virtualbox.org

Is it possible to start my guest computers without having to have the console screen open?

Read the manual.

"VBoxManage startvm", "VBoxHeadless".

Or VBOX Gui, select guest, right mouse button.

I wasn't looking for a headless solution, just wanted to know if the guest console could be opened when needed not always.

Maybe monitor it thru the preview?

I posted three solutions?!
What do you see in the VBOX GUI at right mouse button on the guest? Create desktop shortcut?

stefan.becker wrote:What do you see in the VBOX GUI at right mouse button on the guest? Create desktop shortcut?

Yes, tried it and just creates a shortcut on the desktop just like it says. Maybe I wasn't clear on my question, would like to be able to start the guest without opening a window but would like to have the ability to open the console when needed just like ESX does on the console tab. Headless doesn't give the option to open a console window and the normal way keeps it always open.

I use headless and vrdp for this and have for a long time. it is just a window after all.

Yeah, seems that remote desktop is the way to go.