Expanding NTFS Volumes Best Practices

Problem

It is possible to expand (Resize) a volume beyond the Windows File System (NTFS) limitations in Veritas Storage Foundation for Windows.

Solution

Before expanding a volume, verify that the correct Cluster Size (Allocation size) is defined on the NTFS volume to support the new volume size

The current Cluster Size can be verified by using CHKDSK, using the following command syntax from Windows Command-prompt:

chkdsk n: (n: should be replaced with the relavant drive letter)

The output should be similar to the following:

Use the following table to reference the Cluster Size (Allocation Size) needed to support the volume size desired:

To expand an NTFS volume beyond the limitations of the currently configured Cluster Size, the volume must be formatted with the new Cluster Size. This can be done using the Veritas Enterprise Administrator, as seen in the following screenshot.

Note: If a volume has already been expanded beyond the allowed size for the Cluster File Size, please contact Veritas Support for assistance

Applies To

Windows Server using Veritas Storage Foundation for Windows to resize volume(s) by inter operating with Microsoft NTFS File System