topic How to script a automated way of finding old files \ Folders so that we can delete them? in ONTAP Discussions

How to script a automated way of finding old files \ Folders so that we can delete them?

Scott_CP — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:15:08 GMT

Hi There, I am not sure i picked the correct Board, but here goes.

We have a lot of older data on several windows CIFS that needs to be cleaned up , preferably deleted. Rather than just search the folder structure, we were wondering if we could use Netapps built in File Analytics Rest APIs to help us develop and use scripts.

My problem is we don't have much in the way of in house expertise to create these . I am looking for some guidance on what i could share from your input here to a consultant who would know what do do with it.

We are looking to get rid of data that hasn't been modified or accessed in 6 years. My thinking is a script could scan our cifs and give us a report and then give us a option to delete.

Feel free to ask me questions on this request.

thanks,

Scott

Is this doable?

Re: How to script a automated way of finding old files \ Folders so that we can delete them?

TMACMD — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:50:29 GMT

Xcp.netapp.com

this is a great utility with files analytics also. Made and supported by Netapp

Re: How to script a automated way of finding old files \ Folders so that we can delete them?

sanmanjax — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:04:12 GMT

Scott,

Some completely unsolicited advice - use BlueXP Classification to scan for stale files, get a true report on share, file & folder security, identify sensitive information & more. The best part is that it is FREE under 500 TiB!

I'm usually a scripter, but this tool rocks and helps with many other admin-type tasks. Results can be exported and fed into purpose-built scripts to delete, or archive, or whatever.

Best wishes,
Daniel

Re: How to script a automated way of finding old files \ Folders so that we can delete them?

Sanaman — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:57:49 GMT

Have you checked the system manager ->Volumes->File System

Re: How to script a automated way of finding old files \ Folders so that we can delete them?

Scott_CP — Tue, 13 May 2025 20:39:59 GMT

thanks,

Yes i have used that built in browser, however i need to be able to give
third party access , as well, they would like to use something like Blue XP
that will generate a report on older data . I am looking into that
solution currently.

Scott Franks