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moodraman
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-18-2013 08:15 AM

Need to regain space or Shrink disk in VMware & Server 2008

So I made the mistake of allocating too much space to one of our Windows Guests.

I gave it 2TB and then we only ended up using 300GB.  The space hasn't been added to the volume yet in Windows... it's just sitting there... but I can't pull it back.

My web searches have found LOTS of articles on how to extend drives (not sure why extending drives needs so much discussion)  But I'm having one HECK of a time finding ANYTHING about shrinking a drive.

Only things I've found on shrinking them are in regards to WorkStation.

One method I tried was a V2V, hoping that it would give me the option to resize it during that process... it does not.

Any articles, assistance that anyone could provide would be helpful!

Thanks again VMware Community!!!!

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vmroyale
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-18-2013 08:20 AM

VMware Converter is probably going to be your best solution, as it will allow you to resize volumes.

Brian Atkinson | vExpert | VMTN Moderator | Author of "VCP5-DCV VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 5.5 Study Guide: VCP-550" | @vmroyale | http://vmroyale.com
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moodraman
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-18-2013 08:21 AM

I will give it a try again... but when I tried to V2V it, it wouldn't allow me to change the volume sizes.

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vmroyale
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-18-2013 08:29 AM

You will need to choose the Advanced options in the disk section to get the options to type in a custom size.

Brian Atkinson | vExpert | VMTN Moderator | Author of "VCP5-DCV VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 5.5 Study Guide: VCP-550" | @vmroyale | http://vmroyale.com
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Cyberfed27
Hot Shot
Hot Shot
‎06-18-2013 10:46 AM

VMware converter is the best method to shrink a drive. Done it many times.

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