Out of Disk Space

A disk on the system is full. When a disk becomes full the system may not respond to commands, allow you to create new files, or allow you to add additional information to existing files.

How to find out how much free disk space is available:

  • Select “Filesystem Manager” from the “System” menu pane of the Toolchest.

Note: The system may have difficulties restarting properly without freeing additional disk space. It is recommended that you do not shut down the system until you free up some disk space.

Suggestions for freeing disk space:

  1. Empty your dumpster by selecting “Empty Dumpster” from the Desktop Toolchest.

  2. Archive (copy to a backup tape or other media) large files or directories by performing the following steps:

    • Select “System Manager” from the Toolchest. Then select “Files and Data” and then “Backup and Restore Manager.”

    • When the Backup and Restore Manager launches, select “Backup” to begin archiving files.

    • Once files have been backed up, they can be dragged to the dumpster.

  3. Search for large files by performing the following steps:

    • Select “Find” from the Toolchest then select “Search For Files.”

    • Once the Search tool starts, go to the menu labeled “Match” and select “Size.”

    • In the field labeled “Size” enter “1” and hit the “Search” button, which will search for files greater than 1 megabyte in size in your home directory.

    • Search for files named core; these large files are created by an application when it abnormally aborts due to a software problem.

    • Drag unneeded files into the dumpster.

  4. Other places to check for large files (see step 3):

    • /var/adm, /var/tmp, /tmp

    • Note: /var/adm/crash may contain large system image files if the system has ever crashed.

    • mbox in all each user's home directory. If these files are large, ask the owners to delete all but the critical messages.

  5. Remove optional or unneeded software:

    • Start the Software Manager by choosing “System” from the System toolchest, then select “Software Manager” from the pull-down menu.

    • Refer to Irix Admin: Software Installation and Licensing for more information about installing and removing software.

Important: After removing files from the desktop, empty your dumpster.

For additional help contact your System Administrator or service provider.

For information on how to configure or disable System Alerts, click here.