Question

Resize "C" partition on Server 2003

Asked by: kbws1

I have a machine running Server 2003 with 2 250GB drives.  It currently has 5GB C: partition (simple volume) and rest is a spanned volume (E:).  Both disk 0 and disk 1 are dynamic.  I have about 100 GB free on the E: drive (the spanned volume) and almost nothing on my C: drive.  I would like to extend my C: drive and make it about 15GB.  This is a one time thing so i dont want to spend alot of money on an expensive software.  Can this be done for free or inexpensively?  Thanks in advance for your help.

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Asked On
2007-11-13 at 08:21:09ID22957487
Tags

2003

,

server

,

partition

,

resize

Topics

Disk Partition Tools

,

Windows 2003 Server

,

Microsoft Server

Participating Experts
5
Points
250
Comments
8

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Answers

 

by: weareitPosted on 2007-11-13 at 08:23:57ID: 20272627

Yes it can:

Reference this question for more information:

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Software/System_Utilities/Partition_Tools/Q_22936236.html

-saige-

 

by: cuziyqPosted on 2007-11-13 at 08:26:26ID: 20272658

Well, normally I would recommend QTParted, which is a free and open source partition resizer for Linux.  You might want to check it out.

Unfortunately, the dynamic volume will probably present a problem.  QTParted only sees the partitions on the disk.  A dynamic disk has a "fake" record on the partition table, meaning that the disk physically will appear to only have one partition that takes up the entire disk, regardless of how Windows has broken it up.

The Linux Logical Volume Manager (LVM) can "see" dynamic disks and their partitions, but I do not know if that means QTParted can work with them.  You'd have to check this out.  You might just be screwed.

 

by: mmcodefivePosted on 2007-11-13 at 08:28:28ID: 20272689

We are using Paragon Partition software for Windows 2003 version 7. It works well. Make sure you have the latest drivers and firmware (espically RAID) on your server no matter what software you use. Also do one transaction at a time and reboot after each change. They made a ton of changes to 8.5 so be sure to call support before you purchase to make sure it will do what you want. I know version 7 will extend the C drive as you want. We do it all the time.

http://www.paragondotcom.com/hdm/corporate/server/features.htm

 

by: kbws1Posted on 2007-11-13 at 08:37:49ID: 20272778

i have already downloaded the demo of Paragon but i would like to explore my free options first.  I know i can buy something that will work.  Hopeing to save some money!!!

 

by: mmcodefivePosted on 2007-11-13 at 09:10:25ID: 20273081

I went down that road. If you find something please get back to me. I was unsucessful.

 

by: SysExpertPosted on 2007-11-13 at 09:48:54ID: 20273423

For Dynamic partitions, I do not think that there is any Free solution, unless the Demo of the Acronis Disk Director will work.

I hope this helps !

 

by: SysExpertPosted on 2007-11-13 at 09:49:01ID: 20273426

Resizing server Partitions windows 2003 From Petelong

Do Not use tools Like Partition Magic to resize server volumes and partitions.

Normally it will not work anyway - there are claims it can be "Bent to fit" see
http://www.influentialcomputers.com/windows2000-tips-partition-magic.asp
I DO NOT RECOMMEND TRYING THIS!!!

The best tool for doing this is Symantec (formally Powerquest) Volume manager
http://www.pugh.co.uk/Products/symantec/volumemanager-2.htm

However at the moment it does not support Server 2003 (only NT4 and 2000)

The following works on Server 2003
Acronis PartitionExpert 2003
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/partitionexpert/

Also see http://www.microsoft.com/technet/itsolutions/msit/operations/diskpartnoteonIT.mspx

Normally nothing works on "Dynamic Disks" but there are claims that this does, though Ive not
tried it myself
http://www.guildsoft.co.uk/index.html?page=http://www.guildsoft.co.uk/list.php?subname=VCOM*track=internal

Regards,

PeteLong

------------------

I hope this helps !

 

by: ChiefITPosted on 2007-11-14 at 15:12:35ID: 20284892



I have been there and done that on a Raid 5 array and three partitions. $50 dollars is for Acronis Partition Expert. I see the link is above. I am just reinforcing the comment.

My domain has worked perfectly ever since I used it a couple years back.

Looks like you did your homework on a 12 to 15 GB partition for C:.

Good luck with what ever you choose.


20120131-EE-VQP-002

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