How To Set Up A Shared Folder In VirtualBox (Windows Vista/7 Host – Windows XP Guest)

When using VirtualBox, the shared folder feature may seem a little complicated to use (opposed to VMWare with its “Drag and Drop” feature with files). Here is a quick guide to sharing files from your Windows Vista/7 system with a Windows XP Guest (feel free to try this with other Windows OS Combos):


1. Create a new folder on your desktop, call it “Shared”

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2. Right Click the Shared Folder option in VirtualBox:

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3. Click the “Add Folder” icon and click “Other..” under Folder Path:

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4. Locate the “Shared” folder you made on your desktop and click OK:

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5. Choose if you want to make it read only or permanent, and click OK and OK. Your shared folder is now set up in VirtualBox:

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6. Now to get Windows XP to recognise the folder. Press the Windows Key + R (or go to Start –> Run) and type “cmd”:

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7. Type the following command:  “net use x: \\vboxsvr\Shared”  and press enter. (Replace X with your own drive letter and Shared with the other folder name if required):

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8. You now have a new drive letter in “My Computer”. You have successfully shared a folder with Windows XP and 7/Vista in VirtualBox!

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