A host or guest may see a “Quota Exceeded Error” while recording. This article explains what causes this error, who needs to troubleshoot it, and what troubleshooting steps to follow.
In this article:
What This Issue Looks Like
The error appears as a pop-up on the Recording Page with the following message:
“QuotaExceededError: You have run out of free disk space to save a local backup of this data. I recommend that you stop the recording and clear out some disk space to prevent possible data loss. Please see the system requirements for more information.”
Who This Affects
This error most often affects the host, but it can also appear for a guest. It occurs when the participant’s browser runs out of local browser storage space during a recording.
What Causes This Error
Zencastr records each participant’s audio and video locally and temporarily stores these files in their browser’s local storage. As the recording continues, Zencastr progressively uploads those files to our servers in the background.
Every web browser sets a limit on how much local storage a website like Zencastr can use, typically around 5 to 10 MB, even if your device has plenty of free hard drive space. This storage is separate from your hard drive and shared across all websites and apps you use in that browser.
The Quota Exceeded Error appears when your browser’s local storage reaches its limit. It means Zencastr can no longer save your local backup unless the browser’s local storage space is freed.
Local browser storage can fill up when:
Zencastr backups from previous recordings haven’t been cleared; for example, if a past upload failed or was interrupted. (See steps 1 and 2)
Other websites and browser-based apps have stored data there over time, using up space. (See steps 1 and 3)
Who Should Follow Troubleshooting Steps
The troubleshooting steps below should be completed by the participant (host or guest) who sees the error message on their screen. If you're a host helping a guest with this issue, ask the guest to complete the steps on their own device and browser.
Troubleshooting Steps
Close any tabs that aren’t related to Zencastr to prevent other websites from using more local browser storage while you troubleshoot, then follow these steps in order:
1. Step One: (Host) Stop the Recording and Wait for All Files to Upload
Stop the recording to prevent further data loss. Zencastr will continue uploading any files that were already captured.
Click the stop button on the recording page.
Wait for both your and your guests files to finish uploading, indicated by all files turning solid grey with download arrows.
2. Step Two: (Host or Guest) Clear Zencastr's Site Data
This clears data Zencastr has stored in your browser, including any incomplete backups.
⚠️Before continuing, make sure there are no unfinalized recordings. If there are, complete the unfinalized track troubleshooting steps first.
In Chrome:
At the top right of the browser, next to your avatar, click the 3-dot menu icon.
Select Settings.
Click Privacy and Security.
Click Third-party cookies.
Click See All Site Data and Permissions.
In the search bar, type Zencastr.
In the search results, click the trash can icon next to zencastr.com.
Click Delete.
3. Step Three: (Host or Guest) Clear Other Websites' Site Data
This clears data other websites have stored in your browser.
In Chrome:
At the top right of the browser, next to your avatar, click the 3-dot menu icon.
Select Settings.
Click Privacy and Security.
Click Delete browsing data.
Click the Advanced tab.
Set the time range to Last 7 Days or another time period.
Check the boxes next to Download history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
Uncheck all other boxes for data you’d prefer not to remove, such as Passwords and other sign-in data.
Click Delete data.
Still Having Trouble?
If the error persists after trying the steps above:
Try using another supported browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Brave.
Contact Zencastr Support via chat or email.