Extensions will not update on VBox since 4.2.4

[RbSteinbach]

Hi All:
I've been studiously updating my VBox setup with each new update. The VBox manager updates just fine, but ever since v.4.2.4, the updated VBox Extensions are not registering as updated, and I get reminder popups when I start each new VM (I have more than one). The VBox Manager shows the correct Extension version, but the individual VMs when running do not. I have tried to update them from the Windows7 desktop/by double-clicking on the new Extension downloaded, and it seems to run (as confirmed by the info in the VBox Manager, but does not match versions in the individual VMs. I have also tried Devices-->Install Guest Additions, but nothing seems to happen. I even tried deleting the current guest additions from the VBox Manager and re-adding it, but nothing was affected.

What am I missing or doing wrong? TIA for your help.

Rob

[noteirak]

You talk about Extensions and Guest additions.
They are different things, the extensions are what allows you to use RDP, USB, etc. and are installed in the HOST
Guest additions are installed in the GUEST and provide improvement.
so which one are you talking about?

[RbSteinbach]

Good question. Sorry about the confusion, that's part of the issue. I am referring to: Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.2.10-84104.vbox-extpack, for example. In the VirtualBox VM Manager, it shows as installed, but when I start any of the three VMs on my main PC or the one installed on my Laptop, I get startup messages that advise of a newer version of the Guest Additions exists and that I should update using the Devices-->Install Guest Additions Host+D. But when I try that, nothing visibly occurs, and the Guest Additions version never updates. See image attached.

Extension is 4.2.10, additions shows 4.1.8

Guest_Additions_Mismatch_20130328.jpg (22.3 KiB) Viewed 961 times

or session info:

Extensions is 4.2.10, sessions shows 4.1.8

Session_Info_20130328.jpg (87.26 KiB) Viewed 961 times

So, I guess the problem is that the Extensions are installing okay in the Host, but the Additions are not updating in the Guest. How do I get the Additions to update to match the Extensions version?

Thanx.

[Perryg]

You get them the same by installing them.

Click the devices tab at the top (of the guest) and then click on install guest additions.

[RbSteinbach]

Hi perryg:

If you read my original post, you will see that I have tried using Devices-->Install Guest Additions REPEATEDLY, and nothing visibly happens, and the version mismatch continues. That is why I am posting this request for assistance. I referred to the userguide online, and it suggests removing the link to the extensions and then re-linking it which is supposed to automatically upgrade the guest additions, but it does not. No matter what I try nothing seems to work.

Any other ideas?

[Perryg]

Just clicking on install the guest additions may not be all you need to do. This just mounts the proper ISO in the CD and if for some reason auto-run does not work then you must use the file manager to start them manually. Look at the file manager and the cd and see if you find the guest additions and start them from there.

The additions and the Extension Pack are a different thing all together. The ExtPack installs in the host and the GAs install in the guest

[RbSteinbach]

Hi Perryg:

Your tip did the trick. I have entered each VM and accessed the ISO to kick off the appropriate Guest Additions EXE. Now the versions all match. Good Job. Thanx.

Rob