Ubuntu

Virtual Box - installation

Asked by srikumar

I am currently using a Dual Boot system with one Hard Disk divided into two partitions - one with WinXP sp2 and the other with Ub9.10 with the latest upgrades.

I wish to install Virtual Box so that I can easily switch between WinXP and Ub 9.10.

I am thinking of installing Virtual Box through Ub 9.10. Can I thereafter setup Virtual Box to access WinXP or should I wipe out the existing WinXP installation and install it after Virtual Box is installed.

Is it better to wipe out all the existing programs and start with a clean hard disk. This is not much of a problem since all data is backed up onto another physical hard disk. If so are the following steps OK:-
install Ub 9.10 on a clean Hard Disk
install all upgrades through Update Manager
install Virtual Box
set up Virtual Box to run Ub 9.10
install WinXP - I am not quite sure how I am to do this whilst being booted up in Ub 9.10
if not how to install WinXP at this point.
......
set up WinXP to run under VirtualBox
ureka ....... I am thro

I've read thro the available documentation and am not much wiser.
any suggestions ?
thanks
srikumar

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

You cannot access your installed XP using Virtualbox, it doesn't work like that.

VirtualBox accesses its own file which acts as a virtual drive, you can then install the OS to the "drive". VirtualBox is not advised for gaming so if you want to have full 3D acceleration then keep the dual boot, VirtualBox will only give 2D video (so old games like Doom2 and such will run ok but nothing more)

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srikumar (ssrikumar) said : 		#2

I do not use games with 3D acceleration only Solitaire once in a while. So I guess the best bet would be to start with a clean slate.

A fresh install of Ub9.10 using the entire Hard Disk.
Next to upgrade Ub9.10 using Update Manager
Then install VirtualBox thro the Ubuntu Software Centre
Thereafter setup Ub 9.10 to run under VirtualBox

Then install WinXP thro VirtualBox
Thereafter set up WinXP to run under Virtual Box
Then install the other windows software under WinXP

I'll try this out during the next two days and then get back to you.
Thanks
srikumar

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srikumar (ssrikumar) said : 		#3

Virtual Box was successfully installed within Ubuntu.
Then Win XP was installed followed by 2 other Windows programs within Win XP.
It all works well.

thanks
srikumar