Unable to install Guest Additions

[cwgao]

I am running Bio-Linux 7 on a Windows 7 host, VirtualBox version 4.3.8.r92456, and I get an error message "Unable to insert the virtual optical disk C:" when I attempt to install Guest Additions using Host+D. I have confirmed that it is not already installed - it tells me so when I click Devices --> Shared Folder Settings. I have also tried

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get install virtualbox-guest-additions-iso

and the error message is "Unable to locate package VBoxGuestAdditions". I am not very familiar with Linux, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Perryg]

You should click the device tab at the top and then click insert guest additions.

Then run the install from your guests CD/DVD drive

[cwgao]

I tried going through Devices --> Insert Guest Additions CD Image, but it gives me the same error message ("Unable to insert the virtual optical disk C:"). Also, the Bio-Linux 7 .iso that I'm booting from is on my hard drive. I don't know if that would make any difference?

[Perryg]

Also, the Bio-Linux 7 .iso that I'm booting from

Well there's your problem. You can't install the guest additions to a read only CD. You must install the guest to a virtual HD and then you will be able to install the guest additions.

[cwgao]

Sorry for all these questions, but what do you mean by installing the guest to a virtual HD? When I set up the machine, I also created a virtual HD as it prompted me to, but on the first startup of the machine, it automatically located and booted the Bio-Linux iso file from my actual hard drive (my boot order is set to Floppy, CD/DVD, Hard Disk). How would I move that iso file to the virtual HD? Also, I've noticed that whenever I power-off or send the shutdown signal, the next time I try to start the machine again, it will sometimes gives me a fatal error and I have to create a new machine. Is that supposed to happen?

[Perryg]

Every Linux distro has a site/forum that guides you on how to install the live cd to disk. You should go there for instruction.

[packzap]

Heh, sometimes the advice here is lateral.

Cwgao,
Just look forthe guestadditions.iso file in Windows Explorer. In Windows 8, VB it puts it in a virtual "D" drive after clicking Devices, "Insert Guest Additions CD Image" from top menu. Double click the file vboxwindowsadditions.exe located in that virtual "D" drive and you are on your way. Make sure you're running the latest version of VB before installing guest additions.

[loukingjr]

Heh, sometimes the advice here is lateral.

Cwgao,
Just look forthe guestadditions.iso file in Windows Explorer. In Windows 8, VB it puts it in a virtual "D" drive after clicking Devices, "Insert Guest Additions CD Image" from top menu. Double click the file vboxwindowsadditions.exe located in that virtual "D" drive and you are on your way. Make sure you're running the latest version of VB before installing guest additions.

uh, Windows is the host. You don't install guest additions into the host.

[loukingjr]

Sorry for all these questions, but what do you mean by installing the guest to a virtual HD? When I set up the machine, I also created a virtual HD as it prompted me to, but on the first startup of the machine, it automatically located and booted the Bio-Linux iso file from my actual hard drive (my boot order is set to Floppy, CD/DVD, Hard Disk). How would I move that iso file to the virtual HD? Also, I've noticed that whenever I power-off or send the shutdown signal, the next time I try to start the machine again, it will sometimes gives me a fatal error and I have to create a new machine. Is that supposed to happen?

When you start the virtual machine and it starts up Bio-Linux. it asks you do you want to try it or install it. choose install it. Once it's done installing you want to make sure the Bio-Linux.iso is no longer attached to the virtual machine and then restart the virtual machine. Once it starts you can install the guest additions from the device menu.