Question on Q-see QC security system harddrive

[Kyle1886]

I have a Q-see QC series (QC-938) security camera system that is almost full (2TB). Althought I have the system set to overwrite, the disk space continues to go down. (130GB remaining as of this AM)

I've called and e-mailed Q-see tech support and have gotten differing answers to the same questions. (Four or five different techs)

All I want to do is delete old files and recover disk space; fairly simple with most computers.

The last tech told me that I must reformat the drive inorder to recover the space. When asked if reformatting deletes camera/DVR/users/password settings he said "No", only video files including locked files. This is contrary to what a previous tech said and my experience with regular PCs.

I'd appreciate feedback from any Q-see users that actually use the system or know how it works. (The on-line manual states:

IMPORTANT! Reformatting the hard drive will erase ALL records, including locked files!)

The way I read "ALL records" means a complete wipe, including settings, etc. as with a regular disk format on a PC, am I incorrect?

Thank you for info that may be helpful.

Respectfully
Kyle

[incredablehefey]

I dont believe it will remove your settings, that kind of stuff is usually saved in a little bit of on board memory. Im no expert, but i do have a New camera dvr system sitting next to me with the hard drive removed. I have been too lazy to upgrade my secondary camera system. Its not a Qsee one tho.

[Kyle1886]

Thank you Incredablehey for your thoughts. Good luck with you system.

Respectfully,
Kyle

[Kyle1886]

No definitive answer and Google has not been my friend. (...as if Google can be anyone's "friend")

Respectfully,
Kyle

[rivraton]

If you have it set to overwrite, that will give you the longest coverage. You can also set it to delete files after a specified period (1 day, several days, a week etc) I always leave mine set to just overwrite the oldest files, so I have the longest possible coverage.

Althought I have the system set to overwrite, the disk space continues to go down. (130GB remaining as of this AM)

Edit to add info.
When set to overwrite, the drive must "fill" before it can overwrite, it creates 'circular memory" the newest files are written over the oldest files...

[Kyle1886]

Rivraton, thanks, that's what I thought but sort of contrary to what one of the techs said, hence my question. He also stated that there would be no room on the disk should one want to "lock a file or a sequence of files". "...the only way to recover disk space is to format", as per tech.

Questioned as to why there is an overwrite mode, his answer "...for short term recording if disk is full, bla, bla"

Have you "formatted" your drive at any point?

Since I'm home most of the day, I only run my "record on motion" from dusk to when I get up at 04:00. The 2TB (8 cameras) lasts a while in that configuration, and would last longer without spider webs)

(So far system has nailed one thief and working on another).

Thanks again,
Kyle

[rivraton]

If I want to protect a particular recording, I back it up to a thumb drive. the only time I formatted the HD on my Qsee DVR was when I up-graded to a Samsung unit and basically scrubbed my QSee unit for disposal. I know what you are referring to with the spider webs, I have to do a Webster patrol at least once a week, moths trigger a lot of recordings as well. I am pretty sure that you can format the HD without disturbing you config / password, I think that the OS in on a chip not the HD. If you review the recorded files pretty often, you can format the HD then set up to retain the files for say a week and you you should always have plenty on room to archive stuff.

[Kyle1886]

Rivraton, I did the format and did not lose settings or passwords, so you were correct. Thanks much for the feedback.

Oh...and I'm sure you found atmospheric fog does a number on recording time right along with the creepy crawly and flying things...

I set the system up on 14 May last year, so a year of recording on the way I have it set up is good.

Thanks...Kyle