HP OpenView Storage Virtual Replicator server-based virtualization enables users to erase the physical boundaries of their storage units and provides flexible, simplified storage management for Microsoft Windows environments. Users can consolidate physical storage into a pool of capacity. That capacity can be provisioned to applications and users by creating large size virtual disks tailored to the specific production environment requirements. Virtual Replicator allows users to create instant, space efficient snapshots for multiple purposes. As an example, a snapshot allows customers to perform backups and restores with minimal impact to users and applications. The Online Volume Growth feature provides the ability to expand a virtual disk or a basic disk on Windows 2000 without reboot. Virtual Replicator reduces backup and restores windows from hours to minutes, improving data and application availability, maximizing utilization of resources and reducing the cost and complexity of managing storage. It utilizes industry-standard components protecting current and future storage investments.