My Lotus Notes Domino server ran out of disk space, and now several mailboxes are experiencing issues receiving and deleting email messages. We receive the error message, "Cannot write or create file (file or disk is read only)." I've checked file permissions and they seem fine. What do you think is the problem?
As you've discovered, bad things happen when you run out of space. I would suggest downing your Lotus Domino server and removing any *.tmp files and the log.nsf. The log might be corrupt, and if so, you won't be able to write any transactions. This also will cause errors.
Expert Advice: Deleting email isn't reducing disk space
Expert Advice: Reducing the size of an .nsf using Domino compression
Reference Center: Lotus Notes Domino Performance
Reference Center: Lotus Notes Domino Monitoring and Logging
The worst-case scenario is that the mail files might need to be compacted or restored from tape. This situation is an example of why it's important to have proper monitors running against your Lotus Domino server and hardware. Situations like this can cripple you for days while you try to repair the problem.
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This was first published in June 2008