Install Virtual Machine Additions unavailable (greyed out)

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ARF - 21 May 2008 22:14 GMT

I am trying to install the Virtual Machine Additions from the action menu in
a virtual machine (windows XP Pro, sp3 in host and VM). The item for doing
so is grey and not available. I have logged on as an administrator and as
"Administrator" (to the virtual machine) to no avail. Anyone have any
suggestions as to how to get this selection available?

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arf

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Jonathan Maltz [MS-MVP] - 22 May 2008 01:02 GMT

Hi,

This sounds like "Windows" was not the selection made when creating the
machine. I'm not sure how to change this after creating the VM (possibly by
editing the configuration file manually), however you can install the
Additions manually by mounting the ISO image located at:

<drive>:\Program Files\Microsoft Virtual PC\Virtual Machine
Additions\VMAdditions.iso

You can mount an image by right-clicking the CD icon in the bottom part of
the running virtual machine

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--Jonathan Maltz [Microsoft MVP - Windows - Virtual Machine]
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>I am trying to install the Virtual Machine Additions from the action menu
>in
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> "Administrator" (to the virtual machine) to no avail. Anyone have any
> suggestions as to how to get this selection available?

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Paul Adare - 22 May 2008 05:45 GMT

> This sounds like "Windows" was not the selection made when creating the
> machine. I'm not sure how to change this after creating the VM (possibly by
> editing the configuration file manually)

Selecting the OS when creating the VM does two things, and two things only;
determines the initial amount of RAM suggested, and determines the initial
amount of disk space suggested. It does not in any way, shape or form
determine whether or not you can install the Additions. If the VM is
running, that option is always available, whether or not the running OS
supports the installation.

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Paul Adare
http://www.identit.ca
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Steve Jain - 22 May 2008 07:16 GMT

>> This sounds like "Windows" was not the selection made when creating the
>> machine. I'm not sure how to change this after creating the VM (possibly by
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>running, that option is always available, whether or not the running OS
>supports the installation.

I believe it does one other thing, with regards to Vista guests. You
must select Vista as the OS during the new pc wizard for the correct
sound card to be configured.

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Cheers,
Steve Jain, Virtual Machine MVP
http://vpc.essjae.com/
I do not work for Microsoft.

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Paul Adare - 22 May 2008 07:28 GMT

> I believe it does one other thing, with regards to Vista guests. You
> must select Vista as the OS during the new pc wizard for the correct
> sound card to be configured.

Hmm, I don't believe that is the case but now you've piqued my curiosity.

:-)

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Paul Adare
http://www.identit.ca
Breakthrough: It finally booted on the first try.

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ARF - 23 May 2008 21:24 GMT

Thanks for the help. Worked like a charm!

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arf

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> > "Administrator" (to the virtual machine) to no avail. Anyone have any
> > suggestions as to how to get this selection available?

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