handyjay
asked on
Can I use DISKPART to delete a partition then extend C (System)
I have a server that is critically running out of space on the System drive.
For unknown reasons, the person who setup this server only allowed 4GB of space. That is now pretty much gone and I am trying to squeeze out space.
See image attached. Can I use DISKPART to delete the E partition and then use DISKPART to extend the C partition?
Server runs on Windows 2003 as a AD DC. I need a quick free fix while I look to buy new hardware.
DisksCapture.JPG
For unknown reasons, the person who setup this server only allowed 4GB of space. That is now pretty much gone and I am trying to squeeze out space.
See image attached. Can I use DISKPART to delete the E partition and then use DISKPART to extend the C partition?
Server runs on Windows 2003 as a AD DC. I need a quick free fix while I look to buy new hardware.
DisksCapture.JPG
SOLUTION
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This works good for resizing partitions. Just make sure you backup your data first. Also, you may need to move your pagefile to
the C:\ first...or just turn it off for the time being.
This works good for resizing partitions. Just make sure you backup your data first. Also, you may need to move your pagefile to
the C:\ first...or just turn it off for the time being.
Experts,
Let's remember that this server is a Domain Controller. With respect intended, if you have not worked on a Server 2003 running DC Role, please don't comment. Turning off the pagefile on a DC is a horribly bad idea.
You don't have to use DISKPART to remove the E drive. In fact, you shouldn't. If it does not contain important data, you can use Windows Disk Management (same screen you pasted in) to remove any non-system drive (C in your case).
DrUltima
Let's remember that this server is a Domain Controller. With respect intended, if you have not worked on a Server 2003 running DC Role, please don't comment. Turning off the pagefile on a DC is a horribly bad idea.
You don't have to use DISKPART to remove the E drive. In fact, you shouldn't. If it does not contain important data, you can use Windows Disk Management (same screen you pasted in) to remove any non-system drive (C in your case).
DrUltima
ASKER
The "stuff" on the E drive is just storage of old software. I have made a backup of the server already, and if I do this, I will move E to some other server.
I do beleive the person must have upgraded from NT server as the C system files are in C:\WINNT and not in the root.
When I try to use Disk management to remove E, I am not offered the Delete Partion option... it is "greyed" out. Before I try DISKPART to do it, I wanted to get some advice from others as to if this will even work.
I do beleive the person must have upgraded from NT server as the C system files are in C:\WINNT and not in the root.
When I try to use Disk management to remove E, I am not offered the Delete Partion option... it is "greyed" out. Before I try DISKPART to do it, I wanted to get some advice from others as to if this will even work.
Make sure that your server is not writing important info that drive. It may be there, but be hidden or system files. Is your page file there, for example?
DrUltima
DrUltima
ASKER
Yes, page file is there only to try and save space on C.
I would actually prefer not do any disk reformatting and just need to buy some time. I need to free up a couple hundred MB of space but I dont know where else to find it.
I've uninstalled programs, compressed space, stopped logging, and now I would like to delete some stuff from the windows directory but I'm afraid something else will break.
Any suggestions on what I can delete safely or is DISKPART a better option?
I would actually prefer not do any disk reformatting and just need to buy some time. I need to free up a couple hundred MB of space but I dont know where else to find it.
I've uninstalled programs, compressed space, stopped logging, and now I would like to delete some stuff from the windows directory but I'm afraid something else will break.
Any suggestions on what I can delete safely or is DISKPART a better option?
ASKER
It seems my troubles are fixed for the time being. I rebooted after making some more logging changes and now I have 300 MB free. This should save me some time while I get a new server. I will now need to look into how to promote the DC once I get the new server.
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ASKER
relocate your Active Directory Database folders helped get me the room I needed
Great! I am glad that helped relieve some of the pressure for you. Good luck on your server replacement. Remember, you can always "Ask a Related Question" from this one in the future, and it will alert all the Experts who participated here.
DrUltima
Microsoft Servers Zone Advisor
DrUltima
Microsoft Servers Zone Advisor
Once removed you should be able to expand C:\ in disk Management.
It is also possible you can boot to your W2k3 CD and delete E:\ there since it is similar to XP.
Wait for motre answers though, I am not positive as i have never been in that boat. I always like to give Windows servers at least 40GB or more for C:\. That person might have upgraded from NT4 which would explain a lot.