(Solved) Guest additions problem?

[MtnMan]

I'm not sure if my problem is related to guest additions.

Have been trying different installs in VB with not so good results.  There is a VB machine that was made using a different OS that I can run without problem so I guess at one time I could do this right - still new at VB.

Problem:
In my KDE install I create a KDE machine (both 2011.6) - when the mouse is over a menu entry the pointer disappears.  Under View - Switch to Seamless Mode and Auto-resize Guest Display is greyed out.  Assuming it had something to do with guest additions, I followed the VB help on installing Guest Additions - the click option does not do anything so I followed the CLI directions - sorry it wont let me share the clipboard but in effect it says; You appear to have a version of VBGA installed from a different source maybe your distribution - strongly suggest you cancel this installation and remove it properly before installing this version.  If this is simply an older or damaged installation proceed...

So I don't know exactly what the problem is with the mouse and resizing.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

Pat

[menotu]

Which version of Virtualbox are you running Pat? Is it version 4.1.2 installed using getvirtualbox ?

In the VM that you are having problems with is this a newly created one or are you using the "old" successful one?

If it's the "old" one, how did you set it up - did you import the appliance or just use the VDI (Hard disk) ?

[MtnMan]

Hi menotu

Which version of Virtualbox are you running Pat? Is it version 4.1.2 installed using getvirtualbox ?

Yes.

In the VM that you are having problems with is this a newly created one or are you using the "old" successful one?

Newly created using the same CD ISO as used for the host install.  After installation performed updates and restart.

If it's the "old" one, how did you set it up - did you import the appliance or just use the VDI (Hard disk) ?

Don't know about import/export - there is a Gnome 3 VDI on my Machine partition that seems to run ok.

[rick0612]

Pat,

I just installed PCLOS 2011 Minime in VB 4.1.2.

When doing the guest additions install using CLI, I told the system to install anyway at the existing additions question. Everything works great.

Hope this helps.

Rick.

[djohnston]

When doing the guest additions install using CLI, I told the system to install anyway at the existing additions question. Everything works great.

+1. You can either load Synaptic, do a search for VirtualBox, and uninstall the guest additions package. Or you can do as rick0612 says. Use the CLI method to install, and after the message, install the new guest additions. Both methods should give you the same result.

[menotu]

When doing the guest additions install using CLI, I told the system to install anyway at the existing additions question. Everything works great.

+1. You can either load Synaptic, do a search for VirtualBox, and uninstall the guest additions package. Or you can do as rick0612 says. Use the CLI method to install, and after the message, install the new guest additions. Both methods should give you the same result.

+1

One way to install from the command line is to su to root, and then make sure you are in the VBOXADDITIONS "CD" and run the command:

sh V*run

Let it do it's thing - reboot and you should be good to go.

Note - in VBox if you use the Devices > Install Guest Additions option you should ( in KDE at least ) be prompted what you want to do - you can choose Dolphin and then use F4 to split the window and open the terminal in the bottom half; if you use this method, su to root and then press F4 twice to bring you back to the CD location..........

[MtnMan]

Thanks for helping out guys.

When doing the guest additions install using CLI, I told the system to install anyway at the existing additions question. Everything works great.

This did work for me.

Note - in VBox if you use the Devices > Install Guest Additions option you should ( in KDE at least ) be prompted what you want to do

I agree menotu it should.  The first thing I tried after reading replies was to "You can either load Synaptic, do a search for VirtualBox, and uninstall the guest additions package" -- there were 2 VB drivers listed and I removed them.  Then with the VBGA.ISO loaded in the virtual CD file I clicked Install Guest Additions option but there was no feedback.  After rebooting and being greeted by a dumb terminal that wouldn't let me startx I re-installed.

[menotu]

Your up and running and that's what counts 

One thing I find useful when using KDE as the host is to simply drag the VM window to the edge of the screen and that makes the guest VM window fill the desktop, (except for the host panel)

This needs KWin active.

[melodie]

Hello,

I'll have to re-read that thread. Since some months when I want to install additions I am told by some window that the versions don't match. I'll be back when trying next.

Regards,
Mélodie

[MtnMan]

Your up and running and that's what counts 

A big plus there

One thing I find useful when using KDE as the host is to simply drag the VM window to the edge of the screen and that makes the guest VM window fill the desktop, (except for the host panel)

This needs KWin active.

Thanks - all tips are welcome to us greenhorns.  I was a little surprised there is not some kind of "Tips and Tricks" stickied in this section.  Now I would have instinctively switched off KWin thinking it would suck up resources - still much to learn.  I saw a post about installing libaio in the host to speed up VMs - have to look for that.

Since some months when I want to install additions I am told by some window that the versions don't match

I don't know of course but I was wondering if the fact that VirtualBox is at version 4.1.2 and the additions at version 4.0.12 wasn't at the root of the problem in the first place.  I never got any window but in retrospect I think maybe I did not wait long enough.  Next time I will try patience.