Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
Post Reply
Furydrone
Posts: 2
Joined: 11. Mar 2014, 16:28

Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Post by Furydrone »

Hello there.

My host system is Windows 7 Professional 64 bit, guest is Windows XP Professional 32 bit.
I work on two monitors, one have resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, other is 1280x1024.
Maximum resolution of my guest xp I can set is 1280x960, of course it's not enaugh.
Basically, I googled this and did everything people advice to do: I have installed VirtualBox Guest Additions (in safe mode, with 3direct checked), in 'settings' -> 'display' I've changed to 128 MB video memory, checked 'Enable 3D Acceleration'.
VirtualBox Guest Additions is working ok, shared folder is working, other options in 'View' menu are working okay (switching to seamless mode, auto resizing guest window, etc).
It didn't work, maximum resolution is still 1280x960.

I also have other guest which is Xubuntu 12.04 based system and this one is working as a charm, resolution automatically adjusts to window size, even without Guest Additions.

I will be gratefull for any help.
dlharper
Posts: 291
Joined: 25. Aug 2011, 19:17
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: MS Windows (several versions); DOS

Re: Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Post by dlharper »

How have you tried to make this change? If you try it from within Windows XP itself, then yes, 1280x960 may well be the largest option it will give you.

Assuming you have Guest Additions installed, though, you can normally swap to full screen (Host-F or from the View menu), or if you still want it in a window, then drag the window edges as you normally would to resize. If it doesn't resize with the window, that is most likely because "Auto-resize Guest Display" is switched off - toggle it from the View menu, or Host-G)
Furydrone
Posts: 2
Joined: 11. Mar 2014, 16:28

Re: Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Post by Furydrone »

Thank you for the answer.
I already tried this. It turns out that problem was much more trivial: maximum resolution was set to 1280x960 in Oracle VirtualBox itself, not in the settings of particular virtual machine. I've changed it to 1920x1200 and everything is working fine now.
Sorry for dumb question, I got confused with ubuntu working just fine in 1920x1200 and xp doesn't.
Chyaweth
Posts: 3
Joined: 4. Apr 2014, 12:21

Re: Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Post by Chyaweth »

My first foray into virtual machines :-0

I'm having problems with screen resolution.
I've tried all the options in File\Preferences\Display but can only get a max of 1280x1024 (I want 1920x1080 full screen).

I have discovered a problem in the guest in Device Manager. I have 'Base System Device' and 'Video Controller'' devices not functioning.
Any help welcome.

Thanks in advance
socratis
Site Moderator
Posts: 27329
Joined: 22. Oct 2010, 11:03
Primary OS: Mac OS X other
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Win(*>98), Linux*, OSX>10.5
Location: Greece

Re: Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Post by socratis »

If you have the guest additions installed, go to menu: View, Switch to Fullscreen (Host+F). Host is usually Right-Ctrl, but you can always see it in the bottom right of your window.
Do NOT send me Personal Messages (PMs) for troubleshooting, they are simply deleted.
Do NOT reply with the "QUOTE" button, please use the "POST REPLY", at the bottom of the form.
If you obfuscate any information requested, I will obfuscate my response. These are virtual UUIDs, not real ones.
Chyaweth
Posts: 3
Joined: 4. Apr 2014, 12:21

Re: Problem with changing resolution (winXP guest)

Post by Chyaweth »

Aha, Guest Additions :D
That's sorted out my 1920x1080, Ta.
Post Reply