Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.04)

Discussions about using Windows guests in VirtualBox.
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hba
Posts: 3
Joined: 12. Jul 2011, 07:14
Primary OS: Ubuntu other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: Windows XP, server 2003, etc.

Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.04)

Post by hba »

Hi all,

Maybe I didn't search enough, but I could not find the related issue.

I have Ubuntu 10.04 host OS, have installed windows XP as a guest OS. Plus, I have installed guest additions in the XP.
But, the windows key doesn't seem to work.

Would appreciate any pointers on this.

Thanks.

PS:VirtualBox ver. 4.0.10
Sasquatch
Volunteer
Posts: 17798
Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux
Location: /dev/random

Re: Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.04)

Post by Sasquatch »

It's the same I had years ago with 1.5.x and was the reason I joined this forum. I never got an answer and never got it fixed on the current installation of the OS I was running at that time (some Ubuntu 7.x I think). After I reinstalled my Host with a new version of Ubuntu, I got it working again. I also started with a clean set of settings in my user profile, so if there was any conflict between the Guest and the window manager, that was cleared as well.
So, take a look at the key bindings for your window manager and generic keyboard shortcuts. To make a good test, create a new user, copy your VM to it and see if it works there.

Note, I was able to use the Winkey to bring up the start menu, I was however unable to use it for shortcuts, like win+e for Explorer.
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.
pommes fritz
Posts: 1
Joined: 6. Aug 2011, 15:08
Primary OS: Ubuntu other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: WinXP

Re: Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.04)

Post by pommes fritz »

I have same Host OS (64-Bit) and same Guest OS with additions installed on a VB 4.0.12
Can't reproduce the issue.
What do you have in System-->Preferences-->Keybord-->(Tab) Layouts-->Options-->ALT/Win key behavior ?
hba
Posts: 3
Joined: 12. Jul 2011, 07:14
Primary OS: Ubuntu other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: Windows XP, server 2003, etc.

Re: Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.0

Post by hba »

I know its very late reply. But, this could be a request to Virtualbox forums admin, to send the email notifications for reply to the subscribed threads.
So, it will be nice to see the notifications if someone replies to one's posts.

Well, my answer:
Default
Perryg
Site Moderator
Posts: 34369
Joined: 6. Sep 2008, 22:55
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: *NIX

Re: Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.0

Post by Perryg »

hba wrote:I know its very late reply. But, this could be a request to Virtualbox forums admin, to send the email notifications for reply to the subscribed threads.
So, it will be nice to see the notifications if someone replies to one's posts.
Well, my answer:
Default
You have this ability in your user control manager. If you want to be emailed when someone posts you simply need to enable it.
hba
Posts: 3
Joined: 12. Jul 2011, 07:14
Primary OS: Ubuntu other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: Windows XP, server 2003, etc.

Re: Windows key doesn't work in Guest XP (Host - Ubuntu 10.0

Post by hba »

Thank you Mod
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