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Asked: 2024-09-26T10:44:21+05:30 In:

How can I resolve the issue of my mouse pointer being misaligned when using an Ubuntu Server 16.04.3 LTS virtual machine in VirtualBox?

I’ve been having this really frustrating issue with my Ubuntu Server 16.04.3 LTS virtual machine running in VirtualBox, and I’m hoping to get some insights from those who may have dealt with this before. So, here’s the deal: I’m trying to do some work in the VM, but every time I try to use the mouse inside, the pointer is just completely misaligned. It’s like it has a mind of its own! It doesn’t matter if I try to click on a button or scroll through a menu; nothing seems to register where I actually see it.

Initially, I thought it could just be a glitch or something, but after restarting the VM and even reinstalling the VirtualBox Guest Additions several times, the issue persists. I’ve checked out the display settings in both VirtualBox and the Ubuntu settings, but maybe I’m just missing something? I’ve read about adjusting the screen resolution, but I’m not sure if that’s what’s causing the mouse pointer to be off.

I’ve also come across some discussions regarding input devices, and how the mouse integration setting plays a role. I enabled the mouse integration feature, but it just made things worse. Now I can’t even click properly! Each time I try to click, the pointer goes off by several pixels. It’s beyond annoying, especially when I’m trying to work with text files and configuration settings.

On top of that, I’ve seen some people mention switching to different versions of VirtualBox or using different settings for USB and other inputs, but I’m really hesitant to do that without some solid advice. I’m not super experienced with virtualization, so I could really use some step-by-step help if possible.

If anyone has a solution or can walk me through troubleshooting this misalignment, I’d really appreciate it! I’m just trying to get some work done without going bonkers because of this pesky mouse issue. Thanks in advance for any help or tips you can give!

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    2 Answers



    1. Ubuntu Server Mouse Issue in VirtualBox

      Mouse Pointer Misalignment in Ubuntu Server on VirtualBox

      Sounds super frustrating! But don’t worry, let’s try to tackle this together. Here are some steps you can follow to hopefully fix that annoying mouse pointer issue:

      1. Check Mouse Integration

      Since you enabled mouse integration and it made things worse, try disabling it. Go to the VirtualBox menu, click on Input, and uncheck Mouse Integration.

      2. Update VirtualBox and Extensions

      It’s a good idea to make sure you’re running the latest version of VirtualBox and its Extension Pack. Check the official VirtualBox website for updates.

      3. Reinstall Guest Additions

      If you haven’t already, try reinstalling the VirtualBox Guest Additions. Make sure you do this while the VM is running. You can mount the Guest Additions CD image from the VirtualBox menu, then run the installation script:

          sudo mount /dev/cdrom /media/cdrom
    sudo sh /media/cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
    sudo umount /media/cdrom

      4. Adjust Display Settings

      In your Ubuntu VM, you might want to adjust the resolution to match your host’s display. To do this, go to Settings > Displays and choose a resolution that fits well.

      5. Check Input Settings

      Make sure your VM is set to use the right input settings. In the VM settings, go to System > Motherboard and see if adjusting the pointing device to USB Tablet helps.

      6. Experiment with USB Settings

      Although you’re hesitant, sometimes changing the USB version in the VM settings helps. Try switching between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 in Settings > USB.

      7. Last Resort: Create a New VM

      If everything fails, consider creating a new VM. It might seem like a hassle, but sometimes starting fresh can solve issues like this.

      Give these steps a shot and see if they help line up that pesky pointer. If you’re still stuck, feel free to ask for more help!



    2. The mouse misalignment issue you’re encountering in your Ubuntu Server 16.04.3 LTS virtual machine within VirtualBox can often stem from mismatched settings between your VM’s display configuration and the host system’s resolution. First, try adjusting the screen resolution of the VM to match your host system. This can be done through the Ubuntu Settings under “Displays.” Additionally, ensure that you have the correct version of VirtualBox Guest Additions installed that corresponds to your version of VirtualBox. Sometimes, reinstalling Guest Additions without first removing the previous installation can lead to issues. Also, check if you are running the latest version of VirtualBox, as updates often contain bug fixes and improvements for ergonomics and usability.

      If mouse integration is still causing problems, consider disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the misalignment issue. You can disable mouse integration by going to the “Machine” menu in VirtualBox while the VM is running and unchecking “Mouse Integration.” After that, use the host key (right Ctrl by default) to release the mouse cursor from the VM. If this resolves the clicks but hampers your workflow, you could further experiment with different types of pointing devices in the VM settings, like switching between PS/2 and USB. Lastly, many users have found that changing the VM’s graphics controller to VMSVGA or changing acceleration settings from 2D to 3D can also help with graphical issues. This may require a restart of the VM for settings to take effect. Always remember to back up your work frequently when making these types of adjustments.


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