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Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:03
by CorinnaG
Hey all,

I just can not get the shared folder to run between my Mac host (OS X 10.9.2) and a VM Linux/Ubuntu guest. The folder is set up on my host and I tried re-installing the guest additions on my guest but still I can not see the files in the shared folder.
I tried re-installing the VM, having the shared folder within different directories, re-installed the guest additions in two different ways etc. So I ran out of ideas what the problem could be.....

Furthermore, I have the drag'n'drop activated "bidirectional", but can only drop host --> guest and not the other way round, if that would work, then the
shared folder is of course not needed anymore.

Any help is more then appreciated!

Greetz,

Corinna

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:06
by loukingjr
Drag n Drop only works in one direction. If you have an "X" on the shared folder in the guest you need to add your user name to the vboxsf group.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:10
by CorinnaG
Thanks for the quick reply.
But why does it only work in one direction, when I can choose between "host->guest", "guest->host" and "bidirectional" ? These are the options within VM.

Concerning the shared folder, I do not have am "X" on the shared folder. After mounting it, and open the correct directory, the shared folder is just empty.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:15
by loukingjr
CorinnaG wrote:Thanks for the quick reply.
But why does it only work in one direction, when I can choose between "host->guest", "guest->host" and "bidirectional" ? These are the options within VM.

Concerning the shared folder, I do not have am "X" on the shared folder. After mounting it, and open the correct directory, the shared folder is just empty.
as far as the directions,because it's not fully implemented yet.

how did you set up the shared folder?

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:27
by CorinnaG
Interesting.... but confusing that they still display it in this way.

- Created a VMshare folder on my host (tried different locations).
- Latest version of VM installed, where I have a *.vdi (Linux/Ubuntu) as the guest installed.
- Set up the shared folder in the VM (with VM shutdown) under Settings, locating the folder, choosing Full access and Auto-mount.
- Starting the VM.
- In the Home Directory I have a "mount" icon, click on it, Terminal opens, typing in of password, terminal closes.
- Then my shared folder content should be visible under home/host -> But it is empty.

Colleagues who provided me with this *.vdi have no idea why it does not work, since on their Macs it works :(

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:35
by loukingjr
the easiest way to create shared folders in Ubuntu based guests is to select Shared Folders>Click Add>Select Folder Path>Other then point to whatever folder you want to share on your Mac.
restart the guest. the shared folder will be in /Media in Ubuntu.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:41
by CorinnaG
Exactly what I did - and the test files I have in my shared folder on my host can not be seen in my guest (simple *.txt files).

But in my case I also do not have a /Media directory in Ubuntu.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:44
by loukingjr
CorinnaG wrote:Exactly what I did - and the test files I have in my shared folder on my host can not be seen in my guest (simple *.txt files).

But in my case I also do not have a /Media directory in Ubuntu.
you have to have a media directory. open the file manager in Ubuntu, click on file system, you'll see it.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:53
by CorinnaG
Yes found the folder, but then this pops-up:
Although I clicked in the Home directory on the mount icon and typed in the password given to me within the terminal.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 13:57
by loukingjr
you have to add yourself to the vboxsf group. the easiest way is to open the terminal in Ubuntu and type..

Code: Select all

sudo adduser <your user name> vboxsf
do not include the brackets.

then restart Ubuntu.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 14:12
by CorinnaG
The command results in the following:

adduser: Only one or two names allowed.

And still nothing after a restart!

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 14:15
by loukingjr
CorinnaG wrote:The command results in the following:

adduser: Only one or two names allowed.

And still nothing after a restart!
oh dear. :D you need to type in your user/login name. i.e.

Code: Select all

sudo adduser john vboxsf
substitute your login in name for john.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 14:17
by CorinnaG
We are talking now about the login name for my host or for my guest? ;)

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 14:18
by loukingjr
guest.

Re: Shared folder between Mac Host/Linux Guest

Posted: 4. Apr 2014, 14:21
by CorinnaG
Ha, it was my guest login in name :D

IT WORKED !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome !!! Thank you so much for your help !!!!!!!