How to format a dataset that already exists?

[SP2005]

I need to delete all the files and folders I have on some of my datasets. I think that the fastes way to do it is to format the dataset - but how do I do it?

When looking in the manual at 8.1.1 - http://doc.freenas.org/9.3/freenas_storage.html I can see this line "If you have unformatted disk(s) or wish to overwrite the current filesystem and data on your disk(s), use “Volume Manager” to format the disk(s) into a ZFS pool"

When I look at the Volume Manager, I can't see how to format a dataset the already exists?

Anyone who can help?

HPE Proliant Microserver Gen8 Entry - 12GB ram - CPU 2.3Ghz Dual core - Harddisk 1TB + 2TB - FreeNAS 9.10

 

[melloa]

So all you "folders" are inside one dataset and they are the only data inside that dataset? If so you can destroy the dataset. Be aware that everything inside that dataset will be erased.

Please be 100% sure of what you are doing before proceed.

 

[danb35]

There is no such thing as formatting a dataset. You can create and destroy datasets, and you can do whatever you want to their contents, but the concept of formatting one simply doesn't exist.

 

[SP2005]

Thanks both of you :)

When the manual use the word "format", I just thought that I could do a "format C:" like on Windows.

But I'll destroy the dataset and create a new one.

- Kim -

 

[melloa]

Thanks both of you :)

When the manual use the word "format", I just thought that I could do a "format C:" like on Windows.

But I'll destroy the dataset and create a new one.

- Kim -

Also not sure it you will have snapshots leftover from that dataset, so check that also if you need that space back.

 

[SP2005]

I'll have to read about snapshots, because I don't no much about how they works.

Thanks.

 

[danb35]

Also not sure it you will have snapshots leftover from that dataset, so check that also if you need that space back.

If you destroy a dataset, all its snapshots go away with it.

 

[melloa]

I'll have to read about snapshots, because I don't no much about how they works.

Thanks.

If you don't know what they are you probably don't have them ... and you should. Take a look at: http://doc.freenas.org/9.10/storage.html#periodic-snapshot-tasks to see how to setup and what they are.