"Not Enough Diskspace" Message When Uninstalling Software (225541)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

This article was previously published under Q225541

SYMPTOMS

When you try to uninstall a program, you may receive the following error message:
Not enough diskspace for selected components.

CAUSE

This error message occurs if there is not enough disk space to finish the operation. When you uninstall software (programs, tools, or operating system components), there must be enough free disk space to hold a backup copy of the files.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, free enough space on the hard disk. Start by clearing any temporary folders and emptying the Recycle Bin. Also, empty the Temporary Internet Files folder by starting Internet Explorer, clicking Internet Options on the Tools menu, and then clicking Delete Files on the General tab.

If there is still not enough free disk space, Windows 2000 may be installed on a partition that is effectively too small. The partition should be large enough to hold the operating system, plus any future updates, additional components, programs, and so on.

As of Windows 2000 Beta 3, 650 MB of free hard disk space is considered the minimum, with 2 GB preferred. This specification is listed on the Windows 2000 installation CD-ROM in the Setup.txt file.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

SetupAPI backs up all of the files that are being removed. If something goes wrong, the files can be restored to their original state. This operation requires the additional free disk space. Once the software has been removed successfully, the backup files are removed.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/6/2003
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbprb kbsetup KB225541