• Database snapshots are read only. Completely

    That said, it's highly unlikely that the snapshot is taking the full 25GB. Snapshots use sparse file technology where the file is only as big as the data in it, not the size of the source database.

    Check the properties of the file and check the 'size on disk'. That's how much space it's actually taking up.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass