possible to use the same VMs from 2 OSs (Dual Boot)

[KFlash]

Is it possible to use the same VMs from 2 different host operation systems?

I explain further:

If I have a dual boot system with linux and windows installed.
In this system I have a partition that is accessible from both OS. There I want to store my VMs.
Is it possible to access/use a VM from both OS? (Of course not at the same time!)

[mpack]

It is possible, but not ideal.

The most straightforward way is for each host to have its own .vbox file so that each can reference host resources by path and name (e.g. printers, network cards, ISO files). You should avoid the use of snapshots and always shutdown the VM (not suspend).

Obviously the primary hard disk must be in a location that is accessible to all.

[KFlash]

So what you say is, to create a separate VM in each host OS but let both use the same hard disk. Right?

[mpack]

Yes, that's right. Ideally you would have the same VM-UUID on both hosts, as that avoids some problems, e.g. activation problems with Windows guests. You could do that by removing the VM on the second host, editing the .vbox file to correct the VM-UUID, then Machine|Add it back. Obviously other things about the VM need to be kept compatible as well, i.e. the exact same recipe, down to the network adapter type and MAC address.

[KFlash]

So the rule of thumb after setting up the VM is: keep it, use it but don't play with the settings!

But even if - for whatever reason - I would change the settings from one side, this side would still work and I just had to synch the settings of the other side, right? You can not destroy the VM-Disk by messing up the system-probs of the VM.

[noteirak]

You are correct. just don't sync the .vbox file, just apply manually the settings to the other VM, than copy the disk accross