How to resize a disk in VirtualBox 4.1 (ubuntu host/windows XP guest)
In my previous post (https://myotragusbalearicus.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/how-to-resize-a-disk-in-virtualbox-ubuntu-hostwindows-xp-guest/) I discussed about resizing a virtual hard disk in VirtualBox 3.2.
Now, in the newer version of VirtualBox we have no “Create new virtual disk” option in the virtual device manager.
To resize a disk in VirtualBox is now much more easier… although you’ll have to use the command line.
First, list all of the virtual disks installed:
$ VBoxManage list hdds UUID: b8f8a160-d751-4a98-af16-5b6bd7174099 Parent UUID: base Format: VDI Location: /var/VirtualBox/HardDisks/WindowsXP.vdi State: created Type: normal Usage: WindowsXP (UUID: 6e027563-4bea-47e3-966e-067e3b563048)
That’s my 20GB hard disk drive.To resize it to 30GB:
$ VBoxManage modifyhd /var/VirtualBox/HardDisks/WindowsXP.vdi --resize 30720
And now, choose your application to extend the old partition to the new size.
It’s very easy with a LiveCD and GParted. Just choose Resize/Move and apply the changes.
An applause for VirtualBox, because in previous versions this was a little bit frustrating.
And don’t forget to read the documentation:
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Ok, I need to repartiion, but I need something different
How to resize a disk in VirtualBox 4.1 (windows 8 host/Ubuntu 64bit 12.10 guest)
I used vboxmanage modifyhd to resize the VDI to a larger size. It works fine, I can boot into Ubuntu, no problems. But my HD partition in Ubuntu is still the 8gb I started with not the 15gb I resized it to. So how do I resize the partition in Ubuntu.
Thanks
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You must login to Ubuntu and use GParted to resize the partition, but first make a backup!
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Thanks for the help miquel, but I’m still having troubles, now with GParted. I installed it in Ubuntu, and then ran it, it shows me that I have 3 partitions, /dev/sda1, /dev/sda2 with /dev/sda5 that is the linux-swap. And then the unallocated partition. But there is no way I can figure how to add this unallocated space to /dev/sda1 (extend sda1 that is). Help would be appreciated.
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If the free space is not adjacent it’s not trivial.
Look at this post, it’s similar to your question:
http://askubuntu.com/questions/120347/how-can-i-add-space-from-unallocated-to-extended
You have to start with a live CD and move /dev/sda2 and /dev/sda5 at the end of the free space, and then you can resize the /dev/sda1 to get the extra space.
Hope this helps!
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GREAT! Hint for those resizing WIN partitions. After running the above, your new .vdi file can be resized by starting virtual win, then Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Computer Management |Disk Management. Then simply merge your existing partition with the newly created one. No need to mess with GPARTED.
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Thanks Mark for your hint. I think it’s easier with Disk Management for those who use only windows.
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It was nice to read your post. Thank you for posting this piece!
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