Low Space Available on "C:" What should I do?

[TechCarnivore]

Hi Gang,
We have a Dell Server that is running low on space of the "C:" drive. Primarily because of the amount of email we retain. We're running SBS 2003 and I'd like to add storage but do not know the best approach.

I'm torn between attempting to add a disk to our Raid Array and migrate user data to that new partition since it's probably easier than resizing the C: partition, if that's even an option.


I would appreciate some direction.

 

[adamc1115]

Are you saying you have ONE partition, C:? That's not best practice. I would add a second RAID array, D:, move all data including mail to it.

 

[TechCarnivore]

Yes all I have is a 60GB C: partition that has hundreds of megabytes of available space.

1) Are you suggesting a second array such as a RAID 1 configuration?
2) Can you provide some information on how to move our exchange mail from C: to another drive letter? I don't have any experience moving mail, presumably I would be moving the database is this correct?.

 

[adamc1115]

Yes, add something like a second RAID 1 configuration.

Moving exchange is VERY simple. Make a new folder on D: called whatever (lets say d:\exchangeis)

Make sure you backup your IS first, then go into system manager, servers, open your server name, expand first storage group, right click on Mailbox Store, click properties, click on database, then on both "Exchange Database" and "Exchange Streaming Database" click browse, and select your new path.

 

[adamc1115]

BTW, you should expedite this. Running out of disk space is very bad with exchange. At minimum your exchange database will dismount itself. But you do not want to run out of space with exchange.

 

[TechCarnivore]

Re: Moving the Exchange Databases, should I be concerned about privledges/security or will the server kind of figure that out for itself?

I want to avoid having to manually reassign any security settings that are in place.

 

[adamc1115]

Only security it needs is System and maybe administrators access...

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Moving the Exchange Databases will help, but a properly configured server should have ALL data on another disk, leaving just the OS and necessary files to run installed programs on C:

I would recommend reviewing the documentation in this link:

http://www.lwcomputing.com/tips/linker.asp?id=41

 

[58sniper]

There are kb articles on moving the client apps share, the users data share, and others. That should free up a bunch more space.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[markdmac]

Look at moving the Exchange Logs. Also verify WHERE you are loosing your space. Does your AV have a bunch of old definitions on the c drive?

Have you cleared the temp folder? What about deleting IE cache files?

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

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