Increase partition size.

Question

Hi. How could I increase the size for a partition of a server? For example, for a computer with windows XP you could use Partition Magic. But for a server running windows 2003 OS, on raid, which software is recommended? Thank you!

at5147 · Answer

You could use diskpart: How to use Diskpart.exe to extend a data volume in Windows Server 2003, in Windows XP, and in Windows 2000

alexia_net · Answer

Thank you, but reading this article I see that I cannot resize the boot partition. I want to resize the boot partition.

at5147 · Answer

You can try extpart. It says it can't but you can. It also says that its for 2000, but I've used in on 2003 boxes.

Dell ExtPart - Utility to Extend Basic Disks ReadMe

Download: Application: Dell Basic Disk Expansion

Make sure you have a backup cause expanding the boot partition can go wrong.

alexia_net · Answer

Thank you, but please allow me to ask you once again: hare you resized the boot partition? Because according to the readme file, chapter 6 I see the following: VI. USAGE extpart [volume size] volume - the volume to extend. e.g. f:, g:, etc (only basic volumes) size - the size in megabytes by which to extend the volume. So only basic volumes. Please tell me if you have resized a boot partition or not. Thank you!

WebExec · Answer

Re-reading your question and see I miss spoke... Disregard my last post, your not wanting to use diskpart to do this.    Your looking for gparted http://gparted.sourceforge.net/features.php which I have also used and will do exactly what you want.

WebExec · Answer

I have used diskpart to resize the boot partition, many times. As long as you have the unallocated space on the volume you should be fine.   Needs to be done outside of windows, i.e. boot disk. Also for a boot partition you need to use the /override switch in the command.   All disclaimers apply.. backup, this is dangerous, etc.

alexia_net · Answer

Hi. Thank you for your solution, but this software isn't just for Linux? I am using windows.

WebExec · Answer

It is not just for Linux, the boot CD and the utility are Linux based though. Works great for NTFS and FAT partitions.

NickFerrar · Answer

We use Paragon Partition Manager for extending boot partitions (and diskpart for non-boot partitions). Not particularly cheap but has worked flawlessly the times we've used it, we have the Enterprise Server version as it has a system imaging utility too which I'd say is vital before doing this kind of operation (we backup to an external USB hard drive - can take hours for large boot partitions but the peace of mind makes it worthwhile). http://www.partition-manager.com/comparison

thomas_smaistrla · Answer

The Dell Extpart Utility can be used to extend boot partitions. I have only run into a few issues with it: 1 Some applications may lock the system partition. If Extpart does not work, try booting to Windows safe mode. 2 If you are extending a partition to the end of the drive, make sure to leave a few megabytes of unallocated space at the end of the drive. I have seen partition table corruption if you try to extend all the way to the end.

alexia_net · Answer

Where could I find Dell Expart Utility?

thomas_smaistrla · Answer

ftp://ftp.dell.com/app/ExtPart.exe   ftp://ftp.dell.com/app/ExtPart.txt

PowerEdge Hardware General

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