How to use the command VBoxManage list (with examples)

VBoxManage list is a command in Oracle VM VirtualBox that allows users to obtain specific information about the software and associated services. It provides a way to list various aspects of VirtualBox, such as virtual machines, DHCP servers, extension packs, virtual machine groups, disk settings, host-only network interfaces, running virtual machines, and host system information. This article will illustrate each of these use cases with examples.

Use case 1: List all VirtualBox virtual machines

Code:

VBoxManage list vms

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to get a list of all virtual machines configured on your VirtualBox environment. It can be helpful for managing and organizing your virtual machines.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• vms: The parameter to specify that you want to list virtual machines.

Example output:

"Ubuntu" {e1b6dd59-a2dd-4b9f-96f9-b2c5dc7c30f3}
"Windows 10" {4512a3bd-9be3-4e84-bc52-87554732a23a}

Use case 2: Show DHCP servers available on the host system

Code:

VBoxManage list dhcpservers

Motivation: This use case is beneficial when you need to see the DHCP servers configured in your VirtualBox environment. It allows you to troubleshoot networking issues and manage DHCP settings for your virtual machines.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• dhcpservers: The parameter to specify that you want to list DHCP servers.

Example output:

NetworkName:    HostInterfaceNetworking-VirtualBox Host-Only Ethernet Adapter
IP:             192.168.56.101
NetworkMask:    255.255.255.0
lowerIPAddress: 192.168.56.101
upperIPAddress: 192.168.56.254
Enabled:        Yes

Use case 3: Show Oracle VM VirtualBox extension packs currently installed

Code:

VBoxManage list extpacks

Motivation: This use case is handy when you want to check the installed extension packs in your VirtualBox environment. It helps you validate the available features and functionality.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• extpacks: The parameter to specify that you want to list extension packs.

Example output:

Extension Packs: 1
Pack no. 0:   Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack
Version:      6.1.14
Revision:     140239
Edition:      
Description:  USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Host Controller, Host Webcam, VirtualBox RDP, PXE ROM, Disk Encryption.
VRDE Module:  VBoxVRDP
Usable:       true

Use case 4: Show all virtual machine groups

Code:

VBoxManage list groups

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to view the virtual machine groups created in your VirtualBox environment. It enables you to organize and manage your virtual machines efficiently.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• groups: The parameter to specify that you want to list virtual machine groups.

Example output:

Group: /f2e0e866-4020-47d3-91ab-d4795dab8d1e

Use case 5: Show virtual disk settings currently in use by VirtualBox

Code:

VBoxManage list hdds

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you need to check the virtual disk settings being used by VirtualBox. It allows you to verify disk configurations and identify potential issues.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• hdds: The parameter to specify that you want to list virtual disk settings.

Example output:

UUID: 1b1f6845-1212-4939-b0e1-65a2c5468865
Parent UUID: base
State: created
Type: normal (base)
Location: /path/to/virtual_disk.vdi
Storage format: VDI
Capacity: 10240 MBytes

Use case 6: Show host-only network interfaces available on host system

Code:

VBoxManage list hostonlyifs

Motivation: This use case is beneficial when you want to see the host-only network interfaces configured on your VirtualBox environment. It allows you to manage network connectivity and troubleshoot network-related issues.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• hostonlyifs: The parameter to specify that you want to list host-only network interfaces.

Example output:

Name:        VirtualBox Host-Only Ethernet Adapter
GUID:        78eba2a2-f6a9-4e68-9d59-3cd436ba42fd
DHCP:        Disabled
IPAddress:   192.168.56.1
NetworkMask: 255.255.255.0

Use case 7: Show the list of currently running virtual machines

Code:

VBoxManage list runningvms

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to see the currently running virtual machines in your VirtualBox environment. It helps you monitor the status of your virtual machines and perform management tasks.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• runningvms: The parameter to specify that you want to list running virtual machines.

Example output:

"Ubuntu" {e1b6dd59-a2dd-4b9f-96f9-b2c5dc7c30f3}

Use case 8: Show host system information

Code:

VBoxManage list hostinfo

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to obtain information about the host system running VirtualBox. It provides details about the host’s hardware, software, and capabilities.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: The command-line tool for managing VirtualBox.
• list: The option to retrieve a list of specific items.
• hostinfo: The parameter to specify that you want to list host system information.

Example output:

Host Information:

CPUs: 4
CPU Speed (MHz): 2500
Memory (MB): 8192

Conclusion:

The VBoxManage list command is a versatile tool that allows users to retrieve specific information about the Oracle VM VirtualBox software and associated services. By providing various options and parameters, it enables users to obtain details about virtual machines, DHCP servers, extension packs, virtual machine groups, disk settings, host-only network interfaces, running virtual machines, and host system information. This command is essential for managing and troubleshooting VirtualBox environments efficiently.