Why people want to do VMware Server partition resize?

To resize VMware Server partition is not an easy job for many Windows Server users because it is involved with VMware virtual machine and the data safety on the Server partitions. Many users do not know how to resize virtual machine or increase VMware Server disk size, other Server users know the method, but do not know which tool is better. They need to think twice to choose reliable VMware server partition resizing software to change the VMware Server disk size. So this article will introduce a step by step tutorial of how to resize VMware Server partition directly and safely without complex works.

How to resize VMware Server partition?

Generally, there are two kinds of problem when resize VMware Server partition.

First, the VMware Server boot partition is lack of space, but there is plenty of free space on other virtual partitions.

Second, both the virtual boot partition and the entire VMware Server disk are out of space. While, the VMware provides “vdiskmanager.exe” tools to increase the virtual disk size, which is in the VMware installation directory. To resize VMware Server partition, you still have to use third party partitioning tool, for example, EASEUS Partition Master.

How to increase VMware Server virtual disk size?

Original VMware server partition layout

Original VMware server partition layout

Step1: Open up the run dialogue from the start menu (Start -> Run) or hold down the Windows key and press R. Type “cmd” and hit enter to open up the Command Prompt.

Step2: Assuming that your VMware installation is in the default location type or paste the following, replacing CAPACITY with the new size of the virtual disk image and “xx” with the absolute path and name of your VMDK in “xx.VMDK”

“C:Program FilesVMwareVMware Workstationvmware-vdiskmanager.exe” -x CAPACITY “xx.VMDK”

The capacity should be entered with the following extensions depending on the new size, MB or GB, for example 20GB will resize the new hard drive to 20 gigabytes.

Increase VMware virtual disk by vdiskmanager tool

Increase VMware virtual disk by vdiskmanager tool

VMware disk increased

VMware disk increased

However, this tool can only increase VMware Server virtual disk space, as the “WARNING” message above. To increase the Virtual Server partition, you need Partition Wizard Server, and the method is below.

How to resize VMware Server boot partition?

1. Install Partition Wizard Server in VMware and launch it, right click the data partition that behind the system partition, and then choose Resize/Move.

Partition Wizard Resize

2. In the pop up window, drag the partition rightwards, after that, this partition will be shrinked.

Shrink Data Partition

Data Partition Shrinked

3. Right click the system partition and choose Resize/Move. In the pop up window, drag the right boderline of the system partition, after that, this system partition will be extended.

Extend System Partition

System Partition Extended

4. Remember to apply the operations.

The advantages of Partition Wizard Server:

1. It provides snapshot feature, even if power off when you resizing the partitions, Windows will not crash.

2. If the system partition is NTFS, you can extend the partition without rebooting. It is especially useful for Servers.

For more partition magic server software to resize Server partition, please refer another article how to resize Server partition with partition magic server software.

Acronis Disk Director Server 10.0 Resize Windwos Server


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