Getting low on free disk space

[Carabao2016]

Hello.
I have a backup job in mode "Entire computer" running on an external HDD with 2TB space.
Now I get a message that the backup target is getting low on free disk space.

When I enter the Backup HDD, I see a big *vbk file and many *vib files.

My question is: can I delete the first *vbk file or some older *vib files or will this destroy the chain?

If not, then this is not a big problem for me, I will start from scratch then and make a totally new job.
What would I have to set to avoid running in low disk space again? I thought Veeam would delete older backup files automatically to avoid low disk space. Am I wrong?

[DGrinev]

Hi,

I'd not recommend manually deleting VIB (incremental) or VBK (full backup) files.

You're right, the retention policy should keep the defined number of RPs.
You can reduce the number of restore points to keep on disk => it will make your backup chain shorter after the next successful job run.

Thanks!

[Carabao2016]

Hi,

my problem is that the "next" backup does nut finish anymore due to of too low space already.
The setting is /was on "keep backups for 14 days", but I backup about monthly. So setting it lower does not make sense in my opinion.
Maybe this is my problem? Keep 14 days and backup only every 30 days?

[DGrinev]

Do you want to retain more than a year of backups?
Also, are you using free or paid version of the Agent?

Thanks!

[Carabao2016]

Yes, but its ok if I can keep the last 2-3 backups.
I have the free version.

[DGrinev]

You cannot keep the last 2-3 backups with the forever forward incremental backup chain.
These 2-3 last VIBs are dependant on all previously created VIBs + VBK.

You can keep VBK and a couple of very first VIBs just to retain at least a few restore points. Then shorten the retention policy, remove all others VIBs, start a new backup chain by initiating an Active full. Thanks!

[Carabao2016]

Thank you, this works now.