virtualbox.org

Host is Linux installed on ext partition, Guest is Windows XP. Host is also Windows XP installed on a FAT32 partition with the same Guest Windows XP.

The problem is with the Linux host. I've symbolically linked my .VirtualBox directory to multiple users so that they can all run the same virtual Windows (at separate times). I've done this many times on different Linux machines. This time it isn't working to well and the problem seems to be because the windows.vdi hard drive is located on a FAT32 partition where it must be for the Windows XP host to use it. I've tried several options for mounting the partition and all of them only work partially. Mounting the FAT32 partition on boot allows all users to use the XP guest and its vdi from the FAT32 partition. But, mounting it on boot creates a security risk. Mounting it after boot will tie the partition (including the vdi) to that user only, even if I chmod 777 the file and folder permissions. I tried using a group in the mount command, but the members of the group only ended up with read permission (even if I 777 everything) and the XP guest will not boot because it cannot access the boot loader. I don't know which mount options to use to allow everyone to access the windows.vdi.

Sorry about the poll. I got an error, "You must enter at least two poll options." even though I left it blank. So I created a poll.

You must have typed something in the poll. If you don't mind, I will remove it.

As for your issue, it's best to use NTFS as 'shared' file system. NTFS-3g is stable enough for Linux to use NTFS. Not to mention you no longer have the 4 GB file limit. I run my laptop and PC on it, no problems whatsoever. There is also a utility that allows you to change certain options for NTFS-3g, like full read and write permissions for everyone. Now for the mount options for the NTFS partitions, use the following. Of course /dev/sda5 is where the partition is. You can use the UUID of it which you can find by running sudo blkid. Use that UUID for the entry in fstab. The mount point is also obvious . Just as the ID of the group.