Problem Increasing disk partition size in ESX 4 in Vsphere

Discussion in 'Virtual and Cloud Computing' started by Zainek, Dec 6, 2010.

  1. Zainek

    Zainek Nibble Poster

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    Hi All,

    I'm going to increase the C: size on my esx4 host in Vsphere, vm v7, hdd scsi, disk prov :Thin
    Problem is im running out of space. I can allocate the additonal eg 20gb in esx to whole disk
    but wanted to know the neatest method of increasing my C: capacity with the extra 20gb.

    What utils do i use, or do i just use a 3rd party app like paragon disk manager ?.

    The vm is running Winows 2003

    Thanks,

    Zainek
     
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  2. zebulebu

    zebulebu Terabyte Poster

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    OK - first up, it's the guest HDD you're increasing (the host is the actual ESX server). Unless, of course, you're running ESX inside ESX (which I was doing the other day) - but I'm guessing you;re not doing that :biggrin

    You need to do two things - firstly use the vmkfs tools to increase the vmdk file representing your C:\ HDD on the guest, then expand the C:\ partition by booting the VM to a linux live CD and using a partition management tool to grow the system partition into the new, unused space.

    There's a good VMWare communities post about this - don't have my bookmarks to hand right now so can't find it - but if you search the VM Community forums for 'increase system partition on windows guest' or similar, you'll find it.
     
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  3. Zainek

    Zainek Nibble Poster

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    can i do this instead ?, the guests HDD is 20gb, using 10gb at mo.
    clone guest, increase drive allocation from 20 to 25. power on and run diskpart and extend ?
    No im not running ESX in ESX thank god, this feel like the move inception as it is.
     
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  4. Donmac

    Donmac Bit Poster

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    First increase the disk size from the editing machine settings.

    To increase the size of the root partition I use extpart.exe from Dell if its a 32bit OS, instructions are included with the download. On 2008 machines I always use diskpart.exe

    Cheers
    Paul
     
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  5. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    I've done this myself and it works well! I would recommend what Zeb explained.
     
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  6. scott28tt

    scott28tt Byte Poster

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    I'd go with this method too - simple but effective.

    Scott.
     
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  7. zebulebu

    zebulebu Terabyte Poster

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    Yeah - old habits die hard :biggrin
     
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  8. Zainek

    Zainek Nibble Poster

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    Thanks for everyones input, i have gone with edit settings increase HDD allocation size and expanded the partition. Thanks for all the contributions. I am investigating the VM tools and playing with later on today.
    Bought you all a virtual pint.
     
    Certifications: MCTS, ITILv3 F, MCTS, MBCS, MCITP:EA C&G
    WIP: CCA Xenapp 5.0 & VMWARE
  9. zebulebu

    zebulebu Terabyte Poster

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    You're welcome - consider this a virtual burp...

    <burp> :D
     
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