Re-install Linux Ubuntu every time VirtualBox is started

[zzbuff]

Hi,

I am new to virtualbox and Linux so please excuse me if this is a stupid question. I have a Mac OS X running Snow Leopard (10.6.5) and I've successfully been able to install virtualbox and was able to use Linux Ubuntu 10.10 with that. The problem is that Ubuntu needs to be re-installed every time I restart virtualbox. This takes up time - at least 5-10 min. Did I miss some setting when first setting up Linux? Has anyone come across this before?

Thanks.

[reidpr]

Hi zz,

I'm a newbie too, but the general approach I would suggest is to install Ubuntu and configure it to a decent "blank slate", and then take a snapshot of the virtual machine. Then, each time you start VirtualBox, use this saved state rather than the state when the machine was shut down.

Note that you'll probably want to periodically update this "blank slate" image to bring in security upgrades and such.

Perhaps others can provide more specific instructions.

HTH,

Reid

[rpmurray]

Is it possible that you may have accidently set up the VDI to be an immutable image (see page 77 of the User Manual)?

[Perryg]

and was able to use Linux Ubuntu 10.10 with that. The problem is that Ubuntu needs to be re-installed every time I restart virtualbox. This takes up time - at least 5-10 min.

Few things to check.
(1) are you really running this as a live CD and have not actually installed it yet?
(2) If installed did you remember to take the install CD out of the tray, or to remove it from the attachment in the CD/DVD section of the guest settings?