Error message when you try to copy a file to a Distributed File System (DFS) shared folder on a Windows Vista-based computer or on a Windows Server 2008-based computer: "The selected files could not be copied. There is not enough free space on the device"

On a Windows Vista-based computer or on a Windows Server 2008-based computer, you use Windows Explorer to copy a file to a Distributed File System (DFS) shared folder. However, even though there is sufficient free space in the shared folder, the file copy operation may fail. Additionally, you may receive the following error message:When you use Windows Explorer to check the free space of the DFS shared folder, Windows Explorer displays an amount of space that is less than what is actually available on the file server.

This issue occurs when the DFS root resides on a share that has little free space. Windows Explorer incorrectly calculates the free space of the DFS root instead of the free space of the DFS shared folder. The DFS root and the DFS shared folder are in different locations.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, 32-bit editions

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, 64-bit editions

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based editions

To work around this problem, use a command at a command prompt to copy the file to the DFS shared folder.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: