Running Virtual box from an External HDD

[tomelk31]

I have a MacBook pro and would like run Windows 7 using virtualbox.
I tried to install it on an external HDD and it wouldn't let. Is there a way around this?
If not how can I set it up so the virtual disk is the external HDD?
Thanks in advance!

[BillG]

What exact error did you get when you tried to install the .vdi file on an external drive? It can be a bit slow but it can be done. I have a couple of rarely used vms which as set up that way.

[tomelk31]

Hello, thank you for your reply!
I downloaded the following from the downloads page "VirtualBox 4.1.4 for OS X hosts x86/amd64" this is dmg file.
Have I downloaded the wrong thing. I haven't seen a .vdi file.
I clicked on the .dmg file from my external HDD and when the installer came up and I selected the external HDD for where it should be installed, it said something like you can't install on this volume. Will double check the exact words when I get home.

[BillG]

VirtualBox is a program. You install it just as you install any other program.

When you get it installed, read the Help file. When you get up to creating a virtual machine you wil be asked where you want to install the virtual hard drive. This is where you select your external hard drive as the place to store it.

[chef11994]

VirtualBox is a program. You install it just as you install any other program.

When you get it installed, read the Help file. When you get up to creating a virtual machine you wil be asked where you want to install the virtual hard drive. This is where you select your external hard drive as the place to store it.

I have a friend in rural area on dial up who presently accesses 2 Linux OS via partitions. I am looking for resource
material to aid him in installing and running VB.
(a) is it possible and (b) if so could someone point me to a how to.
I could download to an external and give that to him if that were a possibility.
Please advise and thanks