Unable to access external hard drives HELP A NEWBIE OUT!!!

[virtualbox_newbie]

Hi

I am running VirtualBox on a windows 8 desktop. Everything installed fine and I was able to load Vista and run an older application.

Only issue is that I am unable to see any external devices like a hard drive or USB drive. I went into settings and selected the filter so I can see a couple of the usb connected devices (i.e. mouse, printer, portable hdd) but when I launch the VirtualBox client none of the applications within the VM client can see the external drives. How do I fix? Also is there a way to access the HDD on the host system? is there a way to map or share my virtual drive so I can move files in and out?

please provide a tutorial or detailed instruction so I can fix the issue.

thank you

[BillG]

The best solution is to regard the vm as a separate machine and share files the same way as you would between two physical machines - Windows file and printer sharing.

[virtualbox_newbie]

yes that is what I thought too so I made a public folder on my pc and then when I initiate a virtualbox session I can not see that drive or file.

I have tried posting files on a public folder, shared drive on the network, thumb drive, usb drive. I am unable to see any of these in virtualbox

PLEASE HELP

[scottgus1]

Please take a look at this: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=48476 so we can see what kind of networking you have and whether the guest additions or extension pack have been installed. Zip the log before posting it, please.