setting permissions for directories.

[Kopkins]

Hello,
I use virtualbox to run ubuntu, and like to have access to my files from the host computer on the virtual computer. So I have a few different folders mounted so I can do so. All of them work except one. I can use all of them but the mounted documents directory. Whenever I try to access it, it tells me I do not have sufficient permissions. so I chmod the dir, but there is no note able change in what I can do with the folder. I've tried everything I can think of. Please let me know any possible solutions to this problem.

Thanks,
Kopkins

[Rubberman]

This is a user/group id problem. If you are using NFS/Samba to access the remote files (host from VM, or vice-versa as in your case), you need to make sure your userid and groupid values are equivalent. Myself, I use VirtualBox with Guest Additions and a shared folder so that the VM has access to the appropriate directories on the host (sometimes, for personal systems it will be the root directory). Then, I can write stuff from the host anywhere, and it will be accessible to the VM, and vice-versa. Just remember the KISS principal! On my workstation, I run Windows 7 w/ VirtualBox where I run an RHEL 6.1 virtual server. I use directories on my Win7 drives for Linux development builds, and point my Linux builds there, since the Win7 root drive(s) are auto-mounted on my VM.

[Kopkins]

I'm not sure what NFS/Samba is, and I'm not sure how to check the gid and uid's.

Do I have to change the permissions on the host computer? When I change the permissions in the VM it works until I the filesystem gets mounted. Once it gets mounted, rwx------, then I can't change the permissions at all. If I chmod, there is no change.

What I am getting from this, as my understanding, is that the host computer has to see the VM as a user with permissions, or in a group with the right permissions. Is this correct?