Delete Sentry Automatically Purges Files When Necessary (96826)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.2
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.21
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.22
This article was previously published under Q96826

SUMMARY

When Microsoft Undelete is using the Delete Sentry level of protection, files that are deleted are stored in a hidden SENTRY directory in the root of the drive. These files are automatically purged from the drive under the following conditions:

  • MS-DOS requires the disk space. For example, if the drive is full and you are saving updates to a data file, enough files are removed from the hidden SENTRY directory so that you can save your data.
  • Files in the hidden SENTRY directory are taking up too much space on the drive. By default, Delete Sentry allows files to take a maximum of 20% of total the drive space.
  • Files in the hidden SENTRY directory are too old. By default, files are saved for seven days. Purging of old files occurs when Microsoft Undelete is loaded (typically from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file).
In each case, files are purged in chronological order (oldest first).

MORE INFORMATION

You can adjust the maximum amount of disk space allowed for deleted files or the number of days to save deleted files.

To change options using Microsoft Undelete for Windows:

  1. From the Options menu, choose Configure Delete Protection.
  2. Select Delete Sentry and choose the OK button.
  3. In the Configure Delete Sentry dialog box, set the Maximum Number Of Days To Save Deleted Files and Maximum % Of Disk Space For Deleted Files.
  4. Choose the OK button.

    -or-

    Use a text editor to change the [Configuration] section of the UNDELETE.INI file:

    1. Set percentage= to the maximum percentage of disk space for deleted files.
    2. Set days= to the maximum number of days to save deleted files. For example: 
         [configuration]
   days=5
   percentage=50
The next time you load Undelete, the new settings are active.

For more information, see "Purging Files Protected by Delete Sentry" in the "Managing Your System" chapter of the "Microsoft MS-DOS 6 User's Guide," the "Configuring Delete Sentry" topic in Undelete for Windows Help, or type help undelete and refer to the Notes section.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/23/1999
Keywords:KB96826
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