VirtualBox

Increase size of virtual disk

Applies to a virtual drive VDI file. Use the command 'VBoxManage' as this must be done from the console (MS-DOS prompt). For Windows XP the VBoxManage is not in the path by default, and the default base directory is Program Files. The space causes an error. To avoid, the following example is provided for Windows XP users:

C:\Progra~1\Oracle\VirtualBox\VBoxManage modifyhd "Win XP SP3 Image.vdi" --resize 45888

note: You will need to navigate to the path that contains your vdi file prior to execution of the command above! In Windows XP these are typically in a subdirectory of the following:

C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\VirtualBox VMs

Here the VBoxManage command is used to resize a 10GB image to 45GB. The quotes around the image name prevent an error due to the spaces. The use of the 8 char substitute Progra~1 prevents an error.

If you were viewing the virtual drive in Virtual Media Manager GUI, you will have to exit out and close Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager. When you open it again you will see the new size.

For Windows XP if you now start the virtual machine and goto Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Disk Management you will notice unpartitioned space. You can create a new drive letter second partition on the space. If you prefer to increase the primary partition for Windows XP you will need a 3rd party tool such as GParted via Gnome Partition Editor (download the ISO, mount it and boot from it when starting the partition. First load the VM/Win XP, on the VM menu choose Devices, CD/DVD devices, and mount the ISO of Gnome Partition Editor. Shutdown the VM. VM Settings, System, Boot Order, CD/DVD and boot Gnome Partition Editor.)