VideoCacheView 3.11

Overview

VideoCacheView is video cache scanning package that is capable of finding old caches relating to video files that have been played through one of several web browsers and media players over time. The less often that the computer system has been cleaned of old logs and browser caches, the more files the software is likely to locate.

The initial scan may seem to produce many results, but usually these are then reduced down to a small handful when consolidated together and duplicates removed. Some files may be saveable, but not playable, depending on what VideoCacheView has discovered and is able to disseminate from what remains of the video cache files.

Results can include video content watched from Metacafe and other sites. It can sometimes be possible to extract video content and save it as a Flash FLV file for easier viewing when offline.

The extraction of cache files has always been a bit spotty in any application. There will be things missing, incomplete information and this will undoubtedly make smooth video playback difficult when this is the case with any retrieved video. Not a fault of VideoCacheView, but worth noting.

Installation

The application is downloaded in a file archive. Once unpacked, it can be loaded directly from the executable file as it is a portable app.

There was no adware, malware, spyware, toolbars or other unexpected software included with the distribution.

VideoCacheView requires Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7 or 8.

Interface

The interface has a basic menu system and then some tiny toolbar buttons.

The application will immediately begin to scan the cache files across the hard drive in order to try to locate any video cache that can be used to play or save a file. This process takes a lot or a little time depending on how many video files are cached and how often the cache files are cleaned up.

Pros

• Access video cache files easily
• The software can help extract video content
• View or save as Flash video file
• Freeware

Cons

• Does not save in more modern video formats like MP4
• Not always successful at obtaining a full video

Conclusion

VideoCacheView is one way to access video cache files still on a computer. These provide a kind of last ditch effort to locate old video content previously played but are a poor substitute for simply loading up the live web page again if the URL is known and the video is still live.