clone and resize a vmdk disk

[tdubb123]

I got a disk 2 on a VM that I want to clone and resize it

its a 2TB vmdk disk and I want to clone it to 1.7TB.

can i do this from vmkfstools or do I need converter?

[rcporto]

Shrink virtual disk size is supported using vCenter Converter, see: Growing, thinning, and shrinking virtual disks for VMware ESX and ESXi (1002019) | VMware KB

Shrinking

Virtual disk shrinking is supported when using VMware Converter converting source virtual machine as a machine source (not as virtual to virtual).

Note: You cannot shrink virtual disks using vmkfstools in ESXi as the hypervisor is not aware of the file system layout and cannot ensure a safe shrink operation.

[tdubb123]

can i use vmkfstools to do it?

[rcporto · Accepted solution]

Like I posted in my previous post in red, you cannot use vmkfstools.