VMWARE Template - Disk size of new VM

[mizzy]

I've created a W2K3 server template with a 5GB C: partition. It works really well. However would any of you know a way of changing the size of the C: partition on VM's created using the 5GB template.

I'm pretty sure there is a "cute" way of doing this...i.e. create a new VM with a size of 20GB and somehow drop the 5gb server into this new VM...or point the 5gb partition to the 20gb VM.......Damn there must be a way.

Ta,
p.s. using ESX 3.0.2 virtual center 2.0.2

 

[mrdenny]

This thread on the VMware forum shows how to increase a drive size.

http://communities.vmware.com/thread/18373

The trick is extending the volume. After you deploy, follow the instructions in the vmware.com thread. Then attach the C drive of the new machine to another machine and use diskpart (or diskpar if the other machine is Windows 2000) to extend the volume. Then remove the drive from the other machine, and power up your new VM.

The one partition that Windows won't let you extend while Windows is running is the system partition. However because this is a VM, you can attach the drive to another machine where it's no longer the system partition. I've done this with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 2003 guests and it's works great each time.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

My Blog

 

[mizzy]

Many thanks for your assistance

...and this will work for the system partition..the C: drive?

 

[mrdenny]

Yes, if you attach the drive to another VM and extend it there. I just did it last week for two of my templates.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

My Blog

 

[mizzy]

Cheers Denny,

That worked perfectly, wuindows sees the new larger disk....however...
The VI client still thinks that the disk size is the original size...will this cause problems? (Edit settings and look at the hard disk size)

 

[mrdenny]

No it won't. It shouldn't. You may need to switch to another VM and switch back to the one with the changed size, or possibly close and reopen the VIC so that it repulls the values.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

My Blog