The VirtualBox Guest Additions consist of device drivers and system applications that optimize the operating system for better performance and usability. One of the usability features required in this guide is automated logons, which is why you need to install the Guest Additions in the virtual machine. For a Windows 7 desktop template, you also enable Windows media redirection for enhanced playback of multimedia content played in Windows Media Player (including content displayed in Internet Explorer).

In the Window containing the running virtual machine, select Install Guest Additions from the Devices menu, as shown in Figure 6.11.

Figure 6.11. Install Guest Additions Menu

When the AutoPlay window is displayed (prompting you to run the VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe program) as shown in Figure 6.12, close the window without installing the Guest Additions. Closing the window leaves the ISO image used to install the Guest Additions inserted in the virtual CD/DVD drive. You need to install the VirtualBox Guest Additions from the command line to get all the features we need.

Figure 6.12. AutoPlay Window

In the virtual machine, on the Windows Start menu, type run in the search field and press Return. The Run dialog is displayed. Enter D:\VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe /with_autologon /with_vboxmmr in the Open field, as shown in Figure 6.13, and press the Return key. If you are preparing a Windows XP desktop template, you can omit the /with_vboxmmr command line switch.

Figure 6.13. Run Dialog With the Command for Installing the Guest Additions

When you are prompted, click Yes to install the Guest Additions. The VirtualBox Guest Additions Setup wizard is displayed in a new window, as shown in Figure 6.14.

Figure 6.14. VirtualBox Guest Additions Setup Wizard

Click the Next button to move though the various steps of the wizard. Accept all the default settings and then click Install to install the Guest Additions. If a Windows Security dialog is displayed that prompts you to install device software (see Figure 6.15 for an example), click Install.

Figure 6.15. Windows Security Dialog

When the Guest Additions installation is complete, ensure Reboot now is selected (see Figure 6.16) and click Finish.

Figure 6.16. Reboot Step After Installing the Guest Additions

The VirtualBox Guest Additions Setup wizard closes and the virtual machine is rebooted. When the virtual machine reboots, log in.

Next, you need perform some additional configuration in the virtual machine, as described in Section 6.5, “Additional Virtual Machine Preparation”.