How to fix the VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error in VirtualBox

Last update: 31/03/2025
Author Isaac
  • The VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error occurs when VirtualBox cannot find a required file.
  • It may be due to a change in the disk path, corrupt files or incorrect permissions.
  • Solutions include checking the disk path, restoring files, or reinstalling VirtualBox.
  • Examining the VirtualBox logs can help identify the exact cause of the problem.

virtualbox error

If you have ever encountered the error VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND In VirtualBox, you know how frustrating it can be. Suddenly, you try to start your virtual machine and are met with a message indicating that an essential file is missing. Fortunately, this problem has a solution, and here we explain how to identify and resolve it.

This error usually occurs when VirtualBox cannot find a file needed to run the virtual machine. It may be due to the virtual disk file (VDI, VMDK, etc.), of the configuration file of the VM or of a Problem installing VirtualBoxLet's analyze the possible causes and how to fix each one.

Causes of the VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error in VirtualBox

error

Before applying any solution, it's essential to understand why this error is appearing. The most common causes include:

  • Missing VM configuration fileVirtualBox requires a .vbox file to manage the virtual machine. If this file has been deleted or moved, the VM will not be able to start.
  • Incorrect virtual disk path: If the virtual disk file (.vdi or .vmdk) has changed location or has been deleted, VirtualBox will not be able to access it.
  • Change the virtual machine directory: Moving virtual machine files manually without updating VirtualBox internal logs can result in this error.
  • Corrupt files: A system crash or unexpected VirtualBox shutdown may damage some essential files.
  • Permissions issues: If you don't have sufficient permissions to access the VM files on your operating system, VirtualBox may crash.
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Solutions for the VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error

Now that we know the possible causes, let's see how to solve it.

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1. Verify and restore the configuration file

The first step is to check if the .vbox file of the virtual machine is in its corresponding folder. To do this:

  • Open the File Browser and go to the folder where you save your Virtual machines.
  • Look for the file with the .vbox extension.
  • If it's missing, try restoring it from a backup or recreating the virtual machine with the same parameters.

If you need more information on how to install and use VirtualBox, you can check this updated guide.

2. Check the virtual disk path

If the problem is that the virtual disk has moved, you need to update its path in VirtualBox:

  • Open VirtualBox and select the affected virtual machine.
  • Click on “Settings” and go to the “Storage” section.
  • Check the path of the .vdi or .vmdk file and make sure it points to the correct location.
  • If the path is incorrect, remove the reference and add it again. virtual disk from its new location.
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3. Restore lost files or recreate the virtual machine

If you can't find some essential files, you can try to recover them with data recovery tools or, in the worst case, recreate the virtual machine from scratch and reconfigure the parameters.

4. Check access permissions

In some cases, VirtualBox cannot access VM files due to permission restrictions. To resolve this issue:

  • make sure you have Administrator privileges in the system.
  • En Windows, right-click on the virtual machine folder, select “Properties” > “Security” and grant full control permissions to your user.
  • En Linux, use the command chmod 777 on the VM folder to make sure you have access.

It is also advisable to make sure that you are not facing any issues with the kernel driver on your system, for which you can check out this article on the kernel driver error.

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5. Review VirtualBox logs

If none of the above solutions work, you can check out the VirtualBox logs for more details on the issue:

  • Open VirtualBox and go to “File” > “Virtual Media Manager”.
  • Check the logs in the path where you save the virtual machines.
  • Search additional error messages that can help identify the missing file.
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6. Reinstall VirtualBox

If after all this you are still having problems, it is possible that VirtualBox has corrupt files. In order to solve it:

  • Make one Backup of your virtual machines.
  • Uninstall VirtualBox completely from your system.
  • Download the last version from the official website and install it again.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the error VERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND in VirtualBox and run your virtual machines again without problems. If the error persists, review the logs and consider checking the status of your HDD in search of damaged sectors.

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