Virtualbox and usb peripherals

[dakkar9999]

I have Virtualbox installed from the Ubuntu repository. As I just found out, I can't access any USB connected devices (printer, scanner...) It seems I can get these USB peripherals to work by using a different Virtualbox repository. Anyway to do this without loosing the OS installation that I have already setup in Virtualbox?

Thanks!

[lechien73]

It's because you're downloading the OSE (Open Source Edition) from the repositories. Do a complete removal of this version, and then download the PUEL edition from:

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads

That should fix your problem. Even a complete removal will retain your virtual operating system settings.

I have more information here:

http://blog.mattrudge.net/2010/03/15/usb-devices-greyed-out-in-virtualbox/

[fallenshadow]

You should have the guest OS installed on a virtual harddrive inside the .virtualbox folder.

In your new virtualbox click on settings and in the hard drive option browse to where your virtual hard drive is.

[dakkar9999]

Is there a repository I should add to get the updates and patch for this new Virtualbox PUEL?

Thanks!

[dakkar9999]

Done! Thanks for the help!

BTW, your blog seems quite interesting, so I subscribed to it!

[dakkar9999]

Ok, small problem. I see the usb device (Pentax DSMobile 600), but it is grayed out. Is it because no driver is installed for it? How do I gain control of it?

[dakkar9999]

Never mind. Found the answer. Needed to add myself to the VBoxusers under System/Administration/Users and Group.

All is working!