Recent Guest Additions versions will not install on Windows 8.1

[BobPaulJr]

I have not been able to install recent versions Guest Additions on my Windows 8.1 guest. I update VB regularly and am currently at VB version 5.1.28. However, I have not been able to install the accompanying GA since version 5.1.18. Each time I download the GA for a given VB and try to install it, I get a pop-up message that says, "The Virtual Box Guest Additions cannot be installed on this version of Windows".

Does this scenario ring any bells?

I'm running an OS X host and I keep relatively current with both the host and guest operating systems.

[socratis]

Each time I download the GA for a given VB and try to install it

You do *not* have to download the GAs. They come bundled with your VirtualBox installation. Just go to the menu Devices » Insert Guest Additions CD Image... and then run "VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe".

[BobPaulJr]

Sorry, I misspoke. The GA comes along with VB and loads itself into the optical drive. I am installing it from there as you describe. That's when I get the message that it won't install on this version of Windows.

[socratis]

I want to see some evidence about that. Guest Additions (GAs) can be installed from Windows NT 4 and higher, up to the latest pre-released Windows 10, so I'm not sure why you're seeing this. Are you sure that you're running "VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe" and not something that looks like it?

[mpack]

Also a screenshot showing the error message: the screenshot should include evidence of the Windows version.

And if any messing about with compatibility mode has happened then mention it.

[BobPaulJr]

I've attached 3 screen shots --
WinInfo.jpg shows info about the Guest computer, including Win version
Welcome428.png shows the welcome screen of the install.
ErrMsg428.png is the error message that pops up during the install.

[BillG]

4.2.8? Where did you find those GAs?

[BobPaulJr]

I can't tell you precisely, Bill, but it was part of the VB 5.1.28 install. Somewhere in there, there is a pop-up that asks if you want to download the GA. I said yes. It then mounts the GA in the CD drive.

I am a bit surprised that the VB is 5.1.28 but the GA is 4.2.8. I notice in the log that the GA that I'm actually running is 5.1.18 (the last GA that I could install). I "pretty sure" that the versions presented in that Welcome page have been 4.2.2, 4.2.3, etc. I will look for 4.2.9 as confirmation the next time there is a release.

Bob

[socratis]

I can't tell you precisely, Bill, but it was part of the VB 5.1.28 install.

No, it was not. The GAs that come with VirtualBox 5.1.28 are also 5.1.28 (surprisingly).

Somewhere in there, there is a pop-up that asks if you want to download the GA.

There is no pop up that prompts you to "update" or "download" the GAs. None whatsoever, because, as said multiple times, the GAs come bundled with the main program. And they are the same version as the main program.

I "pretty sure" that the versions presented in that Welcome page have been 4.2.2, 4.2.3, etc. I will look for 4.2.9

You will not find an "odd number" version on the loose. They are the developer builds. All official builds end in even numbers, such as .0, .2, .4, .6, .8, etc.

Please, follow the official instructions. Use the menu Devices » Insert Guest Additions CD Image... and run "VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe".

[BobPaulJr]

Got it. Now I understand. 5.1.28 GA is loaded. Thanks all.