Table of Contents
Choosing the location of audio and video proxy files
14. September 2026
Table of Contents
With the optional audio and video module, FotoWeb creates proxy files - copies of the original files are encoded to play back on all platforms. Video and audio proxy files are stored in a configurable location on the server. Because proxy folders can grow very large, placing them on a drive with sufficient storage is important.
Choosing where to store proxies
By default, proxy files for both audio and video are stored in C:\ProgramData\Fotoware\FotoWeb\Operations\Proxies.
Depending on how many audio and video files you store in your DAM system, the proxy folders can become very large. Consider selecting a location other than your system drive and, for instance, using a dedicated storage area for them.
Note
Remember that the drive used to store proxy files is also where they are transcoded, so I/O on that drive can affect transcoding performance.
Also, make sure there is sufficient space on the drive to avoid running out of space, and make regular backups of the proxy files.
You can change the proxy file path in the FotoWeb Settings app. Open the FotoWeb Settings app and go to Settings > Advanced.
Under Proxy repository paths, change the Video & Audio path to the location where you want FotoWeb to store audio and video proxy files.
IIS configuration
If FotoWeb is running on IIS, changing the Video & Audio proxy path also requires updating the IIS configuration.
After saving the new path, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:
fwsetup -restoreIIS
This updates the IIS configuration to use the new proxy file location.
The physical path configured in IIS must match the Video & Audio path configured in FotoWeb Settings. If the paths differ, audio and video proxy files may not be accessible from FotoWeb.
Using junction points to change the audio and video proxy files' path
Another way to change the location of the audio and video proxy files is to use Windows Server Junction points. Follow these points to create a junction from the original Proxy location to a new location, for example, on another drive:
- Stop all FotoWeb services and Microsoft Internet Information Services
- Move the Proxies folder from C:\ProgramData\Fotoware\FotoWeb\Operations\Proxies to the new location
- Create a junction point between the old and new locations.Remember to use an elevated command prompt (running as Administrator):
cd \ProgramData\Fotoware\FotoWeb\Operations mklink /J Proxies [new location]
- Restart the FotoWeb services and Microsoft Internet Information Services.
Are proxy files purged when an audio or video file is deleted?
Yes, proxy files are purged within approximately 10 days of deleting the parent asset.