When the Informix database runs out of space, it generates error message INF-271, sometimes without an ISAM error code. This means you cannot identify the table or dbspace causing the problem, nor the ISAM error code itself.

Frequently you cannot identify a dbspace that is full because the problem was temporary. The allocated space is then released during rollback. Often, update is deactivated.

For more information, see SAP Note 178012.

When space becomes limited and there are only small gaps available in a dbspace, the Informix database always uses the largest available gap, even when this is smaller than the next extent size of the table to be extended. Therefore, the table soon needs extending again, so another relatively small extent is allocated. The result is the:

• Creation of a large number of small extents
• Rapid increase in the next extent size caused by "extent doubling," which occurs when the table repeatedly needs new extents

Finally, when no more space is available, message INF-271 is issued and the database stops processing.

Another cause of this problem is if a database table exceeds 32 GB in size and your system is 32-bit.

• SAPDBA

2. Solve the problem:

• If the next extent is bigger than the available space: