What is the max size for a disk in server 2012 R2

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ASKER

Data disk is what I need to create in that size range..
So I guess with 2012 R2 have to set up the new server and then make the disk GPT to get beyond the 2GB limitation correct?

Correct.

As opposed to MBR.

ASKER

understood

But don't forget, the OS disk must be separate from the data disk. Many people believe you can partition a disk and have the first partition MBR, and the other GPT. That isn't the case. MBR or GPT applies to the complete disk and not partitions.

ASKER

Ok so I the server that I need the larger disk on, is a vm (VMware)
So if I would build a new vm (server 2012 R2) and then remove the disk from the old vm, can I setup the new vm and still setup GPT and add the disk back?

If you install a new VM in ESXi, and your host server supports UEFI, you can install it in UEFI mode and install straight to a GPT disk. But in my point of view you should always separate the OS from the data. So what I would do is install the new VM to a small MBR or GPT virtual disk, then add a 2nd virtual GPT Disk that is large for the data.

ASKER

Yes I was going to create a separate disk for the OS (100Gb) and then I need to setup a 2.5-3TB disk for the data. But it has to be GPT.
So I guess I am confused on how I will get the disk back on the new vm and have them be GPT

You just need to open Windows diskmanagement, then right click on the new 3.5TB or whatever disk in the space where it says something like Disk 1, with the disk icon, and then select "Convert to GPT Disk" After that you can partition and format it.

If you're creating a new virtual disk, create it. Add it to the VM, then once in the VM, you make it a GPT instead of MBR. If you're passing the disk through (Hyper-V can do this, I assume ESX can), then I don't know if you need to do anything in ESX, but once the disk is seen by the guest VM, you can make it GPT.

ASKER

can I do this even thought the disk are running on a san or does that not matter

That doesn't matter.

Gerald Connolly

The maximum size of a NTFS volume can be
16 ExaBytes
= 16,000 PetaBytes
= 16,000,000 TeraBytes

Other limits apply