I was told VeraCrypt Expander doesn't do the partition expanding for you, only the encrypted container part inside the partition. The unallocated space should be to the right of the encrypted partition, but this will make your embedded backup header not work anymore as it is not at the end of the partition anymore.
How do I get it on the right the proper way? I were to "select file" instead of "select device", which file am I looking for?
Is there a sufficient risk that would warrant you not to try this? I don't have the means to backup that 782g partition?
Last edit: kltpzyxmrm 2023-08-02
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Firstly, you're right about how the VeraCrypt Volume Expander works. It can only expand the encrypted volume if there's unallocated space to the right of the encrypted partition.
The position of the unallocated space in your case, which is to the left, is an issue because the VeraCrypt Volume Expander is unable to handle this scenario. This limitation is due to the design of the filesystem, which grows from the start of the partition.
To proceed, you need to move your encrypted partition so that the unallocated space is on the right. Unfortunately, VeraCrypt doesn't provide tools for this kind of operation because it's related to partition management and not specifically encryption.
To perform this operation, you can use third-party partition management tools, like GParted, AOMEI Partition Assistant, or EaseUS Partition Master. These tools should be able to move your partition to the left, making the unallocated space available on the right side of the partition. However, please be aware that this operation carries some risk, as any mistake could corrupt the partition and lead to data loss.
Regarding your second question about "select file" instead of "select device," it is not applicable here. When you "select file," you are choosing a file-hosted VeraCrypt volume (a standalone file which is a VeraCrypt container). But in your case, you are dealing with a partition/device-hosted VeraCrypt volume, so you will need to "select device".
It is essential to understand that these operations carry inherent risks. Generally, before conducting any operation that modifies your disk structure, you should always have a reliable backup. You've mentioned that you don't have the means to backup your 782GB partition, which makes this operation riskier.
If the data on this partition is not something you can afford to lose, I would highly advise against proceeding without a proper backup.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I'm hoping you can advise me about using one of your suggested tools to get the job done.
I tried Easeus, AOMEI. Minitool and Disk Genius. Only AOMEI offers the option to move/resize the partition in the context menu for the partition, but It offers nowhere to move it.
Disk management image. Unallocated space to the left of the encrypted L:\ partition
https://i.postimg.cc/MTFBBqzr/Screenshot-1.jpg
I got this message.
https://i.postimg.cc/MTFBBqzr/Screenshot-1.jpg
I was told VeraCrypt Expander doesn't do the partition expanding for you, only the encrypted container part inside the partition. The unallocated space should be to the right of the encrypted partition, but this will make your embedded backup header not work anymore as it is not at the end of the partition anymore.
How do I get it on the right the proper way? I were to "select file" instead of "select device", which file am I looking for?
Is there a sufficient risk that would warrant you not to try this? I don't have the means to backup that 782g partition?
Last edit: kltpzyxmrm 2023-08-02
If there is no answer, can someone please let me know so I don't have to keep checking back here?
thanks
@kltpzyxmrm,
Firstly, you're right about how the VeraCrypt Volume Expander works. It can only expand the encrypted volume if there's unallocated space to the right of the encrypted partition.
The position of the unallocated space in your case, which is to the left, is an issue because the VeraCrypt Volume Expander is unable to handle this scenario. This limitation is due to the design of the filesystem, which grows from the start of the partition.
To proceed, you need to move your encrypted partition so that the unallocated space is on the right. Unfortunately, VeraCrypt doesn't provide tools for this kind of operation because it's related to partition management and not specifically encryption.
To perform this operation, you can use third-party partition management tools, like GParted, AOMEI Partition Assistant, or EaseUS Partition Master. These tools should be able to move your partition to the left, making the unallocated space available on the right side of the partition. However, please be aware that this operation carries some risk, as any mistake could corrupt the partition and lead to data loss.
Regarding your second question about "select file" instead of "select device," it is not applicable here. When you "select file," you are choosing a file-hosted VeraCrypt volume (a standalone file which is a VeraCrypt container). But in your case, you are dealing with a partition/device-hosted VeraCrypt volume, so you will need to "select device".
It is essential to understand that these operations carry inherent risks. Generally, before conducting any operation that modifies your disk structure, you should always have a reliable backup. You've mentioned that you don't have the means to backup your 782GB partition, which makes this operation riskier.
If the data on this partition is not something you can afford to lose, I would highly advise against proceeding without a proper backup.
@Mounir IDRASSI,
I'm hoping you can advise me about using one of your suggested tools to get the job done.
I tried Easeus, AOMEI. Minitool and Disk Genius. Only AOMEI offers the option to move/resize the partition in the context menu for the partition, but It offers nowhere to move it.
https://i.postimg.cc/NFYTsg3h/20230808-134213.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/1zqNDnPh/aomei.png
I tested with the partition mounted and unmounted.
Last edit: kltpzyxmrm 2023-08-08
I moved the partition. I can mount it.
https://i.postimg.cc/YS57tpN5/L-Part2.png
But, when I try to use the VeraCrypt Expander. I still get this
https://i.postimg.cc/TwKcJ6Z3/L-Part4.png
and afterwards, this
https://i.postimg.cc/5yvqDm9c/L-Part3.png
Perhaps thee is somewhere else I might be directed to for a solution?