theoretical question about snapshot capability

[mckenzieaj]

Consider this scenario

• Shut down a 2003 server VM

• Extend the size of the vmdk for the OS partition (C: drive)

• Snapshot the VM

• startup VM

• Use third party utility to extend the C: drive

• Somethign goes bad in this process and partition gets corrupted.

Would reverting to snapshot recover this scenario?

My feeling is yes, as snapshots operate at the block level, and at the point in time of the snaphsot everything was ok

Any propronents or naysayers?

Cheers

AM

[AWo]

Yes, it should. All changes are kept in the snapshot file, so the change of the partition should also go to the snapshot file.

AWo

VCP 3 & 4

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[a_p_]

Yes, this will work the way you described it (taking the snapshot AFTER resizing the vmdk).

Just make sure to have enough free space on your datastore for the snapshot. In case you have other partitions (like D:) which have to be moved in order to resize C:, all the moved blocks will be written to the snapshot file.

André

[VMmatty]

In this scenario reverting to the snapshot will restore the state of the VM prior to extending it in the guest OS. I just confirmed it myself in my lab. Upon booting I got an error about the computer account being missing in AD but that is probably because this is an old VM I haven't powered up in quite a while.

One thing to remember is that while the snapshot will revert the guest OS back to the state prior to extending, the VMDK file itself will still be extended. If you wanted to undo that you'd likely have to use VMware Converter to create a new VM.

[JimKnopf99]

hi,

i use the program diskpart for any extensions. It is included at 2003.

Change the Size of your Boot vmdk, make sure that it is Seen in the diskmanagement.

Shut down your vm. Now you have two options. Boot with gpart or connect the vmdk to any other vm that Run 2003

and use the diskpart Tool to extend your vmdk.

That Works for me Fine.

Frank

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[mckenzieaj]

Thanks to all for responses, appreciated, good information.

Cheers

Andrew