Can't connect to network with WinNT Server Guest VM? Ideas?

mduarte · Post by **mduarte** » 14. Apr 2008, 15:45

Hi Folks,

I just installed a Win NT 4 Server as a VM. All went very well except for ont thing. It is not able to see the network. It uses the NAT setting. However, I just can;t see to connect. Is it because I don't have the controller that is specified as one of the driver. I installed this on an IBM X232 server and therefore it has an IBM NIC. Do I need to install the IBM NIC driver within the VM, or does it emulate a NIC? Any ideas would be appreciated?

Post by **over_clox** » 14. Apr 2008, 16:28

You're not very likely to be able to see the network in NAT mode. That's just how it works (or doesn't). You should still be able to directly address a computer on the network by IP address, but this has had varying degrees of success too. PINGing a computer on the network doesn't work, period. It's basically meant to be a fairly secure channel to the internet.

See http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=5422 for more on NAT and the PING command.

No need to install the IBM drivers in the VM, just the guest additions.

mduarte · Post by **mduarte** » 14. Apr 2008, 16:38

What's the alternative if I want the VM Win NT server to be able to see the other computers within the physical network? If I disable NAT, what's the next best alternate for other systems on the network to see the VM as a physical entity on the network?

Post by **over_clox** » 14. Apr 2008, 16:49

Use Host Interface mode. This will install a driver in the host system that emulates a real network card that you can (and will need to) bridge with your real ethernet controller. The details are outlined in the user manual.

mduarte · Post by **mduarte** » 14. Apr 2008, 19:57

Excellent! I'll try that out. Much appreciated for the suggestion.