virtualbox.org

I am running Windows 7 on High Sierra Mac OSX with the latest Virtual Box and Guest Additions.

VB and Windows 7 can print fine but when I close VB my Mac OSX programs cannot print. I get a "communication error" or "printer not connected". I practically have to reboot in order for the host to be able to print.

Basically, I don't know how to proper share the USB port connected to the printer I am trying to print to. It's like VB takes over the port and won't share or let go once I exit/close the program.

Tortilla guy wrote:I don't know how to proper share the USB port connected to the printer

You can't. USB is not shareable, period.

Tortilla guy wrote:It's like VB takes over the port and won't share or let go once I exit/close the program.

The first part is true (see above). The second part isn't. Can you make sure that nothing is running (Activity monitor) that doesn't start with Virtual*, vbox* or vm*? Make sure that all processes are shown.

Generally speaking, don't try to share a printer using USB. Try to use networking. If you have the default NAT, add a 2nd network card for your guest, a Host-Only mode one. Then share the printer from your OSX and Windows will see it. InternetSearching could be a valuable asset...