A method includes dividing a data object into data partitions. The method further includes, for each data partition: dividing the data partition into data segments; dispersed storage error encoding the data segments to produce sets of encoded data slices; storing the sets of encoded data slices in a first set of storage units; and generating a segment allocation table regarding storage information of the sets of encoded data slices. The method further includes generating a directory of segment allocation tables. The method further includes receiving an access request regarding at least a portion of the data object. The method further includes accessing the directory to identify one or more segment allocation tables containing storage information for the at least a portion of the data object. The method further includes accessing encoded data slices of the at least the portion of the data object based on the storage information.