---
title: Using an External Storage
slug: zixi-broadcaster-zec-current-version/using-an-external-storage
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-12-25T19:39:51.645Z
---

Modification of the location of the Zixi Broadcaster's ‘cache’ directory may be desired to minimize HDD used at the default location for recording streams. The default storage location (C:\Program Files\Zixi\Broadcaster\cache) can be replaced by using a symbolic link.

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The Zixi Broadcaster will need to be in a Maintenance Window to apply these steps, as the service will be turned off and on.
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### To configure an external storage path in Windows:

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On the Zixi Broadcaster Windows machine, stop the Zixi Broadcaster service by going into the operating system **Services** screen.
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Double-click the Zixi Broadcaster service to open its configuration properties.
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Under the **General** tab, in the **Startup type** drop-down menu, select the **Manual** option.
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Click the **Stop** button and then click **OK**.

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Delete the ‘cache’ file located at C:\Program Files\Zixi\Broadcaster\cache. This may require Administrator privileges depending on your environment.
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At the planned new location, create your new cache directory. In the example below, the directory was created in d:\\\_Zixi\Bx\cache.

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Go into the Windows Command line (cmd) as an Administrator.
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Enter a makelink command to create a new Symbolic link from the original path to the newly created ‘cache’ folder. For example: `mklink /D "c:\Program Files\Zixi\Broadcaster\cache" d:_Zixi\Bx\cache`

The newly created symbolic link for cache will be displayed in the following directory - C:\Program Files\Zixi\Broadcaster\  
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Go into the operating system **Services** screen.
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Double-click the Zixi Broadcaster service to open its configuration properties.
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Under the **General** tab, in the **Startup type** drop-down menu, select the **Automatic** option.
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Click the **Start** button and then click **OK**.

The recording of input streams will be stored in the new directory.
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