Deleting files from NetApp directories

2022-03-03T02:39:20.897+00:00

Hi,

We are currently using NetApp to store large amount of datasets. While working with the data, we delete or update some of the files. I have noticed that, when the files are deleted, the space is not cleared from the NetApp. I am wondering when do we see the freed space back or do we need to do something after deleting the files.

For deleting files, we just use rm <file_name>

Azure NetApp Files
Azure NetApp Files
An Azure service that provides enterprise-grade file shares powered by NetApp.
85 questions
{count} votes

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Sumarigo-MSFT 45,416 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2022-03-09T10:31:49.103+00:00

    @Garg, Nikhil (Data61, Docklands GS) Firstly, apologies for the delay in responding here! Azure NetApp Files has a snapshot feature that efficiently uses pointers to create copies of file data on the volume. The blocks in the volume can have multiple pointers as a results of taking snapshots. If you delete a file whose blocks are in use by snapshots, the space is not returned until the snapshot is also removed. Not sure if snapshots were taken, but this can explain the behavior you’re seeing. For details, please check How Azure NetApp Files snapshots work | Microsoft Learn.

    If in this case no snapshots were taken, more investigation will have to be performed. You can contact the support team!

    Please let us know if you have any further queries. I’m happy to assist you further.

    ----------

    Please do not forget to 181425-screenshot-2021-12-10-121802.png and 181473-image.png wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

    0 comments No comments