virtualbox is requiring an X-connection to run

[JonD]

I've been trying to get virtualbox 4.3.26r98988 to run on an Ubuntu host, from boot time. I've discovered vbox won't start up unless there is an X connection set up. However, it lies and claims it is starting.

For example if I connect to the Ubuntu machine via ssh (w/o a -Y or -X) option and run:

bash# vboxmanage startvm --type headless atlas-vm
Waiting for VM "atlas-vm" to power on...
VM "atlas-vm" has been successfully started.

then run
bash# vboxmanage list runningvms

and the vm hasn't started.

However, if I do the same thing but ssh in with a -Y:

bash# vboxmanage startvm --type headless atlas-vm
Waiting for VM "atlas-vm" to power on...
VM "atlas-vm" has been successfully started.

then run
bash# vboxmanage list runningvms
"atlas-vm" {751aaaee-cf26-43e6-a9c7-248fe0bc9b6a}


If I exit from the ssh session (killing the X connection) the virtual box also dies.

My guest OS is windows 7. however, I don't think that is relevant to the problem.

any pointers to what might be going on would be appreciated.

[Perryg]

Try using nohup

[JonD]

nohup doesn't work. I tried that before I realized the issue was that vbox wanted an X-connection.

I've gone through all the instructions for setting up the VMs to start at boot time, but none of them worked.

[JonD]

Turns out the problem was that the 3D Acceleration was turned on. This feature is what required an X-session. Turning it off allowed the VM to start w/o needing an x-connection and it is now starting from system boot up as desired.