Resize VMware virtual disk directly and safely without resetting the machine

VMware Server (formerly VMware GSX Server) is a free entry-level server virtualization software suite from VMware, Inc. VMware Server can create, edit, and play virtual machines. It uses a client-server model, allowing remote access to virtual machines, at the cost of some graphical performance.

To resize VMware Server virtual disk is not an easy job for 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 disk size; other Server users know the method, but do not know which tool is the best. They need to think twice to choose reliable VMware Server partition software to change the VMware Server disk size. So this article will introduce a step by step tutorial with the trustable server partition software - EaseUS Partition Master Server Edition, which enables you to resize VMware Server directly and safely without complex works.

Real and common problems of VMware Server virtual disk

"Can anyone please explain me or point me to an article on how can I increase my main C: Drive space on VMware Server 1, it running really low and I will be in trouble soon."

"Is there any way to increase the disk size of a virtual machine that I am running in VMware player? I downloaded this machine from a third party. I do not own VMware server, workstation, etc."

"What is the best way to increase system partition? I usually increase the hard drive in VI client; use Knoppix to then extend the partition. Is there a better way? Or is there other preferred methods?"

"Is it possible to increase disk space in my virtual machine after it is already created and using?"

There have been a number of questions on how to resize VMware Server virtual disks / partitions and confusion around how this works with regards to Windows Server. While the vdiskmanager tools to resize the virtual disks are pretty quick, you still have to use third party tools, for example, EaseUS Partition Master to get to the desired end point of a larger Windows system virtual disk or actually partition in this case.

How to increase VMware Server virtual disk?

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, replace 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 Files\VMware\VMware Workstation\vmware-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.

However, this tool can only increase VMware Server virtual disk space, as the "WARNING" message said above. To resize the Virtual Server partition, you need EaseUS Partition Master Server Edition, and the tutorial is below.

How to resize VMware Server virtual partition?

The following is step-by-step instruction to extend system partition (C: drive) of VMware Server virtual disk.

1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master Server Edition.

2. Select partition E:, right click it, select "Resize/Move partition" and drag the partition handle leftwards to resize E drive. Then there will be unallocated space behind E: drive.( If there is some unallocated space behind C: drive, skip step 2 and step 3.)

3. Move E: drive rightwards to let the unallocated space be behind the system partition (C: drive) and click OK.

4. Select the system partition (C: drive), right click it and select "Resize/Move partition", drag the partition handle rightwards to extend system partition (C: drive).

5. Click Apply.

For more detailed information, please visit resizing and moving partitions.

 

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