How to get linux virtual machines working in Windows 7

[pod]

I was having some problems getting linux virtual machines to run in Windows 7 virtual pc, here's some tips to get up and running.

 

Add i8042.noloop and vga=791 on your grub's kernel line to deal with mouse and video problems. The vga=791 overcomes virtual pc's 16-bit depth limitation.

 

I still can't get the linux vm to release the mouse, try some of windows existing keyboard shortcuts and see if they will do it. Ctrl+Esc worked on Ubuntu and Ctrl+Alt+Left Arrow worked on CentOS. Not ideal, but it works.

 

Cheers,

 

Chris

[computer_expert]

to be honest, you'd be better off with virtualbox/vmware server instead of virtual pc if you are going to use Linux VMs.

 

however, thanks for the tips

[kmount]

Again not overly directly helpful but I'd agree, I've found VirtualBox a pleasure on both Windows and Linux hosts.

[llawwehttam]

I agree that Virtualbox is great but personally I think it still needs a lot of refining. I prefer VMware.

[kmount]

I agree that Virtualbox is great but personally I think it still needs a lot of refining. I prefer VMware.

 

Refining how?

 

They are very open to contribution of ideas etc.

[llawwehttam]

When you first install virtualbox and install an OS in it I personally would like to see the Os filling the screen in the fullscreen function instead of being a small window in the center of a black screen. I know this is not the case with many OS's but there are the odd few. Also I would like to see a better designed way of mounting cd's /Dvd's into the virtual machine. I would also like to see everything built into one window, possibly with tabs to switch between virtual machines. I think it would make it much cleaner, simpler and more attractive.

 

I've got to admit its already very nice but I will stick to the old motto that nothing is perfect and everything can be improved.

 

Oh and to answer Pod I've had no problems in using the right Ctrl key to release the mouse.

Edited October 30, 2009 by llawwehttam

[kmount]

It can't fill the whole window until the drivers are in place for it and by default I believe it spawns as a small window so it does in fact fill it, not a full screen with small image (unless you maximise the window but I believe vmware does the same).

 

I love the way to mount/unmount isos during use as it is, I find it utterly perfect, what doesn't it do that you'd want?

 

Agreed on your last point though, I think that's a good idea too.

[pod]

Are you talking about virtualbox or virtual pc re mouse release? To respond to previous messages I have used both virtualbox and vmware. I like to install as little software/services as possible, that's why my focus is getting things working in Windows 7.

 

Cheers,

 

Chris

 

Oh and to answer Pod I've had no problems in using the right Ctrl key to release the mouse.

[llawwehttam]

Sorry I was talking about Virtualbox when I mentioned the mouse release.

 

And to answer KMount I would prefer if when you hit the fullscreen function It would fill the screen, drivers or not as It would make things much easier to see during the install process.

 

Also For mounting/unmounting iso's I'd prefer to see that disappear after a successful installation.

Edited October 30, 2009 by llawwehttam

[kmount]

You'd end up with awful stretched images if it was to expand 800x600 to fill a 1920x1080 screen though. I guess I'm not really bothered because I tend to be installing linux / solaris so it's not a big deal for me after the initial installation.

 

How does it know it was successful though? If you take something like debian it will 'eject' the CD at the end of the installation which does indeed unmount the CD (iirc?) so it's not VBox's fault if Windows doesn't do that.

 

Understand and respect your views though.