Working on compiling my own Android OS image, I had to resize the virtual partition as it had run out of space. These are the steps I took in order to grow the VMware partition.

To grow a VMware disk partition from the host OS:

  1. vmware-vdiskmanager -x 27Gb Ubuntu.vmdk
  2. Close the VMware application
  3. Then, using a text editor, change the virtualdev parameter to buslogic in Ubuntu.vmx, as gparted has issues with recognizing the disk partition within the VMware guest.
  4. Start VMware, navigate to the virtual host, point the CD to the gparted LiveCD ISO, and start the virtual machine so that it boots from the virtual CD.
  5. Resize the partition accordingly and shutdown the virtual machine.
  6. Close the VMware application.
  7. Change the virtualdev parameter back to lsilogic in Ubuntu.vmx.
  8. Start the VMware application and it's business as usual! :o)