[PLUG] Virtual Box does not work...

Derek Loree drl at drloree.com
Sun Dec 16 23:51:47 UTC 2018


On Dec 15, 2018, at 9:24 PM, Dave Lien - W7DAL <W7DAL at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> /If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit! There's no point in being a damn fool about it. W. C. Fields./ I have gone far beyond Fields admonition and the time has come to ask for help.
> 
> I'm trying to install Oracle VB on Linux (Mint) in order to run any version of Windows so I might run Windows software to control external IoT devices under Linux. They are controlled either directly via a Serial Port, or via a USB adapter to Serial. These devices work fine under any version of Windows alone, but I can't make them work from Windows software running in a VB. (I've been fussing with this off and on for months!)
> 
> Have tried a half dozen computers both old and new and they all behave identically. Have installed the same IoT software on all of them directly under Windows and it performs beautifully. Windows and Linux alone work perfectly on those same computers (fresh installs on fresh hard drives.) I'm convinced there is nothing wrong with any of the computers and the mature IoT control software works perfectly without a VB.
> 
> I've installed the latest Oracle VB software plus matching Extensions (direct from the Oracle site) countless times and it behaves the same on all computers using different versions of Windows as GUESTS. Numerous tests were run with VB using both Linux and Windows as HOST with identical negative results.
> 
> (Sorry if this is getting long but I have to take out this frustration on the keyboard...)
> 
> Here is what happens:
> 
> With either base OS installed, and a Windows GUEST installed in a VB, with the GUEST powered OFF:
> 
> At the MACHINE level under SETTINGS and SERIAL PORTS I activate COM 1. And set the USB Port to USB 2. After powering the GUEST ON these SETTINGS are still correct as I set them, *but they are shaded out*!

That is because the VM is running, no hot-plug of those devices.  Did you change the “Port Mode”?  The default is for the port to be disconnected.  This means the device will show up in your VM, but won’t be able to connect to anything.  Try changing the “Port Mode” to “Host Device”. 

> 
> Firing up the IoT software in this VB makes no contact with the IoT by either the SERIAL or USB ports. However Windows Device Manager run at the GUEST says both the SERIAL and USB ports are working properly. But they are not.

For USB devices, you need to tell VBox that the device should be passed through to the guest, this you can do while it is running or you can use the Settings in “Ports” under “USB” where the “USB Device Filters” are located. If your host system can’t see the USB device, your guest won’t be able to see it.  Storage devices need to be unmounted from the host before being passed through to the guest.
 
> 
> For Example: The same IoT device that connects under Windows 10 (with the VB turned off) does not work running Win XP (or any other Windows) as a VB GUEST on that same computer with no other physical or software changes made. That is as simply as I can explain it.
> 
> I keep feeling that I'm just one click away from success but don't know where to click. I give up!
> 
> HAAAAALP! (Sorry I can't attend the Clinic tomorrow...)
> 
> -Dave (Vancouver)
> 
Good luck,

Derek Loree

> 
> 
> 
> 
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