vboxheadless does not return to prompt after execution

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Linux hosts.
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SkylarB
Posts: 14
Joined: 14. Sep 2021, 19:23

vboxheadless does not return to prompt after execution

Post by SkylarB »

When I start my VM (vboxheadless -s VM_Name -v on) I get the VM started but the command prompt never returns.
Restoring virtual machine: VRDE server is listening on port 3389.
10%...20%...30%...40%...50%...60%...70%...80%...90%...100%

I have to open a second terminal to the VirtualBox Host to issue any CLI command to the running VM.

Is this normal for a VM started from vboxheadless command line or does this indicate something wrong with installation of my VirtualBox Host?

Host - Centos 8
Guest VM - Kali-Linux

thanks for any response.
scottgus1
Site Moderator
Posts: 20965
Joined: 30. Dec 2009, 20:14
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows, Linux

Re: vboxheadless does not return to prompt after execution

Post by scottgus1 »

I believe this is normal operation. While the VM is running, vboxheadless is running out of the command window and does not finish back to the prompt until the VM OS shuts down and vboxheadless can finish overseeing the 'hardware'.

In fact, to the best of my knowledge and experience if you kill the command window while the VM is running and the command prompt is MIA, you'll kill the VM.
SkylarB
Posts: 14
Joined: 14. Sep 2021, 19:23

Re: vboxheadless does not return to prompt after execution

Post by SkylarB »

thanks for the response.

I appreciate you taking the time. :)
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