Boot VirtualBox from USB.

This is for discussing general topics about how to use VirtualBox.
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hack3rcon
Posts: 204
Joined: 28. Feb 2016, 10:44

Boot VirtualBox from USB.

Post by hack3rcon »

Hello.
I have a bootable USB Pendrive and I like to boot VirtualBox VM via it, Is it possible?

Thank you.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Boot VirtualBox from USB.

Post by mpack »

Possible? yes - but you still have to install VirtualBox on the host PC.

Desirable? maybe, maybe not. A removable pen drive is not the best primary storage for a modern OS.
hack3rcon
Posts: 204
Joined: 28. Feb 2016, 10:44

Re: Boot VirtualBox from USB.

Post by hack3rcon »

mpack wrote:Possible? yes - but you still have to install VirtualBox on the host PC.

Desirable? maybe, maybe not. A removable pen drive is not the best primary storage for a modern OS.
I have a USB that is bootable. I like to run my VM via this USB. like when you use Boot CD for run a live OS.
socratis
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Re: Boot VirtualBox from USB.

Post by socratis »

It is supported only if you use the EFI option and the OS supports booting from EFI. This was added in 5.1.0 and as all things EFI it is still experimental. I have not tried it personally.
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hack3rcon
Posts: 204
Joined: 28. Feb 2016, 10:44

Re: Boot VirtualBox from USB.

Post by hack3rcon »

EFI or UEFI? I guess all Linux Distros has it!!!
Last edited by socratis on 1. Jan 2017, 16:28, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Removed unnecessary verbatim quote of the whole previous message.
erdeslawe
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Posts: 241
Joined: 8. Jul 2015, 10:23

Re: Boot VirtualBox from USB.

Post by erdeslawe »

Section 5.1 of the VirtualBox User Manual answers your question. Not sure what the exclamation marks are about, but you should really stop guessing!!!!!
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