Database free space

[a***@discussions.microsoft.com]

I just upgraded to Exchange server 2003 Enterprise from
Exchange 2000 standard. Since the upgrade I am still
receiving events 1221 saying "the database First storage
group\message store has 1744mb of free space after online
defrag has terminated."

The First storage group is only 14gb in size, and
Enterprise allows 16tb databases.

How can I determine the actual amount of free space of my
database? Why is this event so inaccurate?

[Kip Ng [MSFT]]

You have misunderstood the message.

In Exchange 2k or 2k3, by default, the system will maintain itself by
running an online defragmentation. The message simply says that after the
online defragmentation, it has salvage 1744mb of free space. The actual
physical db size will not reduce. If there is any new item inserted or
created right now, then it will not increase the physical db size, rather it
will use the free space that was salvage. In order for you to reduce the
physical space, you have to use ESEUTIL /D, offline defragmentation.

In short, the message is not telling you how large is your DB.
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Post by a***@discussions.microsoft.com
I just upgraded to Exchange server 2003 Enterprise from
Exchange 2000 standard. Since the upgrade I am still
receiving events 1221 saying "the database First storage
group\message store has 1744mb of free space after online
defrag has terminated."
The First storage group is only 14gb in size, and
Enterprise allows 16tb databases.
How can I determine the actual amount of free space of my
database? Why is this event so inaccurate?