---
name: containers-ts-storage-vpc-file-snapshot-create
title: Why can't I create File Storage for VPC snapshots?
description: '[Virtual Private Cloud]'
last-updated: 2026-04-30
---

> ## Documentation Index
> The table of contents for this documentation set is at https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/containers?format=markdown
> The index for all IBM Cloud docs is at: https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use these files to discover more information as needed.

# Why can't I create File Storage for VPC snapshots?
{: #ts-storage-vpc-file-snapshot-create}
{: support}


[Virtual Private Cloud]{: tag-vpc}


You are unable to create snapshots and you see error messages similar to the following.
{: tsSymptoms}

```sh
shares_snapshot_operation_not_allowed
```
{: screen}

```sh
shares_access_forbidden
```
{: screen}


There are several reasons why you might not be able to create snapshots. To debug the issue, complete the following steps to gather the required log files before contacting support.
{: tsCauses}

1. Describe your volume snapshot and review the status.
    ```sh
    kubectl describe volumesnapshot VOLUMESNAPSHOT
    ```
    {: pre}

    * If there is a `shares_snapshot_operation_not_allowed` error, make sure that you have been allowlisted for regional file share access and contact IBM VPC Support team.

    * If there is a `shares_access_forbidden` error, make sure that you have **Share Snapshot Operator** [permissions in IAM](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/iam?topic=iam-iam-service-roles-actions&format=markdown#is.share-roles).

1. If issue still persist then get the logs of the `ibm-vpc-file-csi-controller-XXX` driver and sidecar pod. Replace `ibm-vpc-file-csi-controller-XXX` with the exact pod name from your cluster.

    ```sh
    kubectl logs -n kube-system ibm-vpc-file-csi-controller-XXX -c csi-snapshotter
    ```
    {: pre}

    ```sh
    kubectl logs -n kube-system ibm-vpc-file-csi-controller-xx -c iks-vpc-file-driver
    ```
    {: pre}

1. If the issue persists, contact support. Open a [support case](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/support?topic=support-using-avatar&format=markdown). In the case details, be sure to include any relevant log files, error messages, or command outputs.