Extending Virtual Disk

[euphony]

We use esx server version 3.0.2 update 1 and VC 2..0.2. We need to know if it is possible to extend the virtual disk of a VM, or extending its vmdk file. The VM has C and E drives and we want to increase the E drive which is a virtual disk. This is probably possible through the command lines probably using vmkfstools.

Is this correct, would you know what the command lines are.

[VMKR9]

yes you can use vmdkfstools -X, you need to make sure you enter the full size you want for the disk not just the size you want to increase it.

[Rubeck]

Example extending a .vmdk to 20GB

vmkfstools -X 20GB /vmfs/volumes//VM_disk.vmdk

/Rubeck

[AWo]

Yes it is possible but you have to expand the partitions with another tool.

Command:

vmkfstools -X

[sumitgad]

Yes, you can use the Vmkfstools to extend the size of a virtual disk. See the below command to extend the VMDK file from 5GB to 10GB

vmkfstools -X 10g <disk name>.dsk

Later after logging on to the widows server, you need to use the diskpart to extend the partition.

[AWo]

Check out this site: http://vmware-land.com/Resizing_Virtual_Disks.html

[dconvery]

First, extend the vmdk, using vmkfstools like Rubeck posted. then go to the VM and run diskpart. list volume. slect volume ?(number corresponding to the E drive) extend. Then the disk is bigger. Follow these instructions for a C drive: http://vmprofessional.com/index.php?content=2k3resize.

Dave

[holdenSK]

Hi all,

I did extend virtual disk (non-boot Windows drive E:) using vmkfs-tools, but after extending VI client in Edit Settiungs window still shows original disk size. Should I be concerned about it or is it harmless? (VI Client2.0.1, ESX 3.0.1)

[dconvery]

Once you extend the VMDK, try to do a device manager hardware rescan. It always works for me. I have not used the GUI method to extend a vmdk yet either...

Dave

[Rubeck]

The host has to be running 3.5 if you using the VI client for expanding the VM disks... vmkfstools -X is the only way... and I do not think the expansion can be viewed in the VI client until you've powered the VM on.. '

/Rubeck

[dconvery]

Ya know...after looking at the post, I don't know why I even mentioned GUI method. It says he used vmkfstools.

Dave

[Rubeck]

Grinding the every day job and forums at the same time can be a bit hard :smileyblush:

But no worries... I'm sure that you're not the only one

/Rubeck