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Hey all,
I'm attempting to run my first install of Arch Linux on VirtualBox (version 7.1.8), and the installation process itself seemed to go well --I followed the Arch Wiki installation guide and went through it manually.
After completing the base install and setting up GRUB (UEFI mode), I rebooted the VM. But, when selecting Arch Linux from the GRUB menu, the system appears to freeze on:
Loading initial ramdisk...
I've let it sit for over 5 minutes, and the cursor doesn't blink or progress beyond that point. It looks straight up frozen.
I'm unsure whether this is an issue with the installation or something VirtualBox related. I'd appreciate any guidance or ideas.
System details:
VirtualBox version: 7.1.8
EFI: Enabled before installation
Memory: 10 GB
CPUs: 4 cores
3D Acceleration: Disabled
Guest Additions: Not installed (From reading the wiki, it seemed like these were optional?)
Desktop environment: Not installed -- just base system + GRUB
Graphics Controller: VMSVGA
Arch ISO: Latest (2025.06.01)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated --thanks!
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Main thing I'd question with the install is whether you loaded the correct kernel modules, and if you have the appropriate kernel header package installed (e.g. linux-headers, linux-zen-headers, ...)
Also, do you have Virtualisation technology enabled in BIOS? (VT-x for intel, and AMD-V for AMD) This is typically off by default on most computers
The most helpful thing to do if the above is fine would probably be upload the virtual machine's logs (or the main log for virtualbox), or potentially the last boot journal/dmesg log.
Last edited by airbus777neo (2025-06-22 15:28:06)
Just a computer fanatic finally beginning to etch out of his shell in experience
"The man who chases two rabbits catches none." — Confucius
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Main thing I'd question with the install is whether you loaded the correct kernel modules, and if you have the appropriate kernel header package installed (e.g. linux-headers, linux-zen-headers, ...)
Also, do you have Virtualisation technology enabled in BIOS? (VT-x for intel, and AMD-V for AMD) This is typically off by default on most computers
The most helpful thing to do if the above is fine would probably be upload the virtual machine's logs (or the main log for virtualbox), or potentially the last boot journal/dmesg log.
Hey, just wanted to follow up and say thanks!
I was to send over a pastebin with the log when I realized I made a very stupid mistake (I left the .ISO mounted in the VM)
Once I removed the ISO from the virtual optical drive and rebooted, everything worked perfectly. No more weird hanging issues.
Really appreciate your answer --sorry for the newbie confusion on my part!
Last edited by badgerphlosion (2025-06-22 23:37:54)
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