Full DB Backup getting File System Limitation error

  • I am running into a bit of a problem that I am not sure where to look to resolve the problem. I have a SQL 2000 server (OS = Windows 2003) that can perform a 65 GB full database backup without a problem. However, I have a 40 GB database on a SQL Server 2005, Windows 2008 OS server that gets a file system limitation error. If I stripe the backup to make 4 smaller files then it backs up the database without issue. This same database was able to create one backup file without error until it got to be about 40 GB. I am wondering if anyone can help point me to the file system limitation issue and where to look to see why I can't have it create one backup file?

    I am up for any suggestions.

    Thanks

    Sherri

  • That is strange, NTFS has no limit other than the hard limit of the HDD. Fat32, there is a limit of 4GB and and for FAT16 a limit of 2 GB. If you are using NTFS, then it should never be a problem.

    -Roy

  • Thanks Roy. I just verified on the server that it is NTFS. The drive has over 500 GB free (it is a SAN Blade attached to this server).

  • What's the exact error you're getting?

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Gail, here is what the event log says (I blocked out the database name otherwise it is exactly what the message says):

    BackupMedium::ReportIoError: write failure on backup device 'E:\SQLBackups\UserDB\<databasename>\<databasename>_backup_201010290100.bak'. Operating system error 665(The requested operation could not be completed due to a file system limitation).

  • Native SQL backup or 3rd party tool?

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Native SQL Server backup.

  • Using compressed file/folder? backup fails then arround 35 Gb

  • Like Marco mentioned it could be due to compressed folders. Please go through this discussion

    Pradeep Adiga
    Blog: sqldbadiaries.com
    Twitter: @pradeepadiga

  • It is a compressed folder. So I am guessing that I am going to have to either work with the server team and see if we can uncompress that folder or else I am going to have to stripe my backups to keep the file size down below 35 GB? Or is there another option?

    Thanks again everyone.

    Sherri

  • dont compress will be the prefered option (backup will also be faster)

    As you dont run sql 2008 you are not able to compress youre backup during backup (hmm that sounds funny)

    If you have enough diskspace dont compress

    If you have enough diskspace to make a uncompressed backup but not to store it there long enough script a rar command for it, love always to see how backup files and up with only 10 to 25% of the originale space.

    But i can understand you dont want a heavy compress tool running on youre server. So consider get enough diskspace either local or on a share

  • Thanks everyone. I will work with my server guys to see if I can get them to uncompress that folder.

    Thanks again.

    Sherri

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