MrGD
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What is stored in \\windows\system32\backup and how can I shrink the size of it?
I am running into an issue where my C: drive on a Small Business Server running Exchange is running out of space on the C: partition. I have performed all of the normal cleanups recommended like log files, and WSUS. My mailboxes were always on the D: partition. While doing some digging, I found that a folder located \\windows\system32\backup is taking up almost 50 gb. The odd thing is that the sub folders are all stating less than a GB of data. What is stored in this folder and how can I shrink it? I first thought that might be a backup of the OS installed by Dell but the time stamp dates of the smaller folders are current and I guess it would not make sense for them to create a restore folder within the C: partition anyways. I am using the backup program offered with SBS to backup my server to an external NAS drive.
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Please tell us the version of SBS you have. And I agree with a space analyzer. Others are Windirstat and Treesize pro. Be sure to run as administrator if you have SBS 2008 or 2011.
ASKER
I have SBS 2011 which I guess is also called 2008 R2. I used the free version of Treesize and that is how I found the folder that was so large. I remember that some of the files had the index somewhere within the name so I bet that is what they are, but I do not remember any options within the backup software asking or stating where they were going to be stored. Again, just used the backup program that was offered within SBS 2011. Will check and post what I find. Hopefully there is an option to store them on the D partition.
ASKER
OK. Ran WinDirStat and it did not show anything out of the ordinary until I selected the option of showing Unknown file types and then it showed Unknown 51.3% 57GB. I then ran TreeSize and it again showed the attached report. I went into the backup program offered within SBS 2011 and it does not show nor give you any options on storing index files. About the only real option is to specify the destination for the backups.
There are a number of folders within the BackupDatabase folder. Each appears to be whenever a backup is ran. Within the folder is a number of files that reference Index. I am also including an attached image of those contents.
Previously I stated that I was backing up to a NAS drive. That is not completely correct. It is a Sans Digital USB external enclosure running RAID1. I am running Windows Server Backup. If the files are indexes of the backups, how can I delete them without messing up my backups?
SpaceUsed.jpg
FolderContents.jpg
There are a number of folders within the BackupDatabase folder. Each appears to be whenever a backup is ran. Within the folder is a number of files that reference Index. I am also including an attached image of those contents.
Previously I stated that I was backing up to a NAS drive. That is not completely correct. It is a Sans Digital USB external enclosure running RAID1. I am running Windows Server Backup. If the files are indexes of the backups, how can I delete them without messing up my backups?
SpaceUsed.jpg
FolderContents.jpg
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LOL, I Should have spent more time looking at their website... I just quickly assumed it was a backup app -- even though I never heard of it either. Thanks for checking further.
ASKER
We found what was causing the issue. It was a program that another person who has admin rights added. It was a Tax software package that was saving information hourly. He has since moved the index files to the data drive where it should have been in the first place. Heading in there right now to verify and will update.
Really? Is that what RavenDB is being used for? Because I'm absolutely sure that is what your problem is.
Jeff
Jeff
ASKER
Hope that I split the points fairly. A lot of good help and recommendations. The one that really got be thinking as to ask if anyone might have added software or app. The office manager has admin rights and never thought about the fact he might have added something without telling me. Thanks all.
Look at the backup item to see what is being backed up.
The backup folder might include the index of backed up data.
I.e. Restore in time. Check the backup setting to see if it references that location.