How to use the command 'vboxmanage-list' (with examples)
The vboxmanage-list command is a versatile utility provided by Oracle VM VirtualBox, designed to offer comprehensive information about various aspects of VirtualBox software and related services on your system. This command can be used to list virtual machines, view host system details, see available network configurations, and more, making it an essential tool for both casual users and system administrators looking to efficiently manage virtual environments.
Use case 1: List all VirtualBox virtual machines
Code:
VBoxManage list vms
Motivation: Understanding the current state and configuration of your virtual machines is crucial for managing and organizing your virtual environment. This command helps you keep track of all virtual machines, enabling easy monitoring and management.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: This is the main command line interface of VirtualBox, used to control all aspects of the software.list: Indicates that we want to obtain a list of certain VirtualBox components or properties.vms: Specifies that we are interested in listing all the virtual machines available in the VirtualBox environment.
Example Output:
"Ubuntu VM" {50e92ab5-6e6e-425a-bc2a-825a2e1c2623}
"Windows 10" {f47d5f10-7e0d-4f39-a14f-34f74551632a}
"CentOS" {3e90f72d-b1c4-45e4-bf0c-989e4ea42234}
Use case 2: Show DHCP servers available on the host system
Code:
VBoxManage list dhcpservers
Motivation: Listing DHCP servers is essential for understanding the network setups that VirtualBox is managing. This is especially useful for ensuring correct IP configurations and avoiding network conflicts.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: The command line tool for VirtualBox.list: Indicates the command is used to retrieve a list.dhcpservers: Specifies that the command should return details about the DHCP servers set up and managed by VirtualBox on the host system.
Example Output:
NetworkName: HostInterfaceNetworking-vboxnet0
IP: 192.168.56.100
NetworkMask: 255.255.255.0
Enabled: Yes
Use case 3: Show Oracle VM VirtualBox extension packs currently installed
Code:
VBoxManage list extpacks
Motivation: Extension packs are essential for providing additional functionalities such as USB support and remote desktop protocol (RDP). Keeping track of installed extension packs helps in maintaining and upgrading VirtualBox features.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: The command interface for VirtualBox management.list: Used to retrieve information about installed components.extpacks: Stands for extension packs, indicating the command should return a list of these additions.
Example Output:
Extension Packs: 1
Pack no. 0: Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack
Version: 6.1.16
Use case 4: Show all virtual machine groups
Code:
VBoxManage list groups
Motivation: Grouping virtual machines allows easier management, especially for large environments where VMs are organized by functions, departments, or projects. This command provides an overview of these groups.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: The VirtualBox command tool.list: Shows information or components.groups: Fetches a list of all configured virtual machine groups.
Example Output:
/group1
/group2/projectA
/group2/projectB
Use case 5: Show virtual disk settings that are currently in use by VirtualBox
Code:
VBoxManage list hdds
Motivation: Virtual disk images are crucial components of VMs. Knowing their configurations and settings helps in managing storage effectively and troubleshooting disk-related issues.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: Primary command for interacting with VirtualBox.list: Retrieve details or components in list form.hdds: Refers to hard disk drives (virtual disk images).
Example Output:
UUID: 55f5b5dc-4f98-4a9a-8e86-7723812a97cd
Parent UUID: base
Format: VDI
Location: /path/to/disk/ubuntu.vdi
Use case 6: Show host-only network interfaces available on host system
Code:
VBoxManage list hostonlyifs
Motivation: Understanding host-only network interfaces is vital for network configuration, allowing virtual machines to communicate with the host system securely and privately.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: The command-line interface for VirtualBox.list: A command to show available components or settings.hostonlyifs: Specifically lists host-only network interfaces.
Example Output:
Name: vboxnet0
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: Monitoring VM activity helps in resource management, ensuring that only necessary virtual machines are consuming resources. It’s a direct way to check which VMs are operational at any time.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: VirtualBox’s control command.list: Suggests the command will produce a listing.runningvms: Focuses on listing only those virtual machines that are currently active.
Example Output:
"Ubuntu Server" {d810c256-fd5a-4f37-9b45-b8822fd0bc89}
"Test VM" {a7651c2e-e789-431c-af0c-74c6e749b1c4}
Use case 8: Show host system information
Code:
VBoxManage list hostinfo
Motivation: Having detailed information about the host system helps in configuring and allocating resources efficiently across virtual machines, ensuring optimal use of hardware.
Explanation:
VBoxManage: The command interface for VirtualBox operations.list: Retrieves components in list form.hostinfo: Specifically calls for information about the host system.
Example Output:
Host time: 2023-10-01T12:00:00.000000000 UTC
Processor online count: 4
Memory size: 16384 MB
Conclusion:
The vboxmanage-list command is an invaluable asset for managing and gaining insights into your VirtualBox environment. By harnessing the examples provided, users can efficiently manage virtual machines, understand their network configurations, track extensions, and stay informed about host and guest system resources. Whether for daily usage or managing a large set of virtual environments, vboxmanage-list provides the information necessary to ensure smoothly running VirtualBox operations.
