How to expand partition of expanded Virtual Drive (VDI)?

[sfogel]

Hi, all...

I have successfully expanded the virtual size of my virtual disk (VDI file) on my Mac host from 41GB to 80GB, according to the Virtual Box Manager window. I'm using VirtualBox 4.3.12. Actual size is reported as 23GB, which I want to increase. I understand I need to extend the partition. However, when I use the Windows Disk Management utility, it still shows total disk size of 41GB, not 80GB, so can't use that, unless I'm missing something.

Which partitioning program can I use to expand my C and D partitions without data loss? I had very bad luck trying to download Gparted. Too much freeware, confusing download, plus viruses were detected. I may have a copy of Partition Magic lying around. Would need to know minimum version that would work, and any other programs you could suggest. Thx

Steve

[loukingjr]

How to resize a Virtual Drive

[sfogel]

OK, I was able to boot from GParted, but it still shows only 41GB available. How do I get it to recognize the new 80MB virtual disk size?

[sfogel]

By the way, I have a snapshot. I read that my current version of VirtualBox supports expansion when snapshots are present, but might the snapshot be the reason why Gparted is not recognizing the new VDI size? Should I delete the snapshot? Thx

[loukingjr]

I had to search some past threads to see what the answer to your question was. First, if you have a backup of the VM in question I would restore the guest from the backup and follow the instructions on how to resize a .vdi from scratch.

If you don't have a backup of the VM, make one in case. Since you do have a snapshot I believe what you have to do is resize the snapshot and increase the partition size of that.

[mpack]

Resizing a disk which uses snapshots is not recommended for non experts.

[loukingjr]

I should have mentioned that.

I think since I'm not doing anything important I am going to recreate the OP's situation.

[sfogel]

I'd like to keep this simple. Can I just delete the snapshot and then resize again? Or must I restore from the backup that I took before the resize, delete the snapshot, and then resize? If I must use the backup, can I just exit VirtualBox and rename the backup so that it has the name the Virtual Box expects? Thx

[loukingjr]

You didn't mention if you backed up the entire VM or just the .vdi. It makes a difference on how you restore.

[sfogel]

I backed up just the .vdi file while the VM was shut down.

[loukingjr]

then all you have to do is replace the .vdi with the backup.

[sfogel]

OK, then should I restore the backup, then delete the snapshot, then try to resize again? Then should Gparted be able to recognize the new free space and expand the C partition? Thx

[loukingjr]

if you delete the Snapshot from the VB Snapshot tab then it will merge any changes you made since you created the snapshot. Then resize the .vdi. Once you do that, you should be able to use Windows Disk Management. If you just throw away the Snapshot you would lose any changes since it was created.

[sfogel]

OK, this all worked out fine. Many thanks for the help. I had to use GParted to expand the C: (boot) volume.

[loukingjr]

glad it worked out.