[itdiscuss] Reduce VMDK File Size

[Dan Barber]

The official supported mechanism for such is to use VMware Converter Standalone (version 4). It is a free download. I just did this with like 20 machines. When you get through to the last step, confirmation, edit the disks and change from Disk-based cloning to Volume-based, and you can choose either the minimum required (it tells you what that is) or type in a size manually.

Bill, call me if you have questions...

Dan


From: discuss-bounces at itdiscuss.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at itdiscuss.org] On Behalf Of blloyd at buskercom.com
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 7:59 AM
To: discuss at itdiscuss.org
Subject: [itdiscuss] Reduce VMDK File Size

This may sound strange, but I'm looking for a way to reduce the size of a VMDK file.  Here is the story.

I have an Exchange 2003 server that I setup a C and a D drive on in one VMDK file.  The D drive holds the Exchange store.  Of course, since one VMDK represents a "physical drive" to the Windows guest.  The problem is that when you have only one drive and the system drive is on it, you can't extend either of the partitions.  So I have a plan to move the Exchange store to another drive, thus freeing up the D drive, so I can eliminate it.  But, the "physical drive" will still be the same size.  I'd like to reduce the size to just what the C drive holds.  Any thoughts on how to reduce that drive while not messing up the boot drive, (or C drive)?

Thanks,



Bill Lloyd
IT Manager
[cid:image001.jpg at 01CA66A4.652DCAD0]

2567 Athens Hwy.
Gainesville, GA 30507
Phone: 770-417-1604 Ext.: 250
Fax:     770-417-1747
Cell:     404-379-6963

blloyd at buskercom.com
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