virtualbox.org

Host: MAC OS-x 10.11.6
Guest: Windows XP SP-3 (installed and running)
Vbox: 5.2.8 (installed and running)
Vbox GuestAdditions_5.2.8.iso
I am trying to mount GuestAdditions in my virtual Machine per 4.2.1.1 of the users guide. Users guide for automatic and manual install as well as other websites all refer to a "devices" tab. Where do I find this tab?
Thanks,
WDB

Check under VM settings » User Interface, and make sure that the Devices menu is enabled. You will find it in the OSX menu bar, not a tab.

socratis: Thank you for your help. First, I apologize, OSX is the host, Windows XP is the guest. When I go to VM Virtual Box manager/Settings/User Interface/Devices and click there, all items under Devices are checked including "insert guest additions CD image", but nothing happens. How do I tell if Devices is enabled? "Devices" and the other tabs have two lines below them. there is nothing between the lines - should there be? Thank you, David

WDB wrote: First, I apologize, OSX is the host, Windows XP is the guest.

Fixed the thread title. No worries...

WDB wrote: How do I tell if Devices is enabled?

Clicking on the button enables or disables the whole menu. Not on the downwards arrow, but in the whole button itself. Compare the look with the rest of the buttons. Nothing is expected to happen there, you simply configure its availability.

When the VM is up and running, you should have a "Devices" menu in the OSX host menubar (picture from the User Manual):

Socratis: With your help, I have now installed Vbox GuestAdditions - thank you. I have created a folder on the host that I want to share with the Windows XP guest. When I try to set up the shared folder per User Manual 4.3. (with my VM not running) using the VM settings/shared folders dialog box, with folder path, folder name and auto-mount indicated, the folder appears on the list, but when I click OK, I get a error message "Failed to save the settings. Details = the machine is not mutable or running (state is saved). I get a further error message Failed to save the settings of the virtual machine Windows XP to /Users/davidbutts/VirtualBox VMs/Windows XP/Windows XP.vbox." When I try with my VM running I complete the same process without an error message, (although the folder shows as a transient folder) but the shared folder does not show up in My Network Places (or anywhere else).

Before GuestAdditions, I was able to work around the problem of not being able to get files into and out of the VM because the VM could see the DVD drive on my Imac. Now guestadditions has taken the place of the DVD drive, so that work around is no longer available.

David

First, there should be one topic per issue. But I'm going to try and quickly address your two issues. If you need further information/clarification you should open a new thread with an appropriate title.

Shut down completely the VM. Add your shared folder. You don't have to make it auto-mount from the get go, try it first as transient. Then if it works, shut down the guest and make the appropriate changes.

The virtual CD/DVD in your VM can change. Right now you have mounted the Guest Additions (GAs). You need to eject that from the VM settings and point it to your host's DVD.

Socratis - thank you - I got my workaround back! I will research "can't access shared folder" or similar topics, and if I can't find a solution I'll start a new thread. WDB