Fill ‘Er Up!

As a consultant, I have seen my share of the server running on almost empty. That is, there are no more free disk space. Do not have enough free space, you can not drive defragmentation (they are often required), if it is a file server, and your users will start to scream, they could not save their MP3 files! When this happens, we will normally start digging through the drive to find files and folders can be deleted - it is time consuming, and not a very fun time, the boss is breathing on your neck. Fortunately, there is a better way.

With creatfil.exe from Windows Resource Kit, you can create virtual "filler" documents of any size. If you want to create enough of these files, the server started complaining of low disk space, simply deleted, because a lot of filler paper as you need to return to the business. This technique is only to provide some breathing space until you can deal with the root causes of your low disk space.

First, create a folder called filler. Open a command prompt. Creatfil.exe assumptions in your path, Run: creatfil fillerfile1.dat 1048576 This will require a few minutes of time, but this will create a 1 GB documents (specified file size in the KB). It does not matter what the file name or extension you use. Repeat, the need for a new file name, until you have enough packing files. I recommend blocking out 10 to 15 percent of the disk. Disk space in the event of an emergency, you can go back to business at any time simply by deleting as many documents as a necessary filler. By the way, I recommend to clients is to maintain at least 15 to 20 percent of free disk space.

Finally, if you want to automate the process, the use of the command. Heres how you can create 10 1 GB of documents: to / L% in the I (1,1,10) @ creatfil fillerfile% 1048576 If i.dat a little planning, you can avoid the pain out of control of disk space, and look forward to heroes like when the server running on empty.

[Editors note: this column has been updated corrections. ]