Extend Partition Size of Server 2003 Disk in VHD -diskpart.exe and fsextend.exe

I have a couple of Server 2003 32 bit machines that I wanted to upgrade to Server 2008 (last 32 bit edition of Server 0S). Problem is I did not have enough space on the system drive c:. Since these machines are VHD files running on HYPER-V you can extend the size. Here is how.

Step 1. Shut down the Virtual Machine
Step 2. Using Hyper-V Increase the Disk size for the System Disk in my case (Disk 0)
Step 3. Turn on the Virtual Machine
Step 4. Download this file DISKPART_WITH_FSEXTEND  (This files can be hard to find so included a direct link)

This file contains a fixed version of Diskpart.exe and another unitlity fsextend.exe.  Unzip this downloaded file and go the command prompt.  Run this version of Diskpart.exe you just downloaded (not the version that comes with Server 2003).

 

Step 5.  In Disk part type List Volume

Step 6.  Find the Volume you want to extend.  Type Select Volume 2 (or whichever volume you are extending)

Step 7.  Type extend

Step 8.  This command will appear to hang, let it fun for a few minutes then hit CTRL-C.

Step 9. Now if you type List Disk  it will show the increased size of the disk but your file system still will report the old size.

Step 10.  Exit Diskpart and now type fsextend.exe c   (or whatever drive letter you are extending).  That is it, fsextend.exe will correct the file system and now you will see the expanded size.