client computer. When the size is exceeded, older data will be over-written. The default is 30 MB.

To store data indefinitely

Enter a zero (0) in both the "Maximum Data Size" and "Delete Data After" fields. Data will never be deleted using these settings if the Client is unable to connect to the Data Vault.

To delete ONLY after max space used

If you want to check for a maximum space value and NOT for number of days passed, set "Delete Data After" to zero (0) days and "Maximum Data Size" to the desired size.

Local Data Folders and Files

The default local storage folders for recorded data files depends upon Windows operating system installed. The files are stored locally and "*" indicates this folder is randomly created during installation.

Windows NT and 2000 - Path to the data folder is: C:\winnt\system32\*
Windows XP - Path to the data folder is: C:\Windows\system32\*
Windows 98 and ME - Path for the data folder is: C:\windows\system\*

All files created to store events in the local Data File Folder are hidden and do not create a folder path visible to the user. The Data File Folder should be created in a path that will not normally be looked into by the casual user.