Cannot change host key

[MattPenn]

Hello,

I tried to change the host key in my VirtualBox. Instead of the desired host key, it changed it to RightShift. Now I cannot change it in either preferences or using the command: VBoxManage.exe setextradata global GUI/Input/HostKey 135. When changing it, it appears to complete successfully, but then after reopening preferences it is set back to RightShift. I am on Windows 7 Host with Vbox 4.3.10 installed. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling Virtualbox, but it did not appear to affect my preferences. I can change other preferences, for example I can change the language and I can change Hot key bindings. Its just the host key that will not change. Is there someway to reset all preferences to default? Even RightCtrl would be better than RightShift.

Thanks in advance!

[mpack]

Reinstalling the software does not affect existing data, which includes the VirtualBox.xml configuration file where global preferences are stored. Also, I can't think of any reason why the VirtualBox GUI would be affected by your changing the host key, which only applies inside a VM - so the GUI should be unaffected.

However, you could always shut down VirtualBox then edit the <userdoc>\.VirtualBox\VirtualBox.xml file manually, with a text editor. Look for the "GUI/Input/HostKeyCombination" line, and replace the value with "163". Best make a backup of the xml first if you are less than confident. I wouldn't launch VBoxManage for a trivial change like this.

That said, where did you see that extradata "HostKey" variable that you tried to define? - I can't find it in the manual. I did find HostKeyCombination in the xml.

[MattPenn]

THANKS! Editing the xml directly worked. I'm using the value "165,161" for RightAlt+RightShift which is MUCH less annoying.
I found that key value in this bug report: virtualbox(dot)org(slash)ticket(slash)3689
(Apparently I don't have privs to post urls...)
Its located right before the Hostkey combination in my virtualbox.xml file.

[mpack]

Its located right before the Hostkey combination in my virtualbox.xml file.

Well of course it is - your previous actions created that extradata field. But, I see no sign of it in my VirtualBox.xml.