how do i give virtualbox access to my usb devices

catkin · 10-13-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baronobeefdip

my usb flash drive isn't, it comes up on the device filter but it isn't selectable, is there a reason why it is doing this and how do i make it work (so i can transfer files from linux to windows in the virtual machine without using the internet)

Probably a permissions issue. Do you have an entry for usb in /etc/fstab? Something like this

Code:

none  /proc/bus/usb  usbfs  devgid=83,devmode=664

Assuming you have a line in fstab similar to the above, check what group the devgid refers to. Using the 83 example above

Code:

grep 83 /etc/group

The user running the VirtualBox VM needs to be a member of that group (or devmode needs to be 666 but that's bad security). If they are not a member of that group then the USB devices in a VM's window will be greyed-out. You can list your groups using the groups command.

pixellany · 10-13-2009, 03:44 AM

I've merged two closely-related threads----since each one wound up on the same question, and both had answers.

In the future, there are at least 2 logical options:
1. Ask the derivative question in the same thread, but do not start a new on with the same question.
2. Start a new thread with the new question

Either way, don't put the same question in 2 different threads.....