Error Resizing Partition of Ubuntu Virtualbox VM on Windows 10: How to Fix It

In this article, we will discuss a common error that users encounter while resizing the partition of an Ubuntu Virtualbox VM on Windows 10. This error can be frustrating, but with the right steps and understanding, it can be fixed.

Understanding the Problem

The error typically occurs when you are trying to resize the partition of a Virtualbox VM running Ubuntu on a Windows 10 host. The error message is usually “Error resizing partition” followed by “Unable to satisfy all constraints on the partition”. This error is usually due to a lack of free space on the host machine’s hard drive or limitations set on the partition.

Preparing for Resizing

Before you begin resizing the partition, ensure that the VM is powered off. This is a crucial step to prevent any data loss or corruption. Also, check that you have enough free space on your host machine’s hard drive to accommodate the resized partition.

Resizing the Hard Disk

To resize the hard disk, you will need to use the VBoxManage command in Windows PowerShell. Here’s an example of the command:

C:\"Program Files"\Oracle\VirtualBox\VBoxManage.exe modifyhd C:\Users\Bob\"VirtualBox VMs"\Tommaso_Ubuntu01\Tommaso_Ubuntu01.vdi --resize 270000

In this command, C:\"Program Files"\Oracle\VirtualBox\VBoxManage.exe is the path to the VBoxManage tool. modifyhd is the command to modify a virtual hard disk. The path C:\Users\Bob\"VirtualBox VMs"\Tommaso_Ubuntu01\Tommaso_Ubuntu01.vdi should be replaced with the path to your own virtual disk file. The --resize option followed by 270000 is used to resize the hard disk to 270 GB.

Resizing the Partition in Ubuntu

Once you have resized the hard disk, you can then resize the partition in Ubuntu. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start the VM and open the Disks application. You can find it by clicking on the square of 9 points in the bottom bar and searching for “Disks”.
2. In the Disks application, select the Hard Disk from the left sidebar.
3. Select the partition that you want to resize (in this case, Partition 3).
4. Click on the gears button and choose the “Resize” option.
5. Set the partition size to 270 GB (or the desired size).
6. Click on the “Resize” button to apply the changes.

Fixing the Error

If you encounter the “Error resizing partition” message with the “Unable to satisfy all constraints on the partition” error, there are a few possible solutions:

• Check if there are any limitations or constraints set on the partition that prevent it from being resized. You may need to remove or modify these constraints before resizing.
• Try using a different partitioning tool, such as GParted. You can install GParted using the following command in the Ubuntu terminal:

sudo apt-get install gparted

Then, follow the instructions provided in the context above to resize the partition using GParted.

Conclusion

Resizing the partition of a Virtualbox VM running Ubuntu on Windows 10 can be a tricky process, but with the right steps and tools, it can be done successfully. Always remember to back up your data before making any changes to your system. If you encounter any errors, don’t hesitate to seek help from online communities or professional services.