Creating VM in virtual box with Ubuntu

[Bearcatrp]

I already have Ubuntu set up as a dual boot with win7 64. Is there a way to install virtual box and create a vm (point it to the installed Ubuntu) so I don't have to reinstall Ubuntu? I currently have Ubuntu on my second hard drive. This will be my 1st time using virtual box. Have used fusion on my prior macs so know a little about vm's. Or better to uninstall and start from scratch? Thanks.

 

[windude99]

I already have Ubuntu set up as a dual boot with win7 64. Is there a way to install virtual box and create a vm (point it to the installed Ubuntu) so I don't have to reinstall Ubuntu? I currently have Ubuntu on my second hard drive. This will be my 1st time using virtual box. Have used fusion on my prior macs so know a little about vm's. Or better to uninstall and start from scratch? Thanks.

Sorry, there is no way to do that. Be sure to back up your data and create a list of programs that you had on Ubuntu so you can get the virtual machine as close to the original Ubuntu as possible.

 

[Trinty]

Hello, Bearcatrp.

You can't find any VirtualBox for Linux based OS.

There is similar program called VMware Player. That is very good free program , for me better than VirtualBox, and you can find it in version for Windows based os and Linux based os.

To download it you need to create account on VMware (That is Free Account) and you can download this software.

VMware Player

I hope that will help you
Trinty.

 

[windude99]

Hello, Bearcatrp.

You can't find any VirtualBox for Linux based OS.

There is similar program called VMware Player. That is very good free program , for me better than VirtualBox, and you can find it in version for Windows based os and Linux based os.

To download it you need to create account on VMware (That is Free Account) and you can download this software.

VMware Player

I hope that will help you
Trinty.

He is talking about running Ubuntu IN Virtualbox and ON Windows 7. Virtualbox runs Ubuntu just fine as I have run Ubuntu in Virtualbox before.

 

[Kari]

Hello, Bearcatrp.

You can't find any VirtualBox for Linux based OS.

You need to be more careful when presenting your thoughts as facts. Of course there is VirtualBox for Linux, as well as for Solaris/Unix and Mac OSX.



https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Kari

 

[pparks1]

Kari,

Thank you, I was thinking WTF is this person talking about.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Thanks for the help. Will give it a shot in a couple days after I remove Ubuntu and fix the MBR. Thanks again.

 

[kado897]

Apparently it is possible. virtualization - Convert my physical Operating System to a VirtualBox Disk - Ask Ubuntu

 

[Kari]

Apparently it is possible. virtualization - Convert my physical Operating System to a VirtualBox Disk - Ask Ubuntu

If I understand OP correctly he wanted to keep his current Ubuntu installation and treat it as a vm, in other words access that installation on its physical location from a virtualization platform. That is, as far as I know, not possible.

Your tip is in my opinion the best he could do, convert existing Ubuntu installation to a vhd.

Kari

 

[kado897]

Yes I see what you mean Kari. At least this way he doesn't have to start from scratch.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Not sure if this would work for me as I understand I make a disk image of Ubuntu and use that. I'm wanting to have the vm on my 2nd hard drive. Since Ubuntu is installed on the entire second drive, the disk image would have to reside on my C drive, or shrink it. Am assuming the vm has to be on a NTSF disk, right? Have read the manual last night to get an idea how to install and set up. Was hoping I could do similar to install boot camp on a Mac with Ubuntu, and point VMware to the partition where Ubuntu is installed and run under fusion.
Looks to be more work than needs to be trying to save current setup so will remove Ubuntu and reinstall.
Does Virtualbox support Ubuntu 12.4? I see reference to 11 and prior in the manual only.

 

[kado897]

Yes it does.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Cool. Thanks for the info. Since I have a Ubuntu 10.4 disk already, was thinking to install this, then upgrade up to 12.4. Or should I download the 12.4 ISO and install?

 

[windude99]

Cool. Thanks for the info. Since I have a Ubuntu 10.4 disk already, was thinking to install this, then upgrade up to 12.4. Or should I download the 12.4 ISO and install?

Download the 12.04 disc and install for optimal results.

 

[kado897]

Download the ISO. I've had mixed results with Ubuntu upgrades.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Downloaded 12.4 and installed after installing virtual box. Followed the tutorial from here. When the tutorial stated to unmount the iOS before restarting, I did and it locked up Ubuntu. Wouldn't allow proper shut down so clicked on X on window to kill it. After restarting it fired up ok. I did notice about 4 prompts from my UAC to allow about 4 files to authorize to download. Wasn't in the tutorial but allowed them.
Some issues came up though. Was streaming movies to my Xbox from the PC while checking out ubuntu. That got nuked. Total reset. And now my apple tv stops streaming about half way through the movie. Either one has never done that before installing virtual box. Any ideas as to why virtual box would interfere or screw up my network? Appreciate your help.