Computer / Backup says I have insufficent space. How can I make more space?

If you are getting a message saying ‘ Insufficient Disk Space’ or your backup logs are telling you it cannot backup because you don’t have any space left on your disk you will need to delete some files to make more room.

Here are some suggestions on how you might do this:

1. Click Computer, the Right click the Local Disk (generally C: but you may have others)
2. Click Properties, you will see the General tab and will show Used and Free space. On the Right it will say how much in Bytes and then GB (giga bytes)or MB (mega bytes).
3. If you only have **MB free space left then you will need to remove some files.
4. Close the Properties tab and double click Local Disk. Look for the following folders:
   • OLD PC   –   If you have this folderr Right click and click properties to check the Created date. If this is older than 6 Months delete the folder.
   • Browse to “ProgramFiles\MicrosoftSQLServer\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Backup\” in this folder there will several files. Arrange by date and delete the all but the ones created in the last 2 weeks.
   • Browse to “ProgramFiles\MicrosoftSQLServer\MSSQL$SIMS\MSSQL\Backup\” and delete any files you find in there (these are very old files
5. Right click Computer and click on Properties.
6. Click on the link on the left-hand side for System protection.
7. Click on the drive you want to change in the list, and then click the Configure button.
8. There will be a slide bar to set how much space should be used for system restore. Change this to be roughtly 4% if its enabled.
9. Another common cause of lack of space is users storing Photos on a system. Ask users if they have any photos on the system and if so back them up on to external media such as a DVD or External Hard Drive.

Should you have any trouble with finding these files/folders or are uncertain what to delete please call the Scomis Service Desk (01392 385300).

Last reviewed 16/02/15