Virtualbox issues on 16.10 and 17.04
 

What's happening is that I can install either VB 5.0.28 or 5.1.8. However with 5.0.28 it won't configure the kernel modules unless I use kernel 4.6.0 so I have to downgrade from 4.8.0. Then it works fine. However, I'd rather use the newer kernel.

VB 5.1.8 installs and configures the kernel modules (with kernel 4.8.0) however I use 3 monitors, a 1366x768 on my toshiba lappy and 2 acer 1600x900 monitors above and behind. VB insists on sizing all 3 monitors as 1600x900. The only way I can get it to size the laptop monitor correctly is to disconnect the 2 acer monitors.

So any suggestions are much appreciated. TIA

What operating system are you running? You provide version numbers without context, which is not helpful.

Is it possible that your repos do not contain the VB kernel modules for the more advanced kernel? You may be able to compile them from sources, or install a repos that will serve better for this purpose.

Personally, I love to use two monitors, but I would never allow VB to take up more than one. That somewhat cripples me in terms of testing that behavior you describe.

A thought occurs. I take it you're selecting the monitor whose resolution you want from the View menu? You may also see a list next to it allowing you to select from a few resolutions.

Sorry about the version numbers, I thought that would identify the OSs as ubuntu. At the present time all 5 of my OS's are xubuntu. 1 x 14.04.5, 1 x 16.04.1, 2 x 16.10 and 1 x 17.04.

Your suggestion of installing the VB kernel modules I tried in 16.10. That allowed me to install VB 5.1.6, VB-dkms, VB-guest-dkms, VB-guest-source and VB-guest-utils. That resulted in VB now sizing all monitors at 1366x695. That was funky, it couldn't even get me 1366x768. So not what I needed.

Then, I have a clonezilla image of Fedora 24 so I restored that and tried VB in that. Same result.

Then I tried it in xubuntu 14.04, again same result.

Thanks for the help. And sorry it took so long to get back.

I hadn't been aware of that. I had to take the guest out of full screen to get the list of resolutions. That occasionally worked but only for like a second. It would immediately look good then switch back to the wrong size.

Thanks for your help.

[QUOTE=DVOM;5625901]Sorry about the version numbers, I thought that would identify the OSs as ubuntu. At the present time all 5 of my OS's are xubuntu. 1 x 14.04.5, 1 x 16.04.1, 2 x 16.10 and 1 x 17.04. {/quote]
It was not, but you have made it wondefully clear now. Thank you!

I am sorry that did not work. I fear that was my best shot.

Fine thought! You have virtually verified that it is not *untu that is the problem, but rather something between the kernel and the VB modules themselves. I am betting it is some issue with the VB modules, or an interaction between those and your unique hardware.

You are very welcome! I only wish my little help had WORKED! Perhaps someone with a better idea will chime in soon.
There are many smart people here, we can hope.

Good news, VB 5.0.30 handles the newer kernels just fine.