PPTA Temp Files are HUGE

Hi Brent,

Are you working on a virtual desktop?  Also, what is the location of the temporary PPTA files?

Hi Brian - thanks for the marvelously quick response!!

I am not on a virtual desktop.  The directory where all the files were was:

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C:\Documents and Settings\bberheim\LocalSettings\Temp\articulate\presenter\ppta

There were over 13,000 files there all created on one day.

Hi Brent,

It sounds like your machine isn't properly clearing out the temporary folder.  You can manually delete the files or using a program like CCleaner to clear them out.

Just so you know, it's not typical for that temp folder to contain a lot of files.  When these files aren't being automatically deleted, it typically indicates a system-specific issue.  You might try checking the permissions on the presenter folder by using the method below:

1.  Go to temp > articulate

2.  Right click articulate & choose Properties

3.  In the Security tab, make sure that each group or user name has "Full Control."  If not, you'll need to click the Edit button & allow Full Control

4.  When done, click Apply and close the Properties window

Thanks again for the reply. 

I went in and cleaned out all of the temp files, and that was wonderful.  Then I went in and verified that the permissions were set correctly.

So - if this is some sort of system-specific problem, any thoughts about how to go about getting this fixed?  Or where to start looking?  My IT dept is at a loss, as there are only a handful of us using this software, so they haven't learned a lot about it at this point.

Hi Brent,

Is anyone else that uses the software have the same problem at your organization?  

Hi Brian - I have heard of noone else having this issue.  I am the person at the company that does the majority of Articulate work. 

Are you using an automatic backup utility like Carbonite?

Good morning, Brian - I have put in that question to our IT dept, and am waiting on an answer.

I had one thought that perhaps it was a particular Articulate file that I have been playing with that is causing all of the problems.

I had a file that I created on my hard drive and saved to my desktop.  It used both a presenter file, and then had embedded Engage pieces all with audio.  The project worked well, but when I tried to move it to our network drive, it broke the sound file links and even after I re-linked the audio, it wouldn't work. 

I had moved the PPTX and PPTA files, as well as Engage files, etc.  But still didn't work.

So - after digging around on these forums, I saw instructions on how to use the Send Articulate package.  Even that won't work.

I even tried to recreate a new file where it should be - and it still won't work.

Anyway - that is possibly a different issue, but I do know that I was trying to move that file again around the time when all of the temp files were created.

Does that possibly shed any light on my odd situation?

Thanks again for all of your help!

Brent

Hi Brent,

Yes, that's a probable cause for the temp files being created in the first place.  However, they shouldn't be sitting in your temp folder for long.  Can you still replicate the issue or does your temp folder clear as expected now?

Good afternoon, Brian -

I was leery, but did go in and edit/publish, etc that piece, and no big temp files...  I didn't quite have the courage to try moving it - but perhaps I will have to make that attempt as well.  I suppose now that I know how to locate those temp files, I don't need to be quite as worried, but it still makes me nervous...  I will let you know if I get up the courage...

Hi Brent,

Just continue to use the software as you normally would.  There's no need to do anything special as long as it's working as expected right.  Let me know if you run into any additional issues.