Space not being returned to /tmp after file detetion

[BOB BARBA]

A very large temporary file was created in /tmp. We were unable to identify the source of this file but believe that it was created by an on-line user within Oracle Applications performing a query. The file has been deleted but the freespace has not been returned. 'bdf /tmp' still shows /tmp to be 75% full.
1. Why hasn't the space been returned even though the file has disappeared.
2. Is there any way of associating a user to a temporary file prior to deleting it.

Any advice will be very much appreciated. Bob

[Mark van Hassel · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The space is no returned because the process that had the file open still runs. When the proces stops, you'll see that the space is freed.
To check which proces has a file open, use "fuser".

HtH,

Mark

[Emiel van Grinsven]

Hi,

bdf needs some time to 'see' the free space. It checks on inode number, with du -sk you'll see that there should be free space.

try the search option, there where threads about this very recently.

Good luck, Emiel

[Clemens van Everdingen]

Hi,

Mark is right.
Probably the oracle users process is holding the space unavailable.

If this user logs out, or you stop and start oracle db the space will be returned.

Regards,
C.

[U.SivaKumar_2]

hi,
reboot the server once , the space statistics
will be correct.
regards,
U.SivaKumar

[Deepak Extross]

Bob,
See this similar issue:
http://forums.itrc.hp.com/cm/QuestionAnswer/1,,0xdec879bffde7d4118fef0090279cd0f9,00.html

[Praveen Bezawada]

Hi
As suggested, it is the problem of file handles being active with some processes. You can find the process that is still using it using lsof.

You can download it from

http://hpux.connect.org.uk/hppd/hpux/Sysadmin/

...BPK...

[Michael Tully]

Hi,

Once the process has terminated, the space
will be returned as the file will have also been released from memory. You can also use a
handy tool called 'lsof' to assist you
with this type of situation. Here is a link
to where you can download a binary copy
ready to install for your version.

http://hpux.cs.utah.edu/hppd/hpux/Sysadmin/lsof-4.61/

HTH
~Michael~

[Juan Manuel López]

Hi,
When you choose a file to delete, you have to check if there is a user process over the file, using fuser.
If you want to delete the file anyway, first you have to " empty " the file them delete it:

>
rm
On your situation, it is necesary reboot the system, and the real free space will be returned.
That is because, while a file is being used by a user there is semaphores and memory segments used, if you delete it, the semaphores and memory segments are still in use until you reboot the machine.

I hope this help you.