How to switch virtual terminals when no right-Ctrl?

Discussions about using Linux guests in VirtualBox.
Post Reply
catkin
Posts: 33
Joined: 20. Jul 2008, 12:17
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows XP + various Linux
Location: Tamil Nadu, India

How to switch virtual terminals when no right-Ctrl?

Post by catkin »

Hello :)

I understand it is possible to simulate sending Ctrl+Alt+F1 etc. (as many Fn as the OS supports) to Linux guests to switch amongst virtual terminals and that this is normally done using right Ctrl+Fn, according to http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions ... ost3248551, but what about when using a keyboard without a right Ctrl key?

I found out how to do it by experiment on 23 August 09 when running ubuntu 8.04.2 in a VirtualBox 3.0.4 VM by pressing the left Windows key + F1 etc. but that is not working for Slackware 13 running in a VirtualBox 3.0.6 VM.

Best

Charles
Sasquatch
Volunteer
Posts: 17798
Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux
Location: /dev/random

Re: How to switch virtual terminals when no right-Ctrl?

Post by Sasquatch »

You have to use the Host-key for that, so if you don't have a right control key, modify the host key to one that your keyboard does have. For example, I have the right alt (altgr) set as host key on my laptop, because it doesn't have a right control. You can change the host key in the VB preferences (main GUI > File > Preferences > input).
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org

Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
catkin
Posts: 33
Joined: 20. Jul 2008, 12:17
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows XP + various Linux
Location: Tamil Nadu, India

Re: How to switch virtual terminals when no right-Ctrl?

Post by catkin »

Thank you Sasquatch -- that was extraordinarily quick! :)

I've got the "Menu" key set up as the VirtualBox host key and it works (Menu+F for full screen etc.) but, when the keyboard capture icon is showing a green arrow and Ctrl+Alt+Fn is pressed, it is captured by the host and switches the host's virtual terminal. I also tried Menu+Ctrl+Alt+Fn but it had the same result.

I've started a similar thread on the Linux Questions (LQ) Slackware sub-forum in case this is more of a Slackware problem than a VirtualBox problem. It's at http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions ... ost3682587

Best

Charles
Sasquatch
Volunteer
Posts: 17798
Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux
Location: /dev/random

Re: How to switch virtual terminals when no right-Ctrl?

Post by Sasquatch »

The Host-key replaces the Ctrl+Alt combination, so instead of hitting ctrl+alt+F2, you hit Host+F2. It's in the manual, to send special key combinations, you use the host key. For example, if you have a Windows Guest and it requires that you hit Ctrl+Alt+Del before you can log on, you hit Host+Del.
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org

Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
catkin
Posts: 33
Joined: 20. Jul 2008, 12:17
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows XP + various Linux
Location: Tamil Nadu, India

Re: How to switch virtual terminals when no right-Ctrl?

Post by catkin »

Duh! I was being thick! Menu+Fn worked perfectly :)
Post Reply