Multiple VMs

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Mac OS X hosts.
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Manash
Posts: 3
Joined: 19. May 2010, 07:54
Primary OS: Mac OS X Leopard
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: Windows XP & 7

Multiple VMs

Post by Manash »

My mac creeps to a halt if I attempt to start multiple VMs.

I have a Windows 7 and a Windows XP. If either is running, I cannot start the other without the Mac coming to a halt. I am guessing too many resources are being claimed when both are running.

Is that the case? Can I run simultaneous VMs on the Mac host?

I am using VB 3.1.8 on a Mac Powerbook with OSX Lep, 4gb RAM.

thanks in advance for the help!
Uzume
Posts: 90
Joined: 9. Sep 2009, 21:10
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: MS Windows 2003, PureDarwin

Re: Multiple VMs

Post by Uzume »

I am not sure about your VM allocated resources, etc. but most commonly this is due to lack of RAM.
Manash
Posts: 3
Joined: 19. May 2010, 07:54
Primary OS: Mac OS X Leopard
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: Windows XP & 7

Re: Multiple VMs

Post by Manash »

Ahh. RAM...I thought memory came free. :oops:

That may be the case. I set one to 2048gb and the other to 1024gb. That's 75% of my physical ram. I didnt think each VM actually claims the ram upfront but rather uses it as needs.

thanks!
rpmurray
Volunteer
Posts: 918
Joined: 3. Mar 2009, 00:29
Primary OS: Mac OS X other
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows 7, Mac OS X (various flavors)
Location: Between Heaven and Hell

Re: Multiple VMs

Post by rpmurray »

Manash wrote:I didnt think each VM actually claims the ram upfront but rather uses it as needs.
If you check Activity Monitor, you'll see that each VM will use all the RAM it's been allocated, whether it needs it or not.
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