Cannot copy files to RN428 even though it shows that 700GB+ is free

I have a weird problem, hope you guys can help.

I have a ReadyNAS RN428 to which I cannot copy files even though there is apparently plenty of free space (although perhaps not as a percentage).

RN428 specs:

• Firmware: 6.10.4
• 8 x 12TB IronWolf (ST12000VN0007) HDDs
• X-RAID (RAID-5)
• Admin Page > System > Volume is showing:
  • data 75.67TB 
  • Free Space: 717.47GB
• No snapshots have been configured for any of the shares
  • Admin Page > Shares confirm there are no snapshots
• Files have only every been copied (appended) to the NAS
  • So there should be no fragmentation
    • So only Scrubs and Disk Tests have ever been scheduled
    • No Balance operations have ever been run as the theory was there is no need

So why can I not copy any file to the RN428, so a 4GB file copy operation failed?

How do I solve the problem?

I am currently running a Scrub as I saw on the Internet (Ha! Ha! Ha!) that someone had a similar issue which they fixed after a scrub.

Do I need to to a Balance?

According to ReadyNAS OS 6: An overview of relevant scheduled maintenance tasks available | Answer | NETGEAR Support

 below a Balance should fix my problem.

I just wanted to confirm this is the correct action as we also have a RN316 with a similar set up where we have pretty much filled it up:

• Firmware: 6.10.4
• 6 x 4TB IronWolf (ST12000VN0007) HDDs
• X-RAID (RAID-5)
• Admin Page > System > Volume is showing:
  • data 18.17TB 
  • Free Space: 4.86GB
• No snapshots have been configured for any of the shares
  • Admin Page > Shares confirm there are no snapshots
• Files have only every been copied (appended) to the NAS
  • So there should be no fragmentation
    • So only Scrubs and Disk Tests have ever been scheduled
    • No Balance operations have ever been run as the theory was there is no need

So same set up as RN428, but less free space.

So should I do a Balance if the Scrub does not solve my problem (which is what I expect)?

I suppose I am surprised that we over 700GB of wasted "chunks", etc on an RN428 where we were only exclusively copying/appending large files (4GB - 100GB),

Are there any downsides to a Balance? It should not consume extra space or introduce fragmentation, right? Obvisouly it will take a very long time give we have 7 x 12TB worth of data,,,

Thoughts/help appreciated...

THANKS, as always!!!!

FYI: From ReadyNAS OS 6: An overview of relevant scheduled maintenance tasks available | Answer | NETGEAR Support

Balancing What is balancing?

The ReadyNAS file system not only stores the user data, it also stores additional information related to that data, called metadata. Either data is stored in a number of fixed size storage areas called chunks which are reserved by the file system when new data is stored. In normal operation a chunk reserved for user data cannot be converted to hold metadata, even when the chunk becomes empty again. Therefore, a progression from a high number of large files to a higher number of small files stored on the ReadyNAS can lead to a shortage of available metadata chunks. This can lead to a situation where the ReadyNAS device will report that is has run out of disc space even when enough space seems to be available. Running the balance function will combine half-filled chunks and free empty, previously assigned chunks for reuse with either user data or metadata.

Should I use balancing regularly?

Since balancing requires some storage space to move files it should not be postponed until the available storage space is almost consumed completely. The balancing function will be most effective after a large number of files have been deleted or if there has been a transition from generally large files to smaller files. Especially the latter is hard to monitor, therefore balancing should be run at regular intervals.

How do I balance a volume?

Balancing can be configured to run automatically via the local admin page.