1 Topic by Captain_Jack (edited by Captain_Jack 2011-05-20 18:12:01)

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Topic: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

I am quickly running out of room on my C: drive partition, but have plenty of room on my D: drive partition which is on the same RAID array.  I've never done this on a RAID array before, and this is also my domain controller/file server, so I am quite nervous about doing this and have several questions before starting.

In particular, I am concerned about whether or not GParted is compatible and will work with Server 2008 R2.  I've heard reports that GParted will render the system unbootable after a partition resize, and that it has something to do with the new Vista code base.  I will probably use the latest "Live" version of GParted - 8.0-5   Is this still the case, what are the steps to correct it? 

Also, do I need to do this in multiple steps - shrink the D: partition first and apply it, then increase the size of the C: partition?  Or, can I do both operations and just hit the "apply" button?  Are there any settings that I need to change?  Like rounding up the cylinders, or anything like that?  I'd like to do this right the first time if possible.   Any advice is appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

2 Reply by gedakc

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Re: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

Firstly, backup all of your data so that you can restore your system in case anything goes wrong.

GParted works on the partitions and file systems only and does not modify the boot loaders.  That is why if you move the start of a boot partition you might need to restore the boot loader.

If your disk is currently cylinder aligned, then I would recommend you continue with cylinder alignment (does the first partition start on sector 63?)  Otherwise the default MiB alignment should work well.

3 Reply by Captain_Jack

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Re: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

Thank you, Gedakc.  Will GParted tell me which cylinder the first partition starts on?  If not, what program will?  Thank you again.

4 Reply by gedakc

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Re: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

Take a look at the menu option "Partition --> Information"

5 Reply by Captain_Jack

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Re: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

Wonderful program and service that you are providing!  Thanks again, Gedakc.

6 Reply by Captain_Jack (edited by Captain_Jack 2011-05-18 18:24:02)

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Re: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

I was able to complete the partition resizing with GParted 8.0-5 Live CD version with no problems. My understand is that as long as you don't modify or otherwise move the first sector on the boot partition, that everything is compatible with Windows Vista, 7 and Server 2008 (all versions).

I did have to put my spectacles on, however, to notice why I was having problems. Although I had correctly unallocated the disk space, it was still part of an extended partition (my data partition). As soon as I selected the entire extended data partition (which included the unallocated space), and performed a resizing on that partition, I was able to then assign that space to the end of my OS partition. 


There were a few moments of doubt, as my Server 2008 machine rebooted on its own twice to run StartRep.exe. I'm not sure everything that it does, but I suspect that checks MBR, runs chkdisk and generally takes inventory of the new details of the disk you modified outside of Windows.

This is certainly much better than spending $500 to $700 on a server version of partitioning software that I would use once.   Kudos to Gedakc and everyone associated with GParted

P.S.   It might be a good idea to show a picture of this distinction in the FAQ examples or manual pages, since robbing the data partition to give it to the OS partition has to be one of the most common uses for GParted.  And also maybe a picture of how to do other common partition resizing operations.

7 Reply by class413

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Re: Resizing Server 2008 C & D Partition in same RAID Array [SOLVED]

There were a few moments of doubt, as my Server 2008 machine rebooted on its own twice to run StartRep.exe. I'm not sure everything that it does, but I suspect that checks MBR, runs chkdisk and generally takes inventory of the new details of the disk you modified outside of Windows.

This is normal. What happens is somehow "cryptic", anyway it works this way on ntfs. I never modified myself any mswindows boot/system partition on fat32 filesystem.

If the problem is solved, you can add [SOLVED] on the thread's title, by editind the first post.

*** It is highly recommended to backup any important files before doing resize/move operations. ***