Updating from v4.2.6 to v4.3.12

[spaceman]

Hi all


I have a computer with Windows XP SP3 (32bit) on it.

It currently has VirtualBox v4.2.6, which works well.

I decided to update my VirtualBox a little bit,
and after consulting here in the forum, the chosen version will be v4.3.12.
(it is last version before VirtualBox Hardening - thank you mpack for the advice)


In VirtualBox, I have 2 VMs that I created in the past, and am still using:
One is Windows XP SP3 (32bit) - like the Host OS,
and the Second is Windows 7 SP1 (64bit).

Both these VMs have the Guest Additions installed on them.


So I downloaded VirtualBox v4.3.12,
and I would like to ask what is the correct order for the update,
when considering the fact that there are both the Installer (.EXE), and the Guest Additions.


My plan is to do it like this, is this the correct way?

Part 1: Uninstalling:
1) Run VirtualBox, and then run each VM, and then goto ControlPanel -> Add/Remove Programs, and then Uninstall the Guest Additions.
Turn Off each VM, and have them Saved.
2) On the Host: Uninstall the current version of VirtualBox - v4.2.6.

Restart the Computer (after all - Windows)

Part 2: Installing:
1) On the Host: Install the newer version of VirtualBox - v4.3.12.
2) Add the VMs to the new VirtualBox installation, via Menu: Machine -> Add...
3) Run the newly installed VirtualBox, and then run each VM, and then Install the Guest Additions on it.
Turn Off each VM, and have them Saved.


Is that the right way?

I should emphasize that I uninstall the Guest Additions while using the older VirtualBox version,
and not after updating to the newer version..


Thank you very much

[scottgus1]

That sounds like a good plan. It is not necessary to uninstall the GAs before upgrading the host Virtualbox. But it can be done your way.

Don't forget to take lots of restorable backups.

[spaceman]

Great, will do it then.
Hopefully all will go well..

Thank you very much

[spaceman]

BTW
The current installation that I have, also includes the Extension Pack.
In the updated installation that I will do, I would not need the Extension Pack.

Is Uninstalling VirtualBox enough for removing the Extension Pack,
or should I do something special for removing it?


For example,
I can go to Menu: File -> Preferences...,
then the Extensions tab,
and remove it from there.

ep.PNG (24.99 KiB) Viewed 2295 times

Is that better than simply Uninstalling VirtualBox?

[scottgus1]

The Extension Pack needs to be uninstalled separately, from within the Preferences in Run-As-Administrator-boosted Virtualbox, as shown.

[spaceman]

Thank you so much.

I am so glad I asked if there's a difference between the 2 options I mentioned.