I have few windows server 2008. Following is configuration for one of it.HardDrive size: 146 gbNumber of volumns: 1 (Windows server 2008 system volume c:)Volumn size: 70 gbData size in volume: 30 gbI want to move this windows server into 73 gb hard drive.what would be the best way to move it?I tried windows backup and restore, although there is just one volumn of 70 gb it will not restore it into 73 gb harddrive. Complaining about bius size of hard drive is bigger.

Hi, If you are recovering your operating system to a new hard disk, make sure the disk is at least as big as the disk that contained the volumes that were backed up, regardless of the size of those volumes. For example, if there was only one volume that was 100 GB on a 1-TB disk during backup, you should use a disk that is at least 1 TB when restoring. Therefore, if you would like to restore your windows server 2008 from a 146GB hard drive, you must use a hard drive with at least 146GB. Hope it helps. Tim Quan - MSFT

Thanks for reply tim, I am not trying to restore windows i need to move it. So trying to use backup restore if i can use it. Any other suggestion, Is it possible in windows to move into smaller drive? or do i need to look for third party solution if any out there?

Hi, If your Windows Server 2008 is a DC, I am afraid that you cannot move the whole system to another hard drive. You have to reinstall the DC on that hard drive. If your Windows Server 2008 was just installed and no complex configuration has been made (run as a workstation), you can use ImageX or Norton Ghost to clone the system and then apply the image to the smaller hard drive. Tim Quan - MSFT