virtualbox.org

By that I mean the actual desktop environments network takes a dive after I install VirtualBox and a virtual OS. It works for a little bit, then the virtual network says there's no connections, and then the actual network tells me there's nothing and two [2] adapters show up from the tray icon.

Windows 7 issue are still being ironed out. And this may be what some of your problem is, but from what I read in your post does not make it clear enough of what is happening. Can you try to explain it better? Like which program shows (2) adapters? Is this Windows 7? What do you mean exactly when you say "the actual desktop environments network takes a dive"?

MOD Note: I changed the wording in your post and here. Please refrain form using improper language.

First off I'd like to apologize, I did not realize that was unacceptable here. It's just how I talk and most other forums allow it.

Now, onto the issue at hand, and your question.


That is what shows 2 adapters. The computer fails to recognize an incoming connection, regardless of the status shown [it can say "Internet Access" as it does in the picture, but no network traffic will occur]. The remedy I've found is to uninstall VirtualBox and restart, then reset the adapter after that boot. That is not what I want to do If I need a virtual environment that isn't Microsofts built it WinXP

OK we are getting somewhere. It is possible that you will see (2) and maybe more adapters there. One will be the adapter that you actually use to get to the network, one will be the VBox host-only adapter that is installed so you can use that to connect to the guest-only, and another one if you decide to use bridged mode. So at this point I would not worry too much about that.
Now let's get to your network problem. Do you have a router? What did you select to use in the VBox settings for the guest? Can you post a screen shot of the network settings of the guest in VBox?

Ok, is it ok if the Vbox Host-only adapter reads "No Network Access"?

Yes I have a router, and by "guest" I assume you mean the "Guest OS"? If so, here's what I got:


It used to just be:
Adapter Type: PCnet-FAST III (Am79C973)
Attached To: NAT

Which didn't work, current settings don't work either.

Ok Host-only means just that. No Internet. Add a second adapter to the VM settings set to NAT.
If you have a router you can change the Host-only to Bridged and it will work as well.

I don't understand what you're telling me to do. Do you mean go to the tab labeled "Adapter 2" and put a second on in? Also I don't understand what the router tweaking would do to fix my current lack of internet on the real environment.

OK if you have a router and just want to use one adapter then you can change the network adapter attached to (to say bridged)

If you want to use host-only and still be able to get to the internet you need to add a second adapter in the guest settings by clicking adapter 2 at the top and then set it to use NAT.

That photo was just the settings I had set during my personal testing; I don't know what all the settings apply to yet . What would be the best way for me to get this working [I don't mean the best way to use "host-only" I just mean the optimal settings/router tweaks]

If you simply want to get to the Internet and not worried about connection to the host you should change the Host-only to NAT. Easiest thing that you can do to get on line.

Thing is, with that setting, I get nothing. I can't bridge the connection through Windows, only the Vbox adapter shows up for some reason. My router isn't exactly a walk in the park with DD-WRT firmware loaded on it.