Diskpart utility scans for newly added disks

One particularly useful utility for Windows 2000/XP/Windows Server 2003 users is the Disk Partition Utility, aka Diskpart, a command-line interpreter designed as a disk management tool. Diskpart can create, delete and resize hard drive partitions as well as assign or reassign drive letters.

Instead of using Disk Administrator, use Diskpart to find your newly added disks quickly (especially if you intend to perform other Diskpart tasks later). Note: Any text in parentheses are comments only; they should not be typed along with any commands given.

1. At a command prompt, type: Diskpart.exe.

2. At the DISKPART prompt, type: RESCAN (scans for newly added disks.)

3. At the DISKPART prompt, type: LIST DISK (lists disks found; make note of the drive number you wish to manipulate)

4. At the DISKPART prompt, type: Select Disk 1 (This selects the disk; make sure you type in the disk number from step 3.)

5. At the DISKPART prompt, type: LIST PARTITION (lists partitions found.)

6. At the DISKPART prompt, type: LIST VOLUMES (lists volumes (or logical drives) found.)

7. At the DISKPART prompt, type: Exit.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Diskpart: A command-line for manipulating disk partitions in Windows
- Diskpart utility scans for newly added disks
- Diskpart: Create, extend or delete a partition

About the author:
Tim Fenner (MCSE, MCSA: Messaging, Network+ and A+) is a senior systems administrator who oversees a Microsoft Windows, Exchange and Office environment, as well as an independent consultant who specializes in the design, implementation and management of Windows networks.