resize partition on server RAID5

[filippo_8]

hello, I heve 3 disk (18,2 GB one) (RAID 5)on server proliant ml 370, with controller array 431. when windows was installed, the partition C: was 2 GB. now I want resize partiton, what utility I use?I try ACU (compaq) but it see 1 logic partition, and Windows 2k server see 3 disk + 1 of Exchange.please help me!I can use Partition magic on this server?or I do again all partition and cancel all data?
fil

P.S. This thread has been moved from Disk to ProLiant Servers (ML,DL,SL). -HP Forum Moderator

[David Child_1]

C:\Program Files\Resource Kit\diskpart.exe (it's part of the rosource kit so you may need to download it from Microsoft).

David

[Steven Clementi]

There is a utility called diskpart which is what you possibly want to use.

The only issue I can see in your situation is the location of your "Exchange" disk.

Diskpart will only expand a partition if the space in contiguous on basic disk or any available space on a dynamic disk. The only other way I know how to move partitions is using a utility like Partition Magic.

On the other hand, if you have a basic disk and if you can create a partiton at the "end" of the logical drive and "move" your exchange data to it and delete the middle partitions, you would be able to extend your c: drive. (or just convert it to dynamic disk)

Microsoft has a decent article on theusage of diskpart.exe.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;325590

Steven

[filippo_8]

but this software clear all data on my disk?
and canI use that on a server?

[David Child_1]

If used correctly it should not destroy any data. I used it yesterday to expand a disk that was actively being used.

I don't think it matters if you are on a server or not.

David

[filippo_8]

sorry...
but have diskpart a graphic interface or have a command line?

[Uwe Zessin]

filippo,
please open the URL that Steven has given you. It will answer your question.

[filippo_8]

Thank you
sorry
I try diskpart but I haven't free space for extends my C partition.

[filippo_8]

Do you know a software like partition magic for win2k server? or utility free?

[Daniel Brunt_1]

As long as you do NOT have Dynamic volumes, I've used Acronis Disk Director Suite 9.0 which contains Partition Manager 2003 on Windows 2000 Server. Unlike Partition Magic, it supports all flavors of Windows whether desktop or server and is quite reasonably priced.

If they are Dynamic, then I think Symantec Volume Manager is the only utility which will allow you to revert the C partition from Dynamic to Basic providing it's Simple and not Striped or Mirrored. Once the partitions are back to Basic, then you can move/resize them. Unfortunately, it's expensive...$760.95 USD

[Daniel Brunt_1]

Partition Commander from VCom looks like it can revert from Dynamic to Basic and then allow you to resize/move. And it's only 49.99

See http://www.v-com.com/product/Partition_Commander_Features.html

[Steven Clementi]

Sorry, you can't use diskpart to extend your system/boot drive. As far as I know.


I am sure you found that out though.


I have used Partition Magic before in Win2k, but am not sure if it would work on a "server" version.

Steven

[Daniel Brunt_1]

"I have used Partition Magic before in Win2k, but am not sure if it would work on a "server" version."

It does NOT work on the "server" versions of Windows.

[David Hillis]

We're getting to a fairly critical stage now. DiskPart Extend Utils wont work on a boot or system volume and Partition Magic .. I think I've got v7 wont do server vols.

Some one tell me if this wont work. I've created 4 Norton Ghost 2k3 images. One per partition. I'm preping a new drive 20GB with 4 equal partitions. I'll restore each image to the appropriate partition. It almost sounds too easy I know but I've been able to do it successfully testing on Win2K server.... This will be my first attempt using Win2k3 Server partitions.

[Steven Clementi]

I do not see why that should not work. Just remember to make the partition you need bigger..... bigger.


Better yet, if your still using a Smart Array, why don't you just make 4 logical drives, so you can increase the partitions/arrays later on if necessary.


Steven

[Harry Redl]

Hi,
I have tried to extend SYSTEM NTFS partition on W2K SERVER using DISKPART utility mentioned here and it worked ... (MS says, that system partition MAY be blocked ....). Data are intact, server works, everything went with system online ...

I am have tried Partirion Magic which DO NOT WORK on SERVER versions of Windows.

Tomorrow I am going to test this on similar enviroment to yours

ML370G2, RAID 1+0, 18G logical disk (4G NTFS + 14G free -> 18G NTFS) - will report

Harry

[Steven Clementi]

I think the original environment was 4 partitions on one drive (or maybe I read that wrong)

You should be able to expand a partition if it is the ONLY partition on the drive AND it is a System drive (though I never had ny luck with it).


Steven

[rancelan]

I met this problem before.

Partition Magic can not support Windows Server. You have to use EASEUS Partition Manager Server Edition to solve your problem.

This software has the same functions as PQ has, and it is easy to use.

[bean123]

Partition magic couldn't work with server.
Went with EASEUS Partition Manager after reading about lots of people saying they were having the problem where they would resize a partition and it just wouldn't take with PM.

[stella123]

It is cool!Someone has already recommended the easy-use partition tool EASEUS Partition Manager. I want to say that it also runs well on my computer. It help me a lot when I want to reize/move partitions and so on.

[shun_1]

diskpart cannot help you if the unallocated space is not behind the partition that you want to expand. I use easeus partition master to expand the system partition as well as other management, very easy to use. it can support all kinds of RAID completely. haw-haw , it sounds like propaganda, but I really like it.
more info: http://www.partition-tool.com/resource/expand-raid5-partition.htm

[zigong]

This question has been asked many times, see this tutorial, http://www.partition-tool.com/resource/repartition-server.htm

[niubi]

In fact there is no difference when resizing raid partition a physical disk partition, but don't break the raid, there is a page about how to resize partition. http://www.hdd-tool.com/partition-magic/resize-windows-server-with-partition-magic-software.htm

[tommyli]

There is a tool, Partition Assistant can well work on Server System to resize your partition. Refer to more below:
http://www.extend-partition.com/partition-manager-server-edition.html

[Techguys]

Partition Magic doesn't support Windows Server. There is no shrink and extend feature built on Windows 2000 or 2003 Server, but you may try diskpart or third party partition software.

How to extend partition with diskpart:
http://www.partition-magic-server.com/extend-partition/diskpart-server-2003-to-extend-partition.html
How to resize RAID with Partition Magic Server:
http://www.partition-magic-server.com/resize-partition/resize-raid-5-partition.html