That depends … in order for this to work, you MUST have Windows already installed in UEFI mode (not BIOS).
If you have it installed in UEFI mode, then you CAN extend the D: drive.
If you have it installed in BIOS mode (not UEFI), then you CANNOT extend the D: drive. Reason: BIOS is limited to 2TB boot disks, and each VD is presented to the OS as a "disk", so by extending the VD beyond 2TB, you essentially introduce a drive too large for it to boot from in its current configuration. You are looking at a reinstall of the OS in this case to add more than 2TB of space.
Thanks, I'll have to check. Is there any utility that will tell me this information without me rebooting the server (such as the Dell Open Manage Server Admin)?
One way is to open diskpart then the command: LIST DISK
If it shows an * under GPT, then it is in UEFI mode (GPT cannot be booted in BIOS mode).
You should have OMSA installed on any server you manage. You can check this in OMSA as well ... go to System, Main System Chassis, BIOS, Setup tab, Boot Settings, and check Boot Mode ... if BIOS, your boot disk will not be GPT and you can't extend your disk past 2TB; if UEFI, your boot disk will be GPT and you can extend it past 2TB.
DELL-Josh Cr
Moderator
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November 12th, 2018 13:00
Hi,
Yes, you should be able to use Windows Disk Manager to expand the partition. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/disk-management/extend-a-basic-volume
theflash1932
9 Legend
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16.3K Posts
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November 12th, 2018 22:00
That depends … in order for this to work, you MUST have Windows already installed in UEFI mode (not BIOS).
If you have it installed in UEFI mode, then you CAN extend the D: drive.
If you have it installed in BIOS mode (not UEFI), then you CANNOT extend the D: drive. Reason: BIOS is limited to 2TB boot disks, and each VD is presented to the OS as a "disk", so by extending the VD beyond 2TB, you essentially introduce a drive too large for it to boot from in its current configuration. You are looking at a reinstall of the OS in this case to add more than 2TB of space.
siriusbs
2 Posts
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November 13th, 2018 09:00
Thanks, I'll have to check. Is there any utility that will tell me this information without me rebooting the server (such as the Dell Open Manage Server Admin)?
theflash1932
9 Legend
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16.3K Posts
0
November 13th, 2018 11:00
One way is to open diskpart then the command: LIST DISK
If it shows an * under GPT, then it is in UEFI mode (GPT cannot be booted in BIOS mode).
You should have OMSA installed on any server you manage. You can check this in OMSA as well ... go to System, Main System Chassis, BIOS, Setup tab, Boot Settings, and check Boot Mode ... if BIOS, your boot disk will not be GPT and you can't extend your disk past 2TB; if UEFI, your boot disk will be GPT and you can extend it past 2TB.