topic Re: Removes file from snapshots (from previous version) in Network and Storage Protocols

Removes file from snapshots (from previous version)

ROGIERBURLAGE — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:04:39 GMT

Hi There,

Got this situation: a sensitive file was left on a share accessible to anyone in the company. I don't know for how long, but we keep our monthly snapshots for 180 days, so let's assume the worst.

My question is, how do I erase this file from the snapshots, so the users cannot recover the file via previous versions?

Kind regards,

Rogier Burlage

Re: Removes file from snapshots (from previous version)

aborzenkov — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:00:56 GMT

There is no way to remove single file from snapshot. You can only remove whole snapshot.

Re: Removes file from snapshots (from previous version)

ROGIERBURLAGE — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:41:49 GMT

it's a vFiler with CIFS shares with almost 3TB dataspace (after dedub), kinda annoying removing snapshots and the possibility for users to restore previous versions. Guess I need to make a clone of the volume and switch it with the current volume (so I can still access the snapshots of the original volume in case a restore is needed).

Re: Removes file from snapshots (from previous version)

bondbhola — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:39:28 GMT

The snapshot is always read-only, you can't modify the snpashot file. you have only option to delete the snapshot not the single file of snapshot.

Thanks,

Bhola

Re: Removes file from snapshots (from previous version)

ROGIERBURLAGE — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:23:58 GMT

Ah well, maybe in the future NetApp will provide a solution (like blocking access to the file I'm thinking).