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Instructions for installing operating systems inside a VirtualBox virtual machine sometimes advise that the user ensures that the "Live CD/DVD" checkbox is checked. Other instructions don't mention this checkbox at all.

What is the purpose of this checkbox? Does its setting have any functional difference in the operation of a VirtualBox VM?

I am able to boot and install live CDs/DVDs regardless of this checkbox's setting, so I'm confused about why it's even there. I could not find a clear reference to this setting in the VirtualBox User Manual either (did I miss it?), leaving me further perplexed.

Here is a screenshot of the specific item I'm referencing:

enter image description here

M12
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2 Answers2

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Normally, when you eject a CD from the guest OS (e.g. right-click -> eject in File Explorer), it also removes the ISO from the drive (in VM settings page) and it becomes an empty CD drive.

With the "Live CD/DVD" box checked, the ISO is not removed when you eject the disk using the guest OS file explorer and it remains attached to the drive. So for example, if you were to eject the CD before rebooting, you'd still reboot to the Live CD. (without this option, it'd boot to an empty CD drive)

Mizstik
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    Thanks for the explanation. Do you have a case figure where this is actually useful? Besides a recalcitrant OS that keeps belching out its install CD, I'm not sure! – Holy Aug 11 '19 at 17:45
  • It's obviously meant for Live CDs as a primary use case, which is why the option is called that instead of something more descriptive like "persistent CD image". It's probably not very useful outside of that. – Mizstik Aug 12 '19 at 18:40
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At first I was also unable to find an answer, but the mouseover (in my version) tells me:

Live CD/DVD

When checked, the virtual disk will not be removed when the guest system ejects it.

Community
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Tony Mach
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  • What version are you referring to? Also, what does that actually, functionally, mean? Does this mean if the box isn't checked then ejecting the CD removes the *virtual machine*? This has never been the default behavior as far as I can tell. – M12 Jan 22 '18 at 16:08