Windows 7 - VirtualBox Shared folder-Win 7 Host & Win XP Guest

Dear All,
I am using Win 7 SP1 (Host OS).
I have installed Oracle VM VirtualBox v4.1.2 where Win XP SP3 is the guest OS.
Please let me know how do i share a folder from my host OS which is visible and accessible from the guest OS (Win XP) in VirtualBox?

In VirtualBox even though I have browsed for a folder (i intend to share) under "Shared folder" option in Settings with Auto-Mount=Yes & Access=Full, the same is not visible when i power-on the guest OS

Please suggest.

Thanks in advance,
Troy.

P.S.>> Sorry if this topic has already been discussed and answered in some other thread.

Here's how I do it on my PC:

1. Open Virtualbox (do not start XP guest)

2. Right-click on your guest OS and select 'settings'

3. Click on 'shared folders'

4. Click on the green folder with the plus sign to the right. This opens the 'add share' window

5. Click on the drop down arrow, select other, then browse to the folder or drive you want to share. Select it and click 'ok'

6. Give the folder a name if you want, or leave the default

7. If you want the drive to auto mount each time you start your host, check 'auto mount'. I normally check this box and leave the 'read only' box unchecked

8. Click on 'ok' to save your share

If you selected it to auto mount you new share should show up in windows explorer on the xp guest.

@ACR731>> thanks for the detailed step-by-step guide..followed exactly what you said..still no luck..cannot see the shared folder in windows explorer under XP guest.

you can try to run this command inside the vm

net use Z: \\vboxsvr\your-share-name

e.g., net use Z: \\vboxsvr\c_drive

Hmmmmm, that works for me every time.

Do you have the 'guest additions' installed? Don't know if it will work, but install it and then try to make the share again in settings. It could make a difference.

I searched and found "VirtualBox_OSE_GuestAdditions-signed-3.2.12-0". Installed it successfully but still the problem persists
Is it the one or there is some other version for VirtualBox 4.1.2? If yes, plz provide me the download link.
Kindly note that my responses might get delayed as I shall be traveling tomorrow.

This isn't anything you have to download. After launching your guest OS, click on 'devices' on the top menu bar. Click on 'Install Guest Additions...' at the bottom of the devices list.

As I said, I am not sure if this will help resolve your issue. I have had other unrelated issues that were resolved by installing the guest additions; I guess it can't hurt to try for your issue. If it doesn't work I would suggest you go to the Virtualbox forums and see if you can get some help there.... virtualbox.org • Index page.

Good luck.

@ACR731>> sorry for my late response. well..i switched to Vmware and everything is working fine now..i can share folders and easily access them..my problem solved..nevertheless thanks a lot for your support

I get an error as below, when I try to connect to a share created 'cdrive' for my host Win XP C drive. Guest OS is Win 2008 R2.

C:\net use x: \\vboxsvr\cdrive
System error 53 has occured.

The network path was not found.