VirtualBox no longer starts..

[anonymous]

Hello Folks,

After years of reliable service, VirtualBox has stopped booting.

Host OS: Xubuntu 20.04.6 LTS
Kernel: Linux 5.15.0-117-generic
Architecture: x86-64
VirtualBox: 6.1.32.r149290 (Qt5. 12.8 )


I know that both Xubuntu and VirtualBox are overdue for upgrades, which I've been putting off as long as everything kept working. Now I suppose I have to bite the bullet.

My main concern is losing my VMs, so I'm hoping for advice on how to avoid that, and possibly in which order I should upgrade. VirtualBox first, or Xubuntu first?

I can't remember for certain, but I probably downloaded VirtualBox from the Ubuntu repository. This time I'd like to download from Oracle.

I'll attach a screen print of the error message I'm getting.

Thanks in advance for any advice.



M

[multiOS]

Kernel: Linux 5.15.0-117-generic - Is this a recent kernel update?

If so, then it is not surprising that VirtualBox has failed, especially as you are running a very old version of the software. In fact the whole 6.1.xx series is now end of life and is no longer supported by Oracle. The final maintenance update (6.1.50) was released in January 2024 but is known to be experiencing problems when more recent Linux kernel updates are installed.

I would suggest updating your VirtualBox installation to the most up to date 7.0.20 version, released 16 July 2024.

[MikeP129]

Thanks MultiOS,

I just looked for updates and VB tells me I'm already running the latest version, whereas when I use help~about, it says I'm running version 6.1

M

[multiOS]

https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads There's a link on the main Downloads page to the details of Linux versions available.

[MikeP129]

Thanks again.

Linux 5.15.0-117-generic dates back to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and I'm still running 20.04 LTS.

Both seem to require VB 7.0.20, which I've downloaded.

Before I install it though, I'd like to be as sure as possible that I won't lose my existing VMs.

Is there anything I can do to protect against that, given that I can no longer get them to start?

Also, given that I probably originall installed VB from the Ubuntu repository, do I need to uninstall it and re-install it from virtualbox.org?

Apologies if I'm asking stupid questions.

[multiOS]

It's always wise to maintain external copies (backups) of the VM Folders as they are user data; and are just as vulnerable to damage/loss as any other user data that is subject to frequent change - perhaps more at risk in view of the complexity of their contents. However, upgrading the VirtualBox software is the same as upgrading most other software, i.e. it's data files aren't directly affected, as the upgrade process doesn't touch the data storage Folders, but it is best to ensure that all VMs have been fully shut down before the software upgrade, not 'saved state'.

[MikeP129]

Thanks for your help multiOS.

Now running version 7.0.20 with VMs intact, much to my relief.

I'll mark this solved now.

M

[multiOS]

Great. Thanks for reporting back.

[MikeP129]

You're welcome.

My attempt to mark the thread solved didn't work very well though. I see from the FAQs that's apparently not a problem but if any of the moderators cares to make the change, please feel free.