A method includes generating, by a computing device, a write intent message regarding a data object that is to be written into storage units as sets of encoded data slices. The method further includes initiating, by the computing device, a write operation for storing the sets of encoded data slices. Prior to the write operation being completed, the method further includes updating, by the computing device, the write intent message to indicate progression of the write operation. The method further includes analyzing, by a second computing device, the write intent message to determine whether the write operation has stalled. When the write operation has stalled, the method further includes identifying, by the second computing device, sets of encoded data slices that have been successfully stored. The method further includes implementing, by the second computing device, a clean-up process for the stored sets of encoded data slices.