USB in VirtualBox

[sapphirelinux]

How should I enable USB device in VirtualBox?
I tried to add devices in Setting-->USB of VirtualBox. But still cannot add any yet.
I can see those I added, but grey that I cannot check.

I'm running Windows XP by VirtualBox under Ubuntu 9.10.

[Dapper Dan]

I think there is a way to get USB working with the "free" version which is what is available through the Ubuntu repositories. There should be some guides and "How Tos" on the net however, the "non free" version at the VirtualBox website is already set up and configured to accommodate USB devices.

[sapphirelinux]

definitely i'm using the free version.
i tried the instruction i could find online, but it didn't work on mine. could be something i didn't do correctly.

what i found is add and select the USB devices while plug-in in the setting of virtualbox. then reboot the machine and login virtualbox (which is windows xp to me). it is said by now i could see those usb devices. but i did the same, i still cannot see them able to select in xp.

[Dapper Dan]

I tried many of those instructions under Ubuntu to no avail as well. After fiddling with the free version for several days without success, I finally decided it was worth it to use the non-free version which is monetarily free to download and use as long as you register.

[reed9]

I think with the free version, the best you can do is share your linux drive with Windows and access the USB through that. Assuming all you need is to access it for storage, add/remove files, etc.

How To Share Files In VirtualBox With Vista Guest And Ubuntu Host – Make Tech Easier

[sapphirelinux]

@ Danpper Dan, thanks for your reply.

@ Reed9, i think that's all i want.
i've shared one folder already between linux and windows, so that i could access some files and still use office 2007, which's easier for me to use now.
and is it the same steps as setting up drive? what should i do actually?

[sapphirelinux]

@ Reed9 again,
the reason why i need to access usd in windows is because i would like to use iTunes syncing my iPod and iPhone thru VirutalBox in Linux.
i actually don't like Wine.

[reed9]

I don't use Apple products, so I have no idea how the syncing works. From the little I know, sharing the folder won't do it, though.

[sapphirelinux]

@ reed9, then how to share drive in linux thru virtualbox?
is it the same as sharing folder?

[Rubberman]

I had the same problem and found out the answer. Unfortunately I am at a conference today and won't be able to respond to this until later today with the correct way to deal with it. Basically, it has to do with how the usbfs is mounted on bootup. I went to the VirtualBox forums to get the help I needed - now my Windows VM can access my usb devices, including bluetooth adapter, without any problems.

Until later - I'll post complete instructions then.