vm on external hard drive

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fedoramaestro
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Joined: 6. Feb 2014, 01:46

vm on external hard drive

Post by fedoramaestro »

Hey everyone,
I know this question has probably been answered a 100 times so sorry if I'm bringing up a old question. Is it possible to run a vm (Linux distro) completely off of a external hard drive. I have a wd passport with USB 3.0. I want to be able to carry a vm with me to school and the library if possible. I'm currently fixing my computer so would love to use a vm other places. Also could I set up the vm at a public place (let's say a school computer)?
BillG
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Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by BillG »

Simple answer - No.

VirtualBox must be installed on the host before you can run the virtual machine.
Bill
scottgus1
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Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by scottgus1 »

There's another group that makes "portable Virtualbox", not supported here. It may work for you.
socratis
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Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by socratis »

Ummm... It sort of doesn't work. Portable VirtualBox is (for me at least) not portable if, according to their website:
Note
VirtualBox needs several kernel drivers installed and needs to start several services: if the drivers and services are not already installed you’ll need administrator rights to run Portable-VirtualBox.
Doesn't quite work in the public library or in the school...
Do NOT send me Personal Messages (PMs) for troubleshooting, they are simply deleted.
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fedoramaestro
Posts: 3
Joined: 6. Feb 2014, 01:46

Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by fedoramaestro »

So can I save the distro on my hard drive and download virtual box on whatever computer I'm trying to use.
BillG
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Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by BillG »

As soctratis said, it is unlikely that you would be able to install VirtualBox (or any other program) on a publicly available computer.
Bill
fedoramaestro
Posts: 3
Joined: 6. Feb 2014, 01:46

Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by fedoramaestro »

I did at my college library. I got it downloaded on my hard drive and it ran. Didn't attempt to try to start the vs though.
BillG
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Joined: 19. Sep 2009, 04:44
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Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: vm on external hard drive

Post by BillG »

fedoramaestro wrote:I did at my college library. I got it downloaded on my hard drive and it ran. Didn't attempt to try to start the vs though.
All I can say is that the library has a pretty slack security system. It is a wonder any machines still work. I have had a bit of experience with what students can do to an unprotected machine.
Bill
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