Creating a Reserve File

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2

This procedure reserves disk space by creating a file on the same disk volume as the Active Directory database. The reserve file size should be the larger of 250 MB or 1 percent of the size of the logical disk volume where the Active Directory database is stored.

Requirements

  • Credentials: Domain Admins

  • Tools: Fsutil.exe (System32 tool)

To create a reserve file on a domain controller

  1. Log on to a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP Professional.

  2. Map a network drive to the remote administrative share for the disk volume where the Active Directory database is stored, for example, \\server_Name\C$ or D$. When prompted, provide Domain Admins credentials.

  3. Open a command prompt on the computer to which you are logged on, and then change to the mapped drive.

  4. Create the reserve file by typing the following command:

    fsutil file createnew reserve_file_name reserve_file_size_in_bytes

  5. In Windows Explorer, grant Full Control to Administrators on the reserve file.