Setting Up an Arch VirtualBox Guest: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Arch Linux on a virtual machine can be a bit challenging, but with this guide, you'll be able to set up your Arch VirtualBox guest in no time. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of partitioning disks, formatting partitions, and mounting files, as well as verifying internet connectivity.

Once you're in parted (you know it because the prompt changes), take some time to skim through the documents to get an idea of what they're talking about. These sections will point you to two other long documents that don't really tell you what to do, but they'll give you a good understanding of disk partitioning.

The first step is to partition the disks. This involves dividing your virtual hard disk into smaller parts or 'partitions' that can be used for different purposes. Once you've created your partitions, it's time to format them. Formatting a partition makes it ready for use by assigning a file system to it.

After formatting your partitions, you'll need to mount the files on those partitions. Mounting involves linking a directory on the file system to a specific location on your hard disk. This allows you to access the files and data stored on that partition.

Verify That Your VM is Connected to the Internet

Before proceeding with the installation, it's essential to verify that your virtual machine (VM) is connected to the internet. You can do this using the ping command, which sends a request to a server and measures how long it takes for the response to come back.

Boot into BIOS Mode

When installing Arch Linux on a VM, you'll need to boot in BIOS mode. This means that your virtual machine will use the BIOS firmware instead of UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).

Additional Help and Resources

If you're having trouble with any part of the process or if you're just looking for additional help and resources, be sure to check out the Arch Linux Installation guide. This comprehensive guide is detailed and well-written, but it can also be a bit confusing at times.

Installing Arch onto Your Virtual Hard Disk

Once your VM boots successfully into the Arch Live CD image, you're ready to install Arch onto your virtual hard disk. The installation process involves following the on-screen instructions, which will guide you through the partitioning and formatting of your disks.

Setting up an Arch VirtualBox guest requires some technical expertise, but with this step-by-step guide, you should be able to complete the process without too much trouble. Remember to take your time, and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it. Good luck!

Arch virtualbox guest