[SOLVED] Run virtual installation in windows xp desktop from laptop with wifi

[sling-shot]

I have a virtual box install of PCLinuxOS packaging setup on my desktop with Windows XP as the host.

But generally as my family is using the desktop I would not be allowed to use it.

However I could have the VirtualBox installation up and minimised. Now if I could just run that virtual instance from my laptop running real PCLinuxOS, I would be really set.

I think I should use KRDC and KRFB combination. But I am not succeeding in getting them connect.

The desktop is connected to WiFi ADSL Router via cable. Notebook connects to it via WiFi.
Windows XP does run Comodo Firewall but it is set to allow local IP connections.

[agmg]

Teamviewer maybe?

[pags]

Check your VM configuration...if the networking is set as NAT, try changing it to BRIDGED.

[GermanTux]

Get another computer.  I hate to be "that guy" but that sounds like way too much work for minimal benefit.  And it is only a matter of time before someone else clicks on the VM, and tries to close it.  

[pags]

Get another computer.  I hate to be "that guy" but that sounds like way too much work for minimal benefit.  And it is only a matter of time before someone else clicks on the VM, and tries to close it.  

You can run VirtualBox "headless", so there isn't anything visible to click, when running (yes, someone could open the application and mess with it, assuming XP is in it's default, insecure state)
 

[mellon]

How about setting up PCLinuxOS the host and put XP in VB?
 
This will give your family the benefit of using Linux (and its applications) and XP only if need be.  It will allow you also to use the desktop when needed and let your family continue (without closing down XP in VB on the desktop) their work on the laptop.

Since I have no heating in my study I have been accessing this winter Win7 as guest running in VB on my desktop via my laptop.
I start KRFB on my Desktop and start Win7 in VB. I then start KDRC on my laptop.  I can access Linux on my Desktop via the VNC protocol and/or I can access the Win7 guest direct. If my Desktop has IP 192.168.123.321 I would use the RDP protocol and open e.g. 192.168.123.321:3389 to access Win7 running in VB direct.

I'm not 100% happy. The numeric part of the keyboard is not working as it should and sometimes the keyboard settings jump to 'CTRL key' pressed mode. I have not figured out how to get it out of that mode. The keyboard on the desktop is affected as well, so I have to restart Windows which I can do form the laptop). But for the purpose I'm using Win7 for, it works fine until spring arrives. 

Mellon

[sling-shot]

Teamviewer maybe?

[sling-shot]

I had thought of that. That works through internet right? That is a waste of bandwidth and limited to only 512 Kbps. If I can get something that will work on local network, I can enjoy a much higher speed of connection

[sling-shot]

Check your VM configuration...if the networking is set as NAT, try changing it to BRIDGED.

I remember that it is indeed set to NAT. i will change to BRIDGED and check.

[sling-shot]

Get another computer.  I hate to be "that guy" but that sounds like way too much work for minimal benefit.  And it is only a matter of time before someone else clicks on the VM, and tries to close it. 

Not workable. Cost, electricity charges, budget, space etc.

[sling-shot]

How about setting up PCLinuxOS the host and put XP in VB?

Adds too much complexicity for family not withstanding the slowing down of XP. Particularly hardware peripherals.

[7272andy]

Just tried this and it worked for me (using Windows 7 64)

Windows machine (VirtualBox)
on Display go to the Remote Display tab and tick Enable Server
on Network set the virtual machine to use a bridged adapter
start the virtual machine and check the logs; from the VirtualBox Manager window click Machine -> Show Log and check the VBox log shows the virtual machine is listening on the designated port e.g. 3388

Linux Laptop
Install rdesktop from the repo (if not already done)
from a konsole enter rdesktop <machine name/ip address>:<port no> e.g rdesktop jupiter:3388

If all works satisfactorily shutdown the virtual machine and then relaunch it headless and access from the laptop as needed

Regards

[sling-shot]

Check your VM configuration...if the networking is set as NAT, try changing it to BRIDGED.

I remember that it is indeed set to NAT. i will change to BRIDGED and check.

This worked. But the speed of operation .... Let me just say the word speed just got hit by a truck

Looks like this is not workable.

I will try the remote display option from above suggestion and see.

[pags]

Check your VM configuration...if the networking is set as NAT, try changing it to BRIDGED.

I remember that it is indeed set to NAT. i will change to BRIDGED and check.

This worked. But the speed of operation .... Let me just say the word speed just got hit by a truck

Looks like this is not workable.

I will try the remote display option from above suggestion and see.

Do you require a full desktop?  If you're accessing this from another Linux box, have you considered ssh?  This will also allow you to run (individual) graphic apps remotely, and the speed may be better (depending on network performance)...

[sling-shot]

Yes. I would indeed prefer a full desktop.

Currently I am trying your suggestion of rdesktop. But it seems there is a problem as the logs show error condition for VRDP or something. I need to investigate a bit more. May be it is the firewall that is blocking.