How to set up network on VirtualBox for Android 2.3

Question

I'm trying to install a VirtualBox virtual machine for developing on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but I cannot properly configure the internet connection.

I followed many tutorials on the web and tried to apply some workaround suggested here on StackOverflow (for example Android x86 porting, unable to make it work ), but I still can't connect from my Android machine.

Some details:

• When I execute netcfg on android console it returns only the lo interface (127.0.0.1).
• The iso image I'm using is "android-x86-2.3-RC1-asus_laptop.iso" downloaded from http://www.android-x86.org/download. I use it on a Lenovo notebook with Windows 7 (but I've tried also on Ubuntu 11.04 Natty).
• I've tried to setup both host-only and bridged interface on my virtual machine, but they don't seem to work.

Answer 1

If you are going to be using VirtualBox, you need to use the eeepc.iso image not the asus-laptop.iso image.

Also, you will want to double check a few settings on your VM to make sure they are configured correctly:

• OS Type: Linux 2.6
• Memory: 256MB or more
• Sound: Sound Blaster 16
• Network: NAT or Bridged, the adapter must be PC-net-FAST III

From http://www.android-x86.org/documents/virtualboxhowto

I also found the following two things to be very helpful:

• Disable Mouse Integration (under the Machine Menu)
• Once the VM has started, open the app drawer and launch Settings. Find the ethernet section and enable it. You should see an eth0 device you can configure.